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

Virtual Information Session

Curious about Garden School? Join our virtual information sessions to get an inside look at our vibrant community and see what makes Garden School special. These sessions offer a wonderful opportunity to learn more about our programs and values. Ready to take the next step? Click here to schedule a tour with us. We can’t wait to welcome you!

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

This is achieved through multi-sensory experiences and reinforcement of letters and sound, as well as the expression of ideas and feelings through imaginative play, making choices, and group projects. Writing and reading words, sentences, and stories are emphasized with each successive year and regular encounters with literature provide a familiar interactive framework and new vocabulary.

Math-Readiness

Exposure to numbers and counting, sorting, patterns, comparisons, estimation, sequence, and logic is designed to stimulate early analytical thinking. Basic addition and subtraction begin in kindergarten.

Fine-Motor Skills

Manipulatives, coloring, cutting, and tracing as well as basic cooking, assembling of projects, and an emphasis on writing all combine to prepare your child for lower-division learning.

Social Studies

Children continue to discover the world outside of them by learning about maps, holidays, traditions, our shared and different cultures, current events, school and community, neighbors and friends, family, and self—all enriched by singing and movement, cooking, dramatic play, and art projects.

Science

Provides a fun and hands-on introduction to the human body, our senses, plants and animals, seasons and elements, colors, mixtures, temperature, magnets, spectrums, and magnification.

Music

Young learners are introduced to the basic elements of expression, rhythm, form, melody, and timbre; songs that reflect a variety of styles, cultures, and historic periods; performance on classroom instruments; good early vocal habits; and individual, class, and division performances.

Art

Self-expression and fine-motor skills come together through use of color, drawing, painting, and murals. Children are further motivated by learning about famous artists and their styles.

Mandarin

Children learn conversational Mandarin for greeting, counting, and singing songs. They are introduced to Chinese culture and traditions and play games and eat special foods