Our Story
Our story begins in 1963. The school was founded as an outreach to recently relocated families to NYC. Today, the school is a recognized leader in the early childhood education community. We continue to welcome families from all around the world.
Our Philosophy
We believe in creating a warm, nurturing environment where children feel secure and can gain confidence in their own abilities. We believe that by sharing aspects of their native culture through music, dance, food, language and dress, children expand their knowledge and understanding of the world. We welcome children who speak little or no English at home and believe that English speaking children benefit as they observe and help their peers learn English.
We believe in learning through play. Play is the central activity in the life of a child, and through our structured, teacher led play-based activities, children learn naturally how to think, how to solve problems, and how to achieve goals. How to express their ideas and their emotions, how to cooperate, collaborate and respect each other, how to be a friend.
While having fun they are developing the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive foundations they need to succeed — not just in their next school, but throughout their lives.
Our Community
There’s a reason our students love coming to school: they feel part of a lively, diverse and supportive community. A community not only made up of their fellow students and our dedicated staff, but that reaches beyond school walls to include their own families and neighborhoods.
Parents are a vital part of our community, and are encouraged to share their family’s traditions and customs, participate in social events and fundraising activities, and become involved in parent education programs.
Teaching children that they belong to a global community is one of the joys of what we do. Providing opportunities for American and international families to come together and form lasting friendships is another.
Our Legacy
Global cultural experiences. It’s unique that gives children opportunities they can’t get anywhere else. Opportunities to embrace diversity, to learn mutual respect and understanding. Opportunities that will prepare them to become outstanding citizens in a diverse and changing world.
Highly trained, diverse, tenured teaching staff. A proven, developmentally based curriculum. That’s a dynamic combination that guarantees our students possess a solid foundation, and the skills they need, to excel in their ongoing academic life.
We are members of ISAAGNY and the New York Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS). We’re proud that our students regularly score in the highest percentiles in academic testing. Our Director and on-going schools advisor work extensively with families to assure student placement at top public and private schools.
For over 50 years we’ve been helping the children of generations of American and international families in New York City build the confidence, self-esteem, and strong academic foundation that will sustain them for a lifetime as citizens of the world.
