Located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Montclare Children’s School is a preschool for children ages 2 to 5. Our school is an enriched, teacher-directed program, and provides children with ample opportunities to engage in a variety of activities, including music, art, library, technology and gymnastics. Our school also provides a warm and rich setting for exploration, socialization and free play.

Each of the ten classrooms has access to a kid-sized bathroom. In addition to the classrooms, the school has a computer lab (with twelve stations for students and a main station for the teacher), school library, art classroom, woodshop, 2800 square-foot gym, and a rooftop garden.

The preschool focus is on teacher-directed activities in a comfortable setting with an enriched curriculum. The core of the curriculum is developmentally appropriate play with a rich assortment of materials and plenty of opportunity for interacting with peers. Call the morning of the day after Labor Day of the year preceding the year you would like your child to start preschool.

Language Arts Curriculum:
Builds and strengthens word knowledge, language development, verbal expression and reasoning, as well as social interaction and awareness.

Preschool Math Curriculum:
Exposes children to counting, numerical recognition and reasoning, whole-part relationships, spatial relationships, as well as identifying and creating patterns.

Social Studies Curriculum:
Focuses on communities such as family, neighborhood, the earth, and the solar system.

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2. Twin Parks Montessori Schools

Courses / Programs

Twin Parks Montessori (Central Park Montessori, Park West Montessori and Riverside Montessori), located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York City, are accredited Montessori Schools offering programs for children ages 3-12 months, 12-18 months, and 24-32 months. All of our lead teachers are Montessori certified and have training in early childhood education.

Twin Parks Montessori has approximately 450 students and is accredited by both the American Montessori Society (AMS) and the Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools (MSCES). We are also members of the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS), and the Parents League, as well as affiliated schools of Columbia University.

Montessori School Programs for Kids Ages 3-32 Months:

- Infant Class (3 to12 months)
- Toddler Class (12 to 18 months)
- Early Childhood Class (24 to 32 months)

School features:
- 450 Students
- AMS accredited
- Limited places available

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3. Pono Learning, Manhattan

Courses / Programs

Conveniently located in Manhattan, NYC, Pono Learning is an alternative, independent, education center for kids ages 2.5-5. It is an outdoors learning center set up with the purpose of immersing children in rich, stimulating learning environments and harmonious learning communities where each child's interests and natural innate desire to learn are cherished, nurtured, and guided to flourish into becoming life-long learners, critical thinkers, and balanced human beings.

Pono, a traditional Hawaiian concept denoting perfect harmony and equilibrium, inspires everything we do. We strive to create a learning environment of perfect harmony with our children, families, teachers, and other members of the Pono community. We make every effort so that our lessons, meals, programs and projects achieve a state of Pono among our community, bigger society, and nature.

Early Childhood Learning for Kids Ages 2.5 - 5:

Features include:
- Exploration Field Trips
- Nature Hikes in NYC Parks
- Pono-STREB Workshops
- In the Open Studio
- Pono About Town
- Pono in SLAM
- Inside and Outside: Nature, Art, and our Thoughts
- Winter Wonders...

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4. British International School of New York

Courses / Programs

The British International School of New York (BIS-NY), located in stunning waterfront facilities on Waterside Plaza, Manhattan, New York, is a British (UK), independent, co-ed, school offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years teaching methodology to students aged 3 -14 years. Children can join BIS-NY at three years old (Nursery) and stay until they have completed our Year 9 (Eighth grade).

Since its foundation in 2006, The British International School of New York has grown to take its place amongst the leading international schools in NYC with year on year growth and a strong placement record for students transitioning on to middle school in New York, or returning to the United Kingdom, or a new International School.

At The British International School of New York we offer all our students the best start in their education by providing a caring and inspiring academic atmosphere. In a safe and nurturing environment, students develop a genuine love for learning, quality and academic success.

Primary Years Programme (Nursery to Year 6 / 5th grade)

- The school’s distinctive curriculum combines the best of British education with the teaching methodology of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IBPYP).

Key Stage 3: Year 7 - 9 (6th - 8th grade):

- The Key Stage 3 (KS3) programme is taught from the National Curriculum of England and Wales.

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5. Caedmon

Courses / Programs

Caedmon is a PreK-5 Modified Montessori school located on a quiet, residential street on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York. We are a school with a large international population. 25% of our enrollment comes to us from as many as 25 different countries. Caedmon maintains a class structure that allows the instruction to be more individualized. The Caedmon School consists of six levels: Beginners, Early Program, Kindergarten, Lower Level, Middle Level and Upper Level. Each class has two teachers - a head teacher and an associate.

Individual and unique learning styles are an important factor in curriculum design – a wide variety of approaches is used to take such differences into account. The utilization of an inquisitive and experiential approach instills in the children the desire to pursue learning, the ability to acquire knowledge, and the incentive to work hard and to strive for excellence.

Educational Programs for Kids from Age 2 through 5th Grade:

- Beginners Program (2-3 years)
- Early Program (3 - 4 year olds))
- Kindergarten Program (5 year olds)
- Lower Level Program (first and second grades)
- Middle Level Program (third and fourth grades)
- Upper Level Program (fifth grade)

Subjects include:
- Science, Library, Computer, Spanish, Art, Music, Physical Education and Yoga.

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6. Academy of St. Joseph

Courses / Programs

The Academy of St. Joseph is a private, co-ed, humanities-based school located in the heart of Greenwich Village, Manhattan. Featuring small class sizes and a rigorous, dynamic curriculum, we are dedicated to creating a new generation of leaders by fostering character, competence, and compassion in every student.

The Academy, which is under the direction of long-time educator and head of school, Angela Coombs, has limited openings in Pre-K 3, Pre-K 4, Kindergarten, First Grade, Second Grade and Third Grade classes for the 2010-11 school year. Founded in 2007, the school will add additional grades each year up to 8th Grade.

In addition to the core curriculum of math, literacy, science and social studies, the Academy offers religion, a formal art history / art studio program, music, French, Italian, innovative physical education, public speaking and library. Healthy lunches are also included everyday. Learn why families call AOSJ the best-kept secret in Manhattan.

- Pre-Kindergarten Program

- Kindergarten Program

- Elementary School Program: First Grade, Second Grade and Third Grade classes

* Subjects include: Math, literacy, science and social studies

* Additionally: Religion, a formal art history / art studio program, music, French, Italian, innovative physical education, public speaking and library

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7. New Amsterdam School, New York City

Courses / Programs

Image of New Amsterdam School, New York City

The New Amsterdam School offers programs inspired by Waldorf curriculum for children from birth to age seven and beyond in Lower Manhattan, New York City. 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.

The school will open the doors to their grade school in the Fall of 2014! As the school grows the preschool will also expand to welcome more families into the school community.

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. We are easily reached by the F, J, M & Z trains as well as a number of city buses.

We are an independent, nonsectarian school dedicated to educating a diverse community of children and their parents. Our young program is part of the well-established Waldorf movement that today includes over 1000 schools and 1600 early childhood programs in 58 countries. Waldorf education is the fastest-growing independent school movement in the world.

Waldorf-based Education for Children from 0-7 years of age and beyond:

- Grade School Beginning in Fall 2014
- Maxed Age Kindergarten Classes
- 3 & 5-Day Morning Nursery Classes
- 3 7 5-Day Afternoon Nursery Classes
- Bridge classes
- Parent-Child Classes
- Parent-Infant Classes

Waldorf education is the fastest-growing independent school movement in the world.

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8. Gold Material Montessori School - Midtown Manhattan

Courses / Programs

Image of Gold Material Montessori School - Midtown Manhattan

Gold Material Montessori School, conveniently located in Kips Bay in the Eastern part of Midtown Manhattan, is a year-round licensed preschool offering high quality childcare programs for children ages 2 to 6 years, seven days a week from 8:30 am until 9 pm. Our school also provides an overnight stay program for parents with nontraditional working hours.

Our safe and nurturing environment develops each child's unique qualities and potential. Our individualized educational approach prepares children for school and helps them to thrive socially. Our curriculum is engaging and includes variety of stimulating developmental materials that encourages a love for lifelong learning and continuous exploration of the world. Our programs are designed to match parents’ schedules and meet their budgets.

7 Day Montessori Programs for Kids Ages 2-6:

- Year-round program
- Child day care services 8:30am to 9pm
- Half day programs
- Full day programs
- Weekend programs
- Preschool education
- Kindergarten
- Nursery
- Overnight stay program

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9. The School for Strings, New York

Courses / Programs

Image of The School for Strings, New York

Located in Manhattan, New York, The School for Strings has been New York’s premiere Suzuki-based music school since 1970, providing outstanding instrumental instruction in violin, cello, piano and fiddle to thousands of children and teenagers. In agreement with Dr. Shinichi Suzuki’s ideas, the School’s philosophy is that through the study of music, all children can achieve beyond their expectations.

Dr. Suzuki's educational precepts are based on his conviction that every child can be educated and the corollary assumption that every child will be educated. Success is built into his approach, both in the manner of teaching and in the choice of repertoire contained in the volumes of the Suzuki Violin, Cello and Piano Schools.

Children learn the fundamentals of classical music: rhythm, melody, harmony, tempo, dynamics and articulation. By fostering close collaboration between parents, teachers, and students, we aim to build the love of music, self-confidence, discipline and outstanding achievement in every student. In Suzuki study therefore, children learn to play their instrument at first by ear, learning the music they are to play by extensive listening to recordings of each piece.

Suzuki-based instrumental instruction in violin, cello, piano and fiddle for children and teenagers:

* Early Childhood Program for one to four year olds
* Beginner / First Year Program
* Early Level
* Intermediate Level
* Upper Intermediate Level
* Advanced Level
* Individual Lessons
* Group Playing
* Musicianship Class
* Theory Course
* Orchestra Class (string students)
* Chamber Music Class
* Outreach Program
* Fiddle Workshops
* Parent´s Class
* Teacher Training Programs

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10. Town House International School, Manhattan

Courses / Programs

Town House International School (T.H.I.S) is a non-profit, licensed pre-school in the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City. We offer an enriching pre-school program that incorporates language, science, math, play, computers, music-and-movement and arts in a multicultural environment. We have a full pre-school curriculum, both outdoor and indoor play areas, and we visit the park and library. Our schedule options are designed to meet the different needs of different families.

We have qualified and experienced teachers who love their jobs. Our age-appropriate program focuses on the whole child in the areas of cognitive, socio-emotional, physical and intellectual development. Our youngest students are two and our graduates are five. The curriculum in each of our classrooms is age appropriate and incorporates the critical components of child-initiated and teacher-supported activities.

Enriching Preschool Program for Children ages 2-5 years.

Subjects include:
- Language
- Math
- Science
- Circle time
- Art
- Music and movement
- Drama
- Reading
- Computer
- Play time...