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. Smarter Toddler

Courses / Programs

If you are looking for a quality preschool or child care center in Manhattan, Smarter Toddler is perfect for you! With convenient locations on Manhattan's Upper West Side and at Midtown West near Times Square, we aim to provide a loving, home-like atmosphere for infants, toddlers and young kids (ages 3 months - 5 years). Our specially-designed arts-based curriculum is geared toward the growth of the 'whole child'. Music, movement, literacy and visual arts are an active part of every child's day. Full-time and part-time options are available.

Smarter Toddler was founded by parents of gifted young children who wanted a progressive preschool with an advanced arts-based curriculum that their own children could benefit from, hence the name. Developed around the idea that quality childhood care and education should be homelike, everything was carefully designed to make children feel like they are at home, from the vintage toys, low height lounge chairs and tons of original artwork.

Our mission is to continue to create an enhanced, quality early education program that emphasizes the arts, cultural experiences, and the unique individuality of each child. We aim to encourage curiosity, promote kindness and respect, and exercise imagination and creativity.

Parent Testimonial:
"Every morning, my children are so happy to see & hug their teachers, and love visiting their “old” teachers as well. To us, there could be no better sign that they are happy at Smarter Toddler!"
- Patty Goldman

Early Childhood Education Programs:

- Infant Program (3 - 12 months)
- Toddler 1 Program (13 - 20 months)
- Toddler 2 Program (21 months - 2.5 years)
- Young Preschool Program (2.5 - 3.5 years)
- Preschool Program (3.5 - 5 years)
- Arts Program (includes music, visual arts and yoga)

Subjects include: Early reading, Early Math, Early computer - "Tech Tots", Music and Movement, Yoga, Sign Language, Art and Arts appreciation, Early Spanish.

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3. 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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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. 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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6. Wee Care Child Care, Manhattan

Courses / Programs

Conveniently located in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, NYC, Wee Care Child Care provides child care and preschool programs for children ages 6 weeks through 5 years. Enrolling your child in day care or preschool at an early age means that you are preparing them for educational success in elementary school. Early childhood development teaches important elements associated with quality performance in school.

Our teachers work on developing and modifying routines for infants, providing language development for toddlers, and teaching the fundamentals of art, math, and science for preschoolers. We are proud of our creative learning programs which are grounded in teacher-guided activities based on monthly themes, with modifications based on age group.

Our child care center is licensed by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and our staff members are trained in CPR and First Aid.

Full-time Childcare Programs for kids (ages 6 weeks - 5 years)

- Preschool programs

- Special programs include art, dance, field trips, group sports, gymnastics, indoor & outdoor recreation, music & movement, story telling...

Our caregivers seek to establish active communication with parents in order to design a program for your child in which he or she can thrive, experience the world, learn, and grow.

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7. 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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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. Building Blocks Playgroup, Manhattan

Courses / Programs

Image of Building Blocks Playgroup, Manhattan

Building Blocks Playgroup, is a NYS Dept Of Health Licensed child care facility, located in Manhattan, New York City. Our school is run by Mandy, an experienced Upper Eastside private school teacher and her staff offering year round, quality. Day care is available in our two beautiful Upper Eastside locations, on East 100th Street and First Avenue and East 95th Street and 3rd Avenue, for children ages 10 months to 2 1/2 years, and preschool children ages 2 1/2 to 4 years.

At Building Blocks Playgroup, we conduct special lessons and projects where the children will learn through several mediums such as cooking classes, science exploration and arts and crafts. Our daily and weekly schedule is typical of a high quality pre-school program with the added advantage of small groups and a low student/teacher ratio. Children are split into age groups for special activities and projects which are adapted to the range of developmental abilities of the children.

Early Childhood Education Programs:
- Infants Program
- Toddler Program
- Preschool Program

At Building Blocks Playgroup, we conduct special lessons and projects where the children will learn through several mediums such as cooking classes, science exploration and arts and crafts.

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10. The Park Preschool, Downtown Manhattan

Courses / Programs

Image of The Park Preschool, Downtown Manhattan

Conveniently located in Greenwich Street in downtown Manhattan NYC, The Park Preschool provides quality preschool and child care programs for children ages 2-5 years old. Licensed and certified by The City of New York Department of Health and Bureau of Day Care, we offer full-day and half-day programs as well as extended day programs.

Established in 1989, our preschool was founded on the belief that children learn through play and we have developed a philosophy and curriculum that nurtures each child’s potential growth and instills in them a desire for discovery and challenge and a love for learning. Our goal is to create an inclusive setting that helps all children become self-confident individuals. Within our supportive environment, your child can acquire a positive self-image, a solid sense of security, and a lifelong enthusiasm for learning.

The teachers at The Park Preschool and The Barclay Street School will foster each child’s independent thinking skills and thus help the children become self-confident as they become sensitive to the world around them.

Preschool Programs for kids Ages 2-5:

- Full-day & half-day programs available
- Extended day program

- Mixed age groups of two through five year olds learn how to care, help, work, play and cooperate with each other.

- We focus on personal development and let each child learn and discover at his or her own pace. Learning becomes a positive experience.