Whether you’re looking for daycare, pre-preschool or a preschool, New York City has a wide range of options. Many independent (private) schools accept children from 2 to 5 years of age and offer half- or full-day sessions.
But getting into a top-of-the-line school can be a challenge, especially when applications are limited and spaces scarce. That’s why Manhattan-based educational consultant Wendy Levey and education expert Tara Chanin compiled this list of the 12 most prestigious preschools in NYC.
Class sizes
The city’s school system has taken a number of steps to reduce class sizes, but it still has a ways to go before it’s at par with the rest of the state. In September, Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill that requires the city to cap kindergarten through 3rd grade classes at 20 students; 4th through 8th grades at 23 and high school classes at 25.
The new law, which must be phased in over five years, will apply to all public schools in the city. And it comes on the heels of a study that found classrooms with smaller classes perform better on standardized tests than those with larger ones.
Smaller class sizes have been linked to higher student test scores, but they can also help teachers provide individualized attention to children and foster more cooperative learning. In some cases, smaller classes may help students who have been struggling in previous grades to catch up.
“Classes with fewer children are much more manageable, and can lead to positive outcomes for kids in terms of social-emotional development,” said Leonie Haimson, executive director of the education advocacy group Class Size Matters.
In one study, the average performance of students in a kindergarten class that was capped at 13 to 17 kids surpassed test scores of similar students in larger classes. And the results were even more pronounced for students who are black or Latino, or receive free or reduced-price lunches.
Educators and parents have long pushed for lower class sizes in the city’s schools. Studies have shown that reducing class size can improve student performance on standardized tests, as well as increase teacher morale and attendance.
The city’s most ambitious program to reduce class size is 3-K for All, which launched in 2017 and provides 5,000 three-year-olds with free, full-day pre-K. It started in Districts 4 (East Harlem), 5 (Harlem), 7 (South Bronx), 16 (Bedford-Stuyvesant), and 27 (Brownsville, East New York, Ocean Hill) and will expand to schools across the city this year.
But a key concern for many members of community education councils that will experience smaller classes is that it will reallocate resources from schools where Foundation Aid is not fully funded. In other words, a school that is required to cut its budget to comply with the legislation will have less money for programs aimed at at-risk students and for staffing those programs.
Schedules
Schedules in nursery school are important for keeping children safe and organized. They also help kids understand how their day is going to work out, which can be helpful for parents and caregivers as well.
A nursery school daily schedule can also help students who are having a hard time transitioning between activities. It can also serve as a visual reminder for teachers to make sure all lessons are covered.
In New York City, all four-year-olds are eligible for free pre-kindergarten, a program that aims to increase access to early learning and provide high-quality care and education. Currently, all public school districts in the city offer this program, as do several private and parochial schools.
The city’s Department of Education has a website that provides information about Pre-K for All, as well as 3-K for All. Both programs offer free, full-day pre-K to all children, regardless of their family income or background.
For 3-K for All, there are currently seven school districts in the city: 4 (East Harlem), 5 (Harlem), 7 (South Bronx), 16 (Bedford-Stuyvesant), 23 (Brownsville, East New York, Ocean Hill), 27 (Broad Channel, Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Rockaways), and 24 (Clarence Square). In addition to a full day of preschool, students in these programs have access to additional activities and services, such as arts and music programs, as well as after-school programs.
While there are a few different types of schedules, they all include the six components discussed above: large-group and small-group activities, outdoor time, transitions, and routines. Some schools use an integrated curriculum, while others opt for a more hands-on approach to education.
One school that focuses on the whole child’s development is Avenues, which offers a Reggio-Emilia and RIE-oriented curriculum. It provides a safe environment for children to learn about math, language, science and literacy concepts while promoting creativity.
In addition to the curriculum, it also emphasizes the importance of relationships and the development of strong self-esteem and self-regulation. In this way, it’s a great fit for families with children who have trouble managing their emotions and social skills.
Teacher-to-student ratios
Whether it’s a public school, private day care, or boarding school, the student-to-teacher ratio is an important metric. It’s a number that determines how many students can be assigned to a single teacher, and it’s a measure of a school’s ability to provide high-quality education.
The average student-teacher ratio is 15.3 students per teacher across K-12 grade levels in the U.S. (National Center for Education Statistics).
In high schools, the average class size is 17.7 students per self-contained classroom and 24.2 students in classes that rotate for departmentalized instructors. The National Center for Education Statistics notes that smaller class sizes offer teachers more bandwidth to give individual attention, and they also help ensure a well-rounded classroom experience.
However, higher student-teacher ratios can create challenges for students who are struggling in their education. They may not get the personalized attention they need, and they might feel less comfortable asking questions or sharing their concerns with a teacher.
For this reason, some parents opt for a child care provider that has a lower student-to-teacher ratio. This can help their children learn faster, and it can also allow them to ask their teachers any questions they may have.
Fortunately, there are several programs in New York City that offer teacher-to-student ratios that are well below the national standard of 15 students per teacher. For example, The Academy for Excellence in Teaching has a student-to-teacher ratio of 9:1 and the New York City Early Learning Department recommends a student-to-teacher ratio of 20:1.
There are also a number of benefits to having a lower student-to-teacher ratio, including a stronger connection between teachers and students. This can help them foster trust and relationships that can last a lifetime.
A lower student-to-teacher ratio also gives teachers more time to check in with their students, assess their progress, and consider the next steps for their education. This can help children reach milestones sooner and become more engaged in their learning.
This can also mean that students who are naturally gifted will have more access to one-on-one tailored attention from their teachers. This can help them take their learning to the next level and set them up for success in their future careers.
Extracurricular activities
Extracurricular activities are a great way to let your child explore their interests outside of school. They can take part in sports, music, art and other activities that allow them to develop their skills and build friendships.
If you want your child to participate in a club, it is important to select one that matches their interests. If they are not passionate about a certain activity, it could have a negative impact on their self-esteem.
The extracurricular activity should be fun, but it should also help your child to grow physically, mentally and emotionally. For example, dance is an excellent option for children, as it can strengthen their physical fitness and mental skills.
Another fun activity is photography, which allows your child to express their feelings through a picture. This will help boost their creativity and cognitive skills.
In the performing arts, drama club can be a great choice for shy kids who have talent for acting and public speaking. It helps to improve their memory and improvisation skills, while also making them more confident and social.
Chess clubs are another excellent choice for your child, as they can learn the game and compete with their peers. It is a wonderful way for them to exercise and build self-esteem, as well as learn more about their heritage.
Painting is an extracurricular activity that will be fun for your child and help them to de-stress. It is a good choice for kids who are artistically inclined and love to create.
Your child should try a variety of hobbies to see which one they enjoy the most. If they like painting, encourage them to join a painting class in school or college or enroll in a professional paint-and-drawing class.
If your child has a passion for soccer, you can find a soccer league in your area. These leagues are often held in the neighborhood and can be a great way for your child to practice their skills, while also making friends and building their confidence.
