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Popular Upper West Side Preschools (and How to Know Which One Is Best for You)
Students at the Montclare Children's School attend classes in a landmarked building and study a child-centered curriculum. Photo courtesy of the school
1/25/22
- By Drew Kristofik
River Park Nursery School
Stephen Wise Free Synagogue Early Childhood Center
ACT at the Cathedral Church of St. John The Divine
The Day School at Christ & Saint Stephen's
Navigating the great preschool hunt at this point in time might seem exceptionally daunting, and in neighborhoods like the family-packed Upper West Side, where preschool spots are in high demand, it can feel as if you're trying to get your toddler into college!
But, fear not: The Upper West Side is home to a lot of great preschools, and your odds of finding a comfortable fit for your family are excellent. We've compiled a helpful list of preschool admissions tips as well as 10 questions to ask during a preschool tour, to set you on a good path.
Below, find Upper West Side preschools, divided by type, to help you start your search, and don't forget our Preschool Directory is an excellent resource to find more programs as well.
A quick overview of some of the preschool categories below:
- A traditional preschool follows the NYC public school calendar and runs from September to June, with a curriculum that reflects the school's unique educational mission.
- A year-round school is similar but is in session over the summer months as well.
- Co-op preschools require parents to commit some of their own time to school administration, management, and/or activities.
- Reggio Emilia and Montessori preschools are both focused on child-directed learning, but you may find you prefer teachers who consider themselves "guides" en route to making the child independent (the Montessori approach), or you may be drawn to Reggio's emphasis on communication and documentation.
- Home-based preschools are run out of a home-like environment, rather than a school, and tend to have small classes and an intimate approach.
- If your family is interested in religious or dual language preschool instruction, we've also listed a selection of those.
- Remember that some schools fit multiple categories (co-op and Reggio, for example, like Family Annex).
OUR LATEST VIDEOS
River School Westside is housed in a bright, cheery space, and offers a play-based curriculum for little learners. Photo courtesy the school.
Year-Round Upper West Side Preschools
Purple Circle students are valued members of the school community and their inquiries contribute to the curriculum. Photo courtesy of the program
Cooperative Preschools on the Upper West Side
La Petite Ecole schools little New Yorkers in the French language and culture. Photo courtesy of the school
Dual-Language Preschools on the UWS
Kids can engage in water play at Stephen Wise's rooftop playground. Photo courtesy of the school.
Upper West Side Religious Preschools
Nature inspires art at Columbus Preschool. Photo courtesy of the school
Montessori and Reggio Emilia Preschools on the UWS
Bank Street School offers a progressive, child-centered approach to education. Photo courtesy of the school.
Traditional Upper West Side Preschools
Places featured in this article:
River Park Nursery School
Stephen Wise Free Synagogue Early Childhood Center
ACT at the Cathedral Church of St. John The Divine
The Day School at Christ & Saint Stephen's
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