Waldorf Kindergarten & Nursery School in NYC

New Amsterdam School, New York City:
The New Amsterdam School offers Grade School, Kindergarten, Morning & Afternoon Nursery, Bridge, Parent-Child & Parent-Infant classes in lower Manhattan, New York City, that are inspired by the Waldorf curriculum. Established in 2006, it began as a grassroots alliance of educators, parents and community leaders determined to bring the benefits of Waldorf education to the Lower Manhattan community in New York City. Previously known as “A Child’s Haven,” we adopted our new name in January 2009 to reflect our setting in Lower Manhattan. We are conveniently located for families from the East Village, Lower East Side, West Village, Soho, Tribeca,Battery Park City, Dumbo and other Brooklyn neighborhoods.

Based on the ideas of the scientist and philosopher Rudolf Steiner, Waldorf education is designed to meet the needs of people as they pass through distinct developmental stages. While most Americans are not familiar with Rudolf Steiner or his work, UNESCO ranks him among the 50 most translated authors in history -- underscoring the tremendous global appeal of his ideas. Steiner viewed each human being as unique, with a body, soul and spirit capable of thinking, feeling, and willing. He believed these capacities are present at birth but require the right environment to mature to their highest potential. Waldorf teachers work to meet the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs of children at each developmental stage, while recognizing children’s individual spirits.

During the first seven years, children learn primarily through imitation. They are immersed in their environment, and through the natural impulse to imitate, they explore the world. Young children need ample space and freedom to move and an opportunity to find balance in the world. This opportunity for exploration and movement is their delight at this young age. Our role is to keep them safe and allow them to take risks; to observe them in order to understand them better; and to be warm comfort for their needs.

5- Parent-Child and Parent-Infant Classes:
Children aged 6 months to over 30 months
Each of the 9-10 week seasonal sessions is an opportunity for parents and their young children to come together once or twice a week and experience our approach to early childhood education.

- Bridge Classes:
Children aged 2½ - 3½ years
New Amsterdam’s Bridge class is designed for the child who is ready for more than a Parent-child class, but needs a longer period of transition to separation from their parents.

- 3 or 5-Day Morning & Afternoon Nursery Programs:
Children aged 2¾ - 4 years

- Mixed Age Kindergarten Program:
Children aged 4½ - 6 years

- Grade School