As we anticipate the arrival of summer, now is the perfect time to consider your child’s early educational journey. Whether you’re a first-time parent or exploring new options, finding the right preschool can feel overwhelming. Identifying programs that prioritize creativity, social interaction, and foundational learning is essential. But is a traditional preschool or a Montessori school—which offers a unique approach that encourages child-led exploration and independence—right for your little one? We’ve explored some local preschools and Montessori schools to give you a head start in securing a spot that aligns with your values and nurtures your child’s interests.
Battery Park Montessori
21 South End Ave., Battery Park City
212-235-2320, admissions@greenivy.com
batteryparkmontessori.com
Battery Park Montessori is New York City’s only trilingual Montessori school, offering immersive Spanish and Mandarin language learning for children from Nursery Ones through Kindergarten. Nestled along the waterfront in Battery Park City, its bright, airy classrooms are filled with natural light, open space, and opportunities to explore. Guided by the Montessori philosophy, the school nurtures independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning—empowering children to think for themselves, follow their interests, and care for their community. Each day, students engage in purposeful, hands-on experiences that build confidence, creativity, and respect for others. Families and educators work in close partnership, creating a warm, supportive environment where every child feels valued and understood. At Battery Park Montessori, learning is joyful, discovery is celebrated, and possibilities are endless.
Columbus Pre-School
606 Columbus Ave.
212-721-0090
julie@columbuspre-school.com
info@columbuspre-school.com
columbuspre-school.com
At Columbus Pre-School, the classrooms, gymnastics studio, and outdoor spaces are filled with laughter, learning, and friendship. Children are valued and respected as the creative, insightful, and curious individuals they are. Teachers act as researchers of their play, carefully listening and observing the children to discover their interests. They then reflect and build thoughtful curricula, exposing their students to a plethora of materials and exciting provocations. Through hands-on, multidisciplinary experiences, Columbus students develop strong cognitive skills and learn how to be kind, collaborative friends, confident problem solvers, and flexible thinkers. Along with strong parental partnerships, Columbus Pre-School students grow into joyful lifelong learners with the tools they need to thrive in all developmental areas.
The École
206 Fifth Ave., Flatiron
646-766-1843, bonjour@theecole.org
theecole.org
Nestled in the heart of Manhattan’s Flatiron District, The École stands out as a nurturing, innovative, and international independent school committed to bilingual and bicultural excellence. Guided by its mission statement—WE CARE—The École blends the best of French and American education to foster intellectual curiosity, emotional intelligence, and global citizenship in students from pre-nursery through 8th grade. The school’s Flatiron campus includes the Maternelle Building at 206 Fifth Avenue for pre-nursery through kindergarten and the elementary and middle school building at 115 East 22nd Street for 1st though 8th grade.At The École, students are more than bilingual—they are bi-literate, culturally agile, and inspired to lead with care and confidence in an ever-changing world.
German International School New York
50 Partridge Road, White Plains
914-948-6513, admissions@gisny.org
gisny.org
As an independent, bilingual pre-K through grade 12 college preparatory school, GISNY provides an exceptional, future-focused education. Rooted in a German-inspired, internationally minded approach, GISNY fosters curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking while building a strong bilingual foundation in German and English. Students are encouraged to experiment, collaborate, and innovate in a supportive, academically rigorous environment. The close-knit GISNY community feels like an extended family, nurturing both mind and heart. White Plains’s beautiful campus offers wide-open green spaces for outdoor learning, play, and exploration. Join them for an open house to learn more about their programs and campus. Experience the warm, nurturing environment of GISNY’s pre-K and kindergarten programs, and explore their bright, spacious classrooms.
The Gillen Brewer School
410 E. 92nd Street
212-831-3667
admissions@gillenbrewer.com
www.gillenbrewer.com
Gillen Brewer’s Preschool program incorporates the most effective methods in special education to support children in developing foundational skills within their language, social/emotional,physical and academic development to set them up for continued growth and success at a crucial time in their development. Designed for children ages 3 to 5, the program uses research-based curricula and features a weekly schedule that includes music, art, and science classes. Students enjoy daily time on our rooftop play space. With a collaborative team of teachers, speech therapists, OTs, and counselors, GBS provides integrated instruction and support in a warm, vibrant setting. Together with families, we help children build confidence, curiosity, and independence—empowering them to take meaningful steps forward.
Kennedy International School
225 East 43rd St., Midtown East
212-681-1877, admissions@kennedyinternational.org
kennedyinternational.org
Kennedy International School, located in Midtown Manhattan near Grand Central Station and the United Nations, fosters a close-knit, diverse international community. They offer two bilingual programs: French-English (Pre-K 3 to 12th grade) and Japanese-English (Pre-K 3 to Kindergarten), providing rigorous, individualized education in a nurturing environment. Small class sizes and dedicated teachers ensure students reach their full potential. Their 50/50 language immersion empowers students to become culturally competent global citizens and lifelong learners. For 11th and 12th graders, the IB Programme offers French and/or English tracks, opening doors to top universities worldwide.
Kidville Upper Westside
205 W. 88th St
212-362-7792
nikki@mykidville.com
kidville.com/westside/
At KVU, children engage in a variety of activities including Art, Science, Music, and Gym. Each week focuses on themes that promote social interaction, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. For many children, this may be their first experience with separation, and KVU’s gentle, gradual separation process helps each child feel safe and supported. A consistent routine and daily structure create a sense of security for both children and their caregivers, allowing them to know what to expect. Through engaging activities and thoughtful transitions, KVU nurtures emotional growth while fostering curiosity and creativity. The environment is designed to encourage exploration, build confidence, and support early learning in a fun and nurturing setting, helping every child thrive.
L’Alliance Preschool
22 East 60th St., Upper East Side
212-355-6100, preschool@lallianceny.org
lallianceny.org/preschool-manhattan
L’Alliance Preschool is a French immersion program for toddlers ages 2.5 to 5, founded in 2012 in Manhattan. It aims to foster a multicultural exploration of curiosity while providing engaging French instruction. The Preschool’s mission is to create a joyful, energetic introduction to school life, incorporating the best French and American teaching methods in a diverse environment. The goal is to help children become independent, inquisitive, and open to new experiences. Through age-appropriate activities and group play, L’Alliance Preschool connects learning with excitement and a sense of community, ensuring that children develop a love for language and exploration as they embark on their educational journey.
Lycée Francais de New York
505 East 75th St., Upper East Side
212-369-1400
Lfny.org/admissions
La joie means joy in French—joy in learning and growing—at one of New York’s most renowned bilingual French schools. In Nursery, children are fully immersed in French, building a firm foundation for learning that sets the Lycée’s program apart—accelerating language acquisition and laying the groundwork for confident bilingualism in the coming years. Pre-K and Kindergarten classes are taught in both French and English by a team of caring, collaborative teachers. A structured, play-based curriculum nurtures early reading, writing, and math skills, along with creativity through art, music, and movement—with plenty of time for play. No prior French is needed to enter Nursery and PreK—just curiosity, creativity, and an open heart. À bientôt!
The Montessori School of New York International
347 East 55th St., Sutton Place
212-223-4630
info@montessorischoolny.com
montessorischoolny.com
At The Montessori School of New York International, children explore academic dimensions at their own pace and interest level. This tailored approach helps them grow in self-esteem and independence, leading them to become well-rounded and confident. Classrooms are equipped with didactic Montessori materials that encourage the absorption of concepts while playing. Music, foreign language, musical theatre, swimming, dance, yoga, science, art, public speaking and chess are also offered as part of the program. This multifaceted program inspires curiosity and instills a lifelong love of learning. Children who attend usually do well academically and are prepared for admission to gifted and competitive programs. A unique summer camp staffed by the school’s year-round teachers allows children from other programs to experience a Montessori summer!
NY Kids Club
Multiple Locations Throughout NYC
nykidsclub.com
At NY Preschool & Kids Club, children develop a lifelong love of learning in a nurturing, engaging environment. Their new, outcomes-driven Tools of the Mind curriculum uses intentional play to strengthen emotional regulation, executive function, and problem-solving skills. Each activity is thoughtfully designed to build emotional, social, and academic readiness while encouraging curiosity and creativity. The program ensures children are well-prepared for kindergarten and helps shape their early identities as confident, joyful learners. Families value the combination of innovative teaching methods and a supportive community that inspires children to thrive. Limited spaces remain for the 2025-26 school year, offering an exceptional opportunity to begin a child’s educational journey. Learn more about enrollment and programs today.
Pine Street School
25 Pine St., Financial District
212-235-2325, admissions@greenivy.com
pinestreetschool.com
At Pine Street School, learning is joyful, personal, and full of possibility. Nestled in the heart of Lower Manhattan, the school welcomes students from Nursery Ones through Grade 8 into a vibrant International Baccalaureate World School community where every child is truly known. Immersive Spanish or Mandarin programs begin in Nursery, with German introduced in Middle School, offering students the gift of multilingual learning. Paired with the IB curriculum, this approach sparks curiosity, inspires creativity, and builds the confidence to take on new challenges. Children are encouraged to ask big questions, explore their passions, and see themselves as capable changemakers. Families and educators partner closely to nurture each child’s unique path, supporting academic growth and social and emotional well-being.
Playgarden Prep
95 Franklin St., Tribeca
212-965-9717, info@playgardennyc.com
playgardennyc.com/tribeca
Playgarden Prep has been Tribeca’s premier Preschool and Early Education Center since 2008, with a mission to inspire each student’s early love of learning. Parents and children ages 12 months to 4 years love Playgarden’s Whole-Child approach, emphasizing STEM, Language, Literacy, and Social-Emotional Development. Through a partnership with Downtown Kids Therapy, Playgarden has an inclusive classroom environment designed to support all kinds of learners. Playgarden’s school programs offer flexible scheduling, with drop-off options as early as 8:00 am and extended day care until 5:30 pm. In addition to their robust curriculum, Playgarden now offers bilingual programming in Spanish and French. Certified teachers will help navigate families through the ex-missions process for a smooth transition into kindergarten.
Playto Tribeca
90 Hudson st.
212-590-2445
Tribeca@playto.com
www.playto.com
Discover Playto in Tribeca, located in the heart of Tribeca, Playto Childcare offers a warm, enriching environment where children grow through play, creativity, and guided learning. Their dedicated staff fosters curiosity and confidence in every child, with flexible care options tailored to modern families. Whether families seek full-time care, backup options, or enrichment programs, Playto is there to support each child’s early journey. Come see why families are choosing Playto—where every child shines.
Pusteblume International Preschool
244 West 14th St.. West Village
212-206-1137, info@pusteblumenyc.org
pusteblumenyc.org
Offering immersive environments in German, Spanish, or a dual weekly immersion model, Pusteblume serves children ages 2 through 5. The curriculum, led by native‑speaking faculty, seamlessly weaves language learning into music, movement, literacy, science, math, and visual arts—all set within a sun‑filled, spacious facility. This total immersion fosters genuine fluency, laying a strong linguistic foundation that benefits academic success and cognitive development. Understanding modern family dynamics, Pusteblume designed a flexible model supporting full-day, morning, or part-time attendance, including extended-care options. Rolling enrollment further accommodates diverse needs, reflecting a deep awareness of today’s working and stay‑at‑home families. Beyond its core preschool program, Pusteblume offers enrichment classes for preschoolers and school-age children open to students from other schools.
Twin Parks Montessori Schools
1 W 91 St. at CPW
202 Riverside Dr. at 89 St.
435 Central Park W at 103 St.
212-595-2000
admissions@twinparks.org
twinparks.org
Twin Parks Montessori Schools enroll preschoolers from 3 months to 6 years old at three Upper West Side campuses for half and full days, 2, 3, and 5 days per week. Enhanced with daily time outdoors, plenty of art and music, and close parent communication, the classic, AMS-accredited, Montessori approach is balanced with skills learned in teacher-directed activities to ensure children are both well-prepared and successful at ongoing independent and public schools. Virtual or in-person admission events are available.
Zeta Charter Schools
Zeta Bronx Tremont Park Lower Elementary School,
1910 Arthur Ave., Bronx
Zeta Bronx Mount Eden Early Childhood School,
1325 Jerome Ave., Bronx
Zeta Inwood Elementary School,
401 West 218th St., Inwood
zetaschools.org
Zeta Charter Schools offers a free, world-class education centered on the whole child. Its play-based pre-K program inspires learning, sparks creativity, and builds social skills, while music, art, yoga, and theater classes nurture children’s passions. With small class sizes led by two dedicated teachers, students benefit from personalized learning that helps them grow. As the largest pre-K provider in NYC, Zeta’s program lays a strong foundation in reading, thinking, and executive functioning through fun and engaging lessons tailored to young learners. Zeta schools grow by one grade each year to eventually serve pre-K through 12th grade. Apply for 2025–26 today at zetaschools.org.
