Early Childhood
This is Where it All Starts
We are an independent Early Childhood Center, and therefore, by design, do not specifically adhere to one set model for early education. Instead, we reflect pieces of a few philosophies in early childhood learning. This means you will see elements and influences of Reggio Emilia, Arts-Integrated, Balanced, and Thematic Learning. All of our teachers are trained formally in early childhood education, but also bring a variety of skills, talents, and specialties to the team. While we reflect multiple philosophies, we are ultimately a small and thoughtful program where we know your child, embed individual interests into classroom activities, and value the uniqueness of everyone. Our team designs programs around students all within the context of understanding what it means to be ready for the next grade, be it PreK, K, or 1st grade. They also do so in conjunction with a broad team of specialists who enhance learning through dynamic programming in Mandarin, Music, the Arts, Physical Education, and more. Learning spaces foster and cultivate expanding student interests. Interactions and engagement with peers while using both teacher-made and commercially produced materials are evident in carefully designed collaborative centers, around tables and chairs, on the carpet, in our gardens, on the playgrounds, and moving throughout the hallways.
Program Features
Nursery, Pre-K, and Kindergarten classrooms are led by experienced head teachers who are knowledgeable in the field of Early Childhood Education. Additional teachers and assistant teachers provide small group and individual instruction.
- Full-day nursery program for 2 and 2 year olds
- Full-day pre-kindergarten for 3 and 4 year olds
- Full-day kindergarten for 5 year olds
- Licensed by NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene-Bureau of Day Care
- Highly enriched after-school program available until 6 PM
- Classes have one core teacher and one assistant teacher
- Phonetic Reading Program with children’s literature integrated throughout the curriculum
- Mathematics manipulatives program and hands-on science activities
- Social studies lessons including map skills and cultural appreciation
- Language Institute – Beginning Mandarin twice per week taught by a native-speaking specialist
- Daily physical education in gymnasium taught by specialized teachers and classroom teacher
- Music and movement classes taught by specialist teacher
- Art activities integrated throughout program
- Socialization activities with classroom centers
- Outdoor play space and organic planting garden
- SmartBoard technology to illustrate lessons
- Weekly chess class taught by a specialist teacher
- Extensive school-wide lending library
- Responsive Classroom Program for Social-Emotional Learning
- Swimming pool available for Kindergarten (weather permitting)
- Neighborhood and local field trips supporting classroom instruction
- Full-time Registered Nurse
- Snacks and hot lunch available
- Garden School buses offering door-to-door transportation
Our teachers are there at every turn, conveying the building blocks of education but also providing encouragement, confidence-building moments, and reading- and math-readiness. Woven in throughout the day are invaluable lessons on sharing, cooperation, friendship, and reflecting on how our own behavior affects those around us.
Early Learning Building Blocks
Reading-Readiness
Math-Readiness
Fine-Motor Skills
Social Studies
Science
Music
Art
