The Best Preschools in the Bronx
Back to school is a busy time, but for parents in the Bronx who also care for very young children, it can be even more hectic when they don’t have preschool to go to. Enrolling young children in preschool is incredibly beneficial for their early social, cognitive, and emotional development in so many ways, but it’s also a plus for busy parents who work or need more time to check off the endless items on their to-do lists. It’s a win-win, especially since it prepares them for “big kid school” when the time comes.
If you’re thinking about enrolling your little one in early educational adventures, consider the following excellent preschool programs in the Bronx.
Sarah Lawrence College’s Early Childhood Center
1 Mead Way, Bronxville
914-395-2353, sarahlawrence.edu/ecc
[email protected]
Sarah Lawrence College’s Early Childhood Center (ECC) is a research-based, play-based laboratory school that has served as a national model for child-centered education for over 50 years. The foundation for lifelong learning is laid during the critical early years of childhood. At the Early Childhood Center, we believe that children are the makers of their own meaning. Modeled after Sarah Lawrence College’s progressive pedagogy, ECC also provides an observational and research environment for Sarah Lawrence students studying child development and education. ECC offers a program for two-and-a-half-parent children, morning classes for 3- and 4-year-olds, and a daytime program for preschoolers ages 5-6. A newly added preschool bridge program is available. Classes are led by master’s-level senior faculty and supported by the college’s undergraduate and graduate students.
Early LIFE – A branch of Lutheran Social Services of Metropolitan New York
Locations in the Bronx, Manhattan and Brooklyn
718-870-1100, early-life.org
The Early LIFE program is committed to building partnerships with families and communities to support the health, education, and well-being of children and families. Early LIFE provides all children ages 2-5 with developmentally and age-appropriate experiences through play-based learning and enrichment. Using a holistic approach to meet the needs of changing times, their programming focuses on school readiness, safety, brain health, family engagement, trauma preparedness, and cultural responsiveness focused on equity and social justice. They are committed to providing superior early education experiences and a high-quality learning environment that empowers each child to become a creative, confident thinker. Early LIFE offers traditional childcare, Early Head Start and Head Start, and Universal pre-K programs.
Montessori School Hudson Country
340 Quaker Ridge Road, New Rochelle
914-636-6202 , hudsoncountry.org
[email protected]
Founded in 1972, Hudson Country Montessori School values the individuality of each child. The school believes that every child deserves a nurturing and supportive education. With a highly trained faculty, HCMS inspires a love of learning, emphasizing human potential and the power of quality education. Children are guided through the Montessori curriculum at their own pace under the supervision of certified professional Montessori teachers. This environment promotes focus, self-reliance, and freedom of movement, allowing for both individual and cooperative work. HCMS fosters compassion, critical thinking, leadership, and respect for others. The private coeducational school caters to toddlers (18 months) through grade 8 and offers flexible scheduling, full and half-day sessions, and extended hours from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Organization of the community of La Peninsula
Main Location: 711 Manida Street
2 additional locations in the Bronx
718-542-1161
Founded in 1964, La Pen grew out of the Hunts Point Coordinating Council to address the educational needs of children in low-income communities through the Head Start program. La Pen serves vulnerable populations such as Hunts Point, Longwood, Mott Haven, and Crotona Park South. It provides high-quality early childhood education to children ages 3-5, with an emphasis on individualized care to meet the needs of the community. Teachers and staff combine the highest standards in childhood education to make a real difference in the lives of young children!
Pelham Montessori School
1415 Pelhamdale Ave, Pelham Manor
914-738-1127
Montessori School of Pelham strives to create a sense of community, collegiality, and a learning environment in which children develop social skills, practical life skills, literacy, mathematics, art, science, music, yoga, and creative thinking. The school follows the principles of Maria Montessori, where children receive personal attention in small classes to develop at their own pace. Developing self-confidence and a love of learning is the hallmark of Montessori education, along with providing a nurturing atmosphere in which children develop independence, self-esteem, and a love of learning. They become competent, confident, content, and at peace with themselves and the world. Registration for 2024-25 (Toddler, ages 2-3; Montessori classes, ages 3-6). Call to schedule a personal tour.
New York Family