Top 7 Best Preschools in New York

Choosing the right preschool for your child is a crucial decision, especially in a bustling city like New York. With so many options available, finding the perfect fit can be overwhelming. This guide, “Top 7 Best Preschools in New York,” aims to simplify your search by highlighting the most outstanding options the city has to offer.

When evaluating preschools, consider these essential services and aspects:

Curriculum: Look for programs that balance academic learning with creative play.
Teacher Qualifications: Ensure educators are experienced and trained in early childhood education.
Class Size: Smaller classes often mean more personalized attention for your child.
Facilities: Check for safe, clean, and engaging environments.
Extracurricular Activities: Opportunities for art, music, and physical education can enhance development.
Location: Proximity to home or work can be an important convenience factor.
Cost: Tuition can vary widely, ranging from a few thousand to over $30,000 per year.

This guide will help you navigate these options, ensuring you select a preschool that aligns with your child’s needs and your family’s values.

1. The Learning Experience
2. Sunshine Learning Center of 3rd Ave LLC
3. Manny Cantor Center

4. Our Lady of Lourdes School
5. Sunshine Daycare of East Harlem
6. The Learning Experience
7. The Learning Experience

Number of companies

352

Verified reviews

4,44

Average rating

(212)7971110

1. The Learning Experience

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,8/5

28 Washington St, 10004.0, New York

Day care center
Children's camp
Child care agency
Education center
Learning center
Nursery school
Preschool
Private educational institution
Summer camp
Youth care service

Why we chose them

The Learning Experience – Manhattan is a leading provider of early education and childcare, offering a joyful and engaging environment for children from six weeks to six years old. Since its inception in 2002, the company has been dedicated to positively impacting young minds through innovative programs. Its proprietary curriculum, known as L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program), emphasizes learning through exploration and hands-on activities, fostering intellectual, social, and cognitive development. The curriculum is designed to meet or exceed nationwide standards and includes enrichment programs like music, engineering, and fitness at no additional cost, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience.

As a multifaceted institution, the center provides a variety of services such as daycare, children’s camps, and preschool education, all under the guidance of nurturing teachers. The unique approach incorporates beloved characters that make learning fun and effective, helping children develop essential values and skills. With an emphasis on a safe and inclusive environment, the staff is committed to nurturing children’s growth, making it a trusted choice for parents. The company’s commitment to quality care and education is reflected in the positive stories shared by families, highlighting its role as a second home where children thrive and develop a love for learning.

(646)7573168

2. Sunshine Learning Center of 3rd Ave LLC

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,4/5

2205 3rd Ave, 10035.0, New York

Preschool
Child care agency
Day care center
Learning center

Why we chose them

Sunshine Learning Center of 3rd Ave LLC is renowned for its commitment to fostering a love for learning in a secure and nurturing environment. Located in New York City, this premier learning center offers a range of services including Preschool, Child Care Agency, Day Care Center, and Learning Center. Their mission is to engage children through hands-on activities, promoting cognitive, speech, language, social-emotional, and motor skills development. The center’s open-door policy encourages constant communication between parents and staff, which is crucial for the academic and emotional growth of each child.

The learning center employs the Creative Curriculum, a research-based approach that sets clear goals for child development across various domains. Catering to children from infants to pre-kindergarten, Sunshine provides tailored programs that support each age group’s unique needs. Infants enjoy a nurturing environment, while toddlers engage in exploration and early preschoolers embark on becoming life-long learners. The preschool and pre-kindergarten program lays a solid foundation for future academic success. This dedication to quality education and community involvement makes Sunshine Learning Center a standout choice for parents in New York City.

(646)3954280

3. Manny Cantor Center

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3,4/5

197 E Broadway, 10002.0, New York

Community center
Adult education school
After school program
Art school
Basketball court
Day care center
Gym
Preschool
Senior citizen center

Why we chose them

The Manny Cantor Center, part of the Educational Alliance, is a vibrant community hub located in downtown Manhattan. This multifaceted center serves over 50,000 New Yorkers annually, offering a wide array of services including adult education, after-school programs, art classes, fitness facilities, and much more. As a proud partner of the UJA-Federation of New York and a Points of Light Certified Service Enterprise, the center emphasizes inclusivity and community engagement. The center is particularly renowned for its diverse art school, which offers classes in ceramics, painting, and mixed media, catering to both youth and adults with private and group lessons available.

Additionally, the center prioritizes holistic wellness and community support through its fitness center, preschool, and senior citizen programs. The Weinberg Center for Balanced Living is dedicated to active aging, providing engaging programs and a kosher meal service. The Manny Cantor Center also facilitates mental health and wellness support through the Askwith Kenner Family Resource Center. With a strong focus on family fitness, early childhood education, and volunteer opportunities, the center is committed to fostering a supportive and vibrant community in New York City.

(212)9265820

4. Our Lady of Lourdes School

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,5/5

468 W 143rd St, 10031.0, New York

Preschool
Kindergarten
Elementary school
Private educational institution

Why we chose them

Our Lady of Lourdes School in New York City has been a cornerstone of education in North Manhattan since 1912, offering a comprehensive academic experience for children from PreK-3 through 8th grade. Rooted in Catholic values, the school provides a stimulating and nurturing environment where students receive individualized attention to help them achieve their fullest potential. Emphasizing a diverse and inclusive community, the school embraces students of varied ethnic, linguistic, and religious backgrounds. With a curriculum infused with character-building values, students are prepared for academic excellence and leadership opportunities.

The school prides itself on a wide array of enrichment programs including Alvin Ailey Dance, Italian, and technology, as well as a robust athletic program and after-school activities. Notably, the 2023 graduating class achieved impressive high school placements at prestigious institutions, showcasing the school’s commitment to academic success. Easily accessible by public transportation, the school offers a convenient location for families in the area. By fostering a safe and supportive learning environment, the school continues to inspire the future leaders of our nation.

(212)4441177

5. Sunshine Daycare of East Harlem

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,5/5

1330 5th Ave, 10026.0, New York

Day care center
Child care agency
Preschool

Why we chose them

Sunshine Daycare of East Harlem LLC stands out for its commitment to providing a secure, nurturing, and educationally enriched environment for early childhood development. Offering services as a daycare center, child care agency, and preschool, this establishment emphasizes active engagement through hands-on activities. Utilizing the Creative Curriculum, a research-based approach, the center focuses on cognitive, speech and language, social-emotional, and motor development. The curriculum is tailored for various age groups, from infants as young as six weeks to pre-kindergarten children, ensuring each child builds a strong foundation for their future education.

With a mission to instill a love for learning, the center promotes open communication between parents and faculty through its open-door policy. This collaboration is viewed as essential for the academic and emotional growth of each student. The Sunshine Learning Center is celebrated for its supportive staff and the vibrant learning experiences it offers. Their recent ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Morris Avenue location highlights their expansion and dedication to serving communities across New York City. This focus on community engagement and educational excellence makes the center a noteworthy inclusion in our directory.

(646)5902511

6. The Learning Experience

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,8/5

572 11th Ave, 10036.0, New York

Day care center
Children's camp
Child care agency
Education center
Learning center
Nursery school
Preschool
Private educational institution
Summer camp
Youth care service

Why we chose them

The Learning Experience – Hell’s Kitchen stands out as a premier early education center, offering a wide range of services including daycare, preschool, and children’s camps. With over 40 years of experience, this private educational institution is dedicated to providing a joyful and engaging learning environment for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. Utilizing their unique L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) Curriculum, the center focuses on developing the whole child through fun, hands-on activities that foster intellectual, social, and cognitive growth. Their innovative approach incorporates beloved characters like Bubbles and Friends to make learning exciting and effective, capturing the imagination of young learners.

This vibrant learning center is known for its nurturing and inclusive community, where staff members feel like family and provide personalized care to each child. The dedicated team, led by experienced educators like Maria Matias and Sharlyng Encarnacion, ensures that every child feels happy and secure, enabling them to thrive academically and socially. Enrichment opportunities such as learning Spanish and playing soccer further enhance the children’s daily experiences. The center also engages families through various events, newsletters, and an easy-to-use smartphone app, ensuring a strong connection between home and school, all while promoting a culture where “happy happens here.”

(212)3160890

7. The Learning Experience

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,7/5

816 Amsterdam Ave, 10025.0, New York

Day care center
Children's camp
Child care agency
Education center
Learning center
Nursery school
Preschool
Private educational institution
Summer camp
Youth care service

Why we chose them

The Learning Experience – Upper West Side is a renowned private educational institution offering a comprehensive range of services including day care, children’s camp, child care, and preschool education. Catering to children aged 6 weeks to 6 years, this center is dedicated to creating joyful and engaging learning environments. Their unique L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) Curriculum focuses on developing the whole child through fun, hands-on activities that stimulate intellectual, social, and cognitive growth. The center’s use of beloved characters such as Bubbles and Lionstein® adds an element of fun and creativity, making learning an exciting adventure for young minds.

With over 40 years of experience and 400+ safe and secure centers worldwide, the institution is committed to fostering a nurturing and inclusive educational experience. The center’s team, led by experienced educators, emphasizes strong partnerships with parents and the community to support every child’s development. Families appreciate the immaculate facilities, such as the innovative “inside playground” and “Make Believe Boulevard,” which allow children to explore and learn through imaginative play. The dedication of staff members, like Ms. Elizabeth and Adrielle Turner, ensures a supportive and enriching environment, making it a standout choice for parents seeking quality early childhood education.

FAQs

What should I look for in a preschool curriculum?

Look for a curriculum that balances academic learning with creative play, fostering both cognitive and social development in children.

How important are teacher qualifications in preschools?

Teacher qualifications are crucial. Ensure that educators are experienced and trained in early childhood education to provide a nurturing and effective learning environment.

What is the average class size in New York preschools?

Class sizes can vary, but smaller classes, typically ranging from 10 to 15 children, often provide more personalized attention and support.

What facilities should a good preschool have?

A good preschool should have safe, clean, and engaging environments with areas for both indoor and outdoor activities, ensuring a well-rounded development.

Are extracurricular activities important in preschool?

Yes, extracurricular activities like art, music, and physical education enhance children's development by nurturing creativity and physical well-being.

How much does preschool cost in New York?

Preschool tuition in New York can range from €3,000 to over €28,000 per year, depending on the program and facilities offered.

How do I choose the right preschool for my child?

Consider factors such as curriculum, teacher qualifications, class size, facilities, extracurricular activities, location, and cost to find a preschool that aligns with your child's needs and your family's values.

When should I start looking for a preschool in New York?

It's advisable to start researching and visiting preschools at least a year before you plan to enroll your child, as spots can fill up quickly in popular programs.