Finding the right New York City daycare can feel like navigating a jungle gym – exciting opportunities abound, but the climb to the top requires strategy. With limited spots, competitive admissions, and a dizzying array of choices, NYC parents deserve a clear roadmap.
This guide unveils the secrets to finding the perfect preschool fit for your little learner. We’ll explore the 10 best preschools in NYC, New York in 2024, and equip you with the knowledge to conquer the common hurdles parents face. From navigating the waitlists of New York preschools to understanding their diverse educational philosophies, this guide empowers you to make an informed decision.
The 10 Best Preschools in New York City (NYC), 2024
1. Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons isn’t just another New York daycare, it’s a nurturing environment with a proven curriculum designed by early childhood experts. For over 30 years, they’ve helped working parents like you find peace of mind with age-appropriate programs for infants all the way through kindergarten. Their approach is simple: create a warm, stimulating space that complements your busy life, all while giving your child a strong foundation for future learning. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Location: Centers at 15+ locations in New York. Check the full list here.
Age Range: Infant care, Preschool, kindergarten prep, and Kindergarten.
Educational Approach: Discovery Driven Learning, STEM
Cost: Contact the school for cost
2. Guidepost Montessori
Guidepost Montessori at Columbus Square understands that every child blossoms at their own pace. Their light-filled, welcoming classrooms provide a nurturing environment where independence flourishes. By offering practical life skills like dressing and pouring drinks, Guidepost builds confidence and a sense of accomplishment in young learners. Engaging materials and the freedom to explore ignite a natural love of learning. For parents seeking a bilingual education, Guidepost offers an immersion program in Mandarin or Spanish, gently introducing a second language alongside English.
Location: There are 5 centers in NY (212 Hicks St. Brooklyn, 775-D Columbus Ave, 12 E 79th St New York, 717 Driggs Ave Brooklyn)
Age Range: Nido: 6 weeks to 6 years old
Educational Approach: Montessori
Cost: Contact the school for cost
3. Kidville
Founded by a working mom seeking a better childcare experience, Kidville offers a welcoming community where children can thrive. Their innovative facilities feature music, art, dance studios, a play space, and even a preschool – all conveniently located under one roof. Designed with families in mind, Kidville offers details like stroller-friendly features and programs that grow alongside your child’s development. Whether you’re looking for a nurturing first school experience a fun summer program, or a safe indoor play space, Kidville can become your partner in raising a happy and engaged child.
Location: 205 West 88th Street, New York, NY 10024
Age Range: Nido: Newborns to 6 years old
Educational Approach: Play-based learning
Cost: Contact the school for cost
4. Bright Beginnings Daycare
Bright Beginnings Daycare prioritizes nurturing your child’s natural curiosity through play-based learning. In their stimulating environment, children flourish at their own pace, exploring a creative curriculum that sparks social skills and a love of learning. Bright Beginnings offers an affordable option in downtown Manhattan, with meals and both indoor and outdoor play spaces included – all designed to support your child’s development in a joyful way.
Location: 80 Beekman St. New York, NY 10038Age Range: Nido: Newborns to 6 years old
Educational Approach: Play-based learning with a focus on the five key developmental areas: cognitive, emotional, social, adaptive, and physical
Cost: $1,511 per month to $2,415 per month
5. The Goddard School
Goddard School understands that children learn best by doing. Their experienced teachers use current, academically endorsed methods to create a fun and engaging environment. Goddard’s focus on hands-on learning helps children develop the skills they need to succeed not only in school but also throughout their lives. As a recognized leader in early childhood education with over 600 locations, Goddard offers a proven approach to fostering a love of learning in your child.
Location: Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, North Bellmore, Pittsford, Stony Brook, Wappingers Falls
Age Range: infants to roughly eight years of age
Educational Approach: Play-based learning
Cost: Contact the school for cost
6. LAC Early Childhood Center
LAC Early Childhood Center recognizes the unique needs of every child. Their nurturing environment fosters creative, cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development in all young learners, including those who may require additional support. Like Johnny and Katie, LAC’s success stories showcase their individualized approach’s impact. With warm and friendly staff, LAC offers a well-rounded program including singing, playing, storytime, and crafts. Parents consistently report their children thriving in LAC’s secure and stimulating classrooms. If you’re seeking a daycare that celebrates each child’s individuality, LAC may be the perfect fit for your family
Location: 2 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10011
Age Range: Nursery Program (3 months – 2 years), Preschool Program (2 years – 5 years)
Educational Approach: Play-based learning
Cost: Contact the school for cost
7. Park West Montessori School
Twin Parks Montessori Schools nurture a love of learning in children from 3 months to 6 years old. Their engaging Montessori curriculum fosters independence, creativity, and a sense of self in a caring environment. With multiple campuses conveniently located on the Upper West Side, Twin Parks offers a personalized approach that respects each child’s unique interests and pace of development. Their accredited programs empower children to become confident, curious learners prepared for success in a rapidly changing world.
Location: 435 Central Park West, New York, NY 10025
Age Range: Infants (3-18 months), Toddlers (18-36 months), Early Childhood (3-6 years)
Educational Approach: Montessori
Cost: $19,500 to $45,100 per year
8. Apple Montessori Schools
For over 50 years, Apple Montessori Schools have provided a nurturing environment that empowers children to reach their full potential among the New York preschools. Their modern Montessori curriculum blends traditional methods with state-of-the-art learning tools, focusing on academics, social skills, and emotional development. Apple Montessori offers programs from infancy through elementary school, with after-school activities, summer programs, and outdoor exploration opportunities.
Location: Multiple locations throughout New York
Age Range: Infant (6 weeks) to Elementary School (Grade 6)
Educational Approach: Modern Montessori – Blends core Montessori tenets with contemporary learning
9. Battery Park Montessori
Pine Street School fosters a love of learning through play and exploration in its unique trilingual Montessori program. This immersive program, offered in English, Spanish, and Mandarin, prepares students for collaborative learning by encouraging them to problem-solve, ask questions, and take action. With a focus on social and cognitive development, Pine Street School equips your child with the skills they need to thrive in a global world. After-school care and enrichment classes offer further opportunities for your child to grow.
Location: Financial District, New York City
Age Range: Nursery Ones (12 months) to Junior Kindergarten (4 years old)
Educational Approach: Play-based, inquiry-based, Multilingual Montessori (English, Spanish, Mandarin)
Cost: $44,940 – $49,277 per year
10. Vivvi
Vivvi fosters a love of learning in your child through an inquiry-based curriculum. Their experienced teachers nurture social-emotional development, helping your child build confidence and a strong sense of self within a supportive community. Their focus on age-appropriate milestones ensures your child thrives at every stage, all in a warm and engaging environment. Vivvi can be your partner in giving your child a joyful head start on their educational journey.
Location: Dumbo, Hartsdale, Hudson Yards, Midtown West, Tribeca, Upper East Side, World Trade Center
Age Range: Infants (6 weeks old) to Preschoolers (5 years old)
Educational Approach: Inquiry-based, play-based, with a focus on social-emotional development
Cost: Not listed on the website
Navigating the New York City preschools for busy parents
- Start your search early: First things first, take your time with the last minute like you’re trying to snag the last slice of dollar pizza. Applications for the New York City preschools are more competitive than anywhere else in the world.
- Consider your priorities: Thinking artsy and creative vibes? Super academic? Spill it! You have got to figure out what jives with your family (and your wallet because let’s be real, this city ain’t cheap). Location a must, or are you willing to trek across a borough for the right program?
- Once you got your priorities straight, it’s question time! Ask about everything: what they teach, how many kiddos are in a class (smaller is better, like your apartment!), who the teachers are (experienced rockstars or fresh-out-of-college newbies?), and how they handle meltdowns ( because let’s be honest, they’re going to happen).
- Last but not least, trust your gut! Walk the school, and get a feel for the place. Does it feel warm and fuzzy, or cold and sterile? Can you picture your little one running wild and learning a ton? If the answer’s yes, then bingo! You might have just found your New York daycare.
.svg)
