The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation is an event unto itself. See the larger-than-life balloons come to life the night before the parade. Photo by Anthony Quintano/CC BY 2.0
See the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation with Kids
Bring your skates and you can hit the ice for free at Bryant Park. Photo by Colin Miller
What's Open Thanksgiving Day in NYC: Best Things To Do with Kids
All aboard a festively decorated Polar Express train ride for some holiday magic and memories. Photo by Gwendolyn Tundermann
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near NYC
See the Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC with our insider's guide and tips!
GUIDE
Guide to Thanksgiving in NYC for Kids and Families
The Tianyu Lights Festival transforms the Citi Field parking lot into a magical holiday destination with larger-than-life lanterns and kid-friendly activities. Photo courtesy of the festival
Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New York City for Kids
Many organizations throughout New York City are offering free turkey giveaways, plus full, hot Thanksgiving dinners this season. Photo by John McCarten for the New York City Council
Where To Find Free Turkey in NYC This Thanksgiving
Celebrate Thanksgiving with Leuca. Photo courtesy of the Noho Hospitality Group
26 Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in NYC
Experience the magic of the Tianyu Lights Festival at Citi Field this holiday season. Photo courtesy of the festival
21 Best Things To Do in NYC November 2024 with Kids
Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has become an enchanting holiday tradition for many families. Photo courtesy of the garden
Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC to Book Now!
GUIDE
NYC Fall Day Trips Guide: Orchards, Farms, Festivals, and Kid-Friendly Getaways 2024
Canstruction is free and open to the public at Brookfield Place through Monday, November 11. Photo by Heidi Lee
39 Free and Fun Things To Do in NYC this November with Kids
Join Jack Skellington, Sally, and Zero on a walk of wonders at NYBG's The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail. Photo by Ally Noel
Fall Bucket List for Kids: 35 Top Things To Do in NYC this Fall
Classics, like Tom Turkey, and newbies alike take flight in the 98th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024: Where to Watch, What's New
The 2024-2025 NYC public school calendar is out, and students return to school on Thursday, September 5.
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2024-2025
Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep
Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier
47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love
Hell's Kitchen is a cool coming-of-age piece loosely based on Alicia Keys' life story. Photo by Marc J. Franklin
Best New Broadway Shows This Season Plus Can't-Miss Classics for Families
The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!
Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids
For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More
Twinkle Playspace in Williamsburg offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
21 Top Indoor Play Spaces in New York City
The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH
Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC
Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids
There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
101 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Indoor Playgrounds, Play Spaces, and Fun Zones in NYC
See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
100 Things To Do in NYC With Kids Before They Grow Up
Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier
3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier
Free Museums and Free Museum Days in NYC for Kids
No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
40 Best NYC Attractions to Do with Kids Right Now
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
100 Things To Do in New York State with Kids Before They Grow Up
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Boredom Busters for Kids

Best Preschools on the Upper West Side

Nature inspires art at Columbus Preschool. Photo courtesy of the school
Nature inspires art at Columbus Preschool. Photo courtesy of the school
9/9/24 - By Drew Kristofik

When it comes to finding the best preschool in NYC, the family-packed Upper West Side offers plenty of choices. With preschool spots in high demand, it can feel as if you're trying to get your toddler into college!

Take heart, though, great preschools on the Upper West Side are plentiful, so with a little legwork, you'll find the right fit for your family. We're outlining some top Upper West Side preschools below, and we've divided them by type to help you start your search. Don't forget our Preschool Directory is an excellent resource to find more programs as well.

For more help, we've compiled a helpful list of preschool admissions tips, plus 10 questions to ask during a preschool tour.

A quick overview of some of the preschool categories below:

  • A traditional preschool follows the NYC public school calendar and runs from September to June, with a curriculum that reflects the school's unique educational mission.
  • A year-round school is similar but is in session over the summer months as well.
  • Co-op preschools require parents to commit some time to school administration, management, or activities.
  • Reggio Emilia and Montessori preschools are both focused on child-directed learning, but you may find you prefer teachers who consider themselves "guides" en route to making the child independent (the Montessori approach), or you may be drawn to Reggio's emphasis on communication and documentation.
  • Home-based preschools are run out of a home-like environment, rather than a school, and tend to have small classes and an intimate approach.
  • If your family is interested in religious or dual-language preschool instruction, we've also listed a selection of those.
  • Remember that some schools fit multiple categories (co-op and Reggio, for example, like Family Annex).

Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Traditional Preschools on the Upper West Side

Kidville Upper West Side

Kidville's Upper West Side location offers a gradual separation preschool alternative program and summer camp, plus award-winning classes, an indoor play space, legendary birthday parties, and other signature programs—all under one roof. READ MORE

Montclare Children's School

Nestled in a beautiful landmark building on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, the Montclare Children’s School serves children ages 2-5 and offers a unique balanced curriculum that features both teacher-guided and open-ended learning opportunities. A summer program is also available. READ MORE

ACT Preschool Programs

ACT's full-time preschool program utilizes a play-based curriculum to get kids ready for kindergarten. Games, outdoor play, and access to an indoor playground are all integral to the school day, and the overall focus is on allowing children the opportunity to deepen their natural curiosity, build social maturity, and prepare for the next step in their education. READ MORE

Bank Street School for Children

The Bank Street School for Children is an independent, coeducational school serving children in preschool through eighth grade. The school's innovative, progressive approach places children at the center of their learning to help them grow as critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and creators.  READ MORE

Brownstone School

Brownstone's approach to learning is play-based, but children in all classrooms, ages 2-5, follow a daily schedule. Working independently and in small groups, the children learn through the hands-on exploration of selected materials such as, artistic mediums, blocks, children’s literature, cooking, dramatic play, games, manipulatives, music and movement, and outdoor play. READ MORE

Park Children's Day School

Park Children's Day School is a nonsectarian early childhood school, established in 1963, for children ages 2.1-5 years old. It offers a play-based philosophy and puts an emphasis on enrolling children from diverse racial, economic, and religious backgrounds. READ MORE

Year-Round Upper West Side Preschools

Dwight School

Dwight is an internationally renowned independent school—for students from preschool 2s through grade 12—that personalizes the educational journey for each student based on their interests, talents, and passions. The path starts with Small Wonder Childcare, a full-day year-round program for 6- to 12-month-olds designed to encourage active learning and connection through a consistent classroom routine and nurturing teachers. READ MORE

River School Westside

River School, a Bright Horizons preschool, is a play-based, discovery-driven learning program that offers year-round, full-day enrollment for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and pre-kindergarteners (ages 8 weeks through 6 years), including a summer program. READ MORE

All My Children Daycare & Nursery School

All My Children offers a holistic approach to education inspired by nature. Its eco-friendly early childhood education center is housed in a green building that's awash in abundant daylight. Its curriculum offers plenty of time for creative play with drama, music, movement, and dance. READ MORE

New York Preschool

NY Preschool is an independent school dedicated to educating children ages 18 months to 4 years old. It offers a unique learning environment and innovative curricula for Preschool Prep, 2s, 3s, and 4s. READ MORE

Lightbridge Academy of Midtown Manhattan

At Lightbridge Academy, children ages 6 weeks through pre-K thrive in an environment that encourages a passion for learning, provides nurturing care, and prepares them for academic success. The school supports working parents and busy families, keeping them connected through extended hours, ParentView internet monitoring, and an e-communication app. READ MORE

West Side YMCA Early Childhood Program

Designed to provide a flexible schedule for working parents, the Y's Early Childhood Center is open for full-day care on weekdays and provides a robust curriculum and flexible schedules. The Early Childhood Center offers a comprehensive child care program for children 6 months to 4 years of age. For children ages 1-3, school is offered through a fee-based program. At age 4, school is available through UPK.  READ MORE

Cooperative Preschools on the Upper West Side

Family Annex

The Family Annex is an independent, not-for-profit, and nonsectarian early childhood school with a Reggio Emilia philosophy at its core. It is three blocks away from the Columbia University campus, licensed by the New York City Department of Health and NAEYC accredited. READ MORE

Purple Circle

Purple Circle is an independent Early Childhood Program for children ages 2 years through 6 years. The school was founded in 1972 as a parent-cooperative that values families as integral members of the school community. Families are regularly invited into the classroom and collaboration is integral to the curriculum at Purple Circle.  READ MORE

River Park Nursery School

River Park Nursery School is a cooperative school that accepts children on a first-come, first-served basis for its 3s program (children can enroll starting at 2 years, 7 months), with no formal interview process. It also provides universal pre-K, and all children enrolled in the school get priority seating. READ MORE

Home-Based Upper West Side Preschools

Milestones UWS Preschool

Milestones UWS Preschool is an in-home preschool with a spacious, sunny classroom in close proximity to Riverside Park. With a focus on creating a warm, nurturing, and educational school experience, the curriculum balances free play, guided learning, and group activities for a well-rounded educational experience. READ MORE
La Escuelita schools little New Yorkers in the Spanish language and culture. Photo courtesy of the school
La Escuelita schools little New Yorkers in the Spanish language and culture. Photo courtesy of the school

Dual-Language Preschools on the Upper West Side

La Escuelita

La Escuelita Dual-Language Preschool is a NAEYC-accredited preschool designed to follow children as they truly learn. Teachers engage children in a warm, safe, and beautifully lit environment designed to pique their curiosity and encourage exploration. Children are immersed in Spanish for at least 90 percent of the day. Families of all language backgrounds are welcome. READ MORE

La Petite Ecole NYC

La Petite École New York is a bilingual French/English immersion boutique school. Its Reggio Emilia-inspired pedagogy, combined with its multisensory instructional approach to learning francophone culture, prepares graduates to become successful bilingual and bicultural kindergarten students. Continue the learning during its summer camp program, which includes art-inspired field trips, park time, and more fun.   READ MORE

Upper West Side Religious Preschools

Early Childhood Center at Stephen Wise Free Synagogue

Stephen Wise's programs for children ages 12 months through 5 years provide a nurturing environment infused with Jewish values and rituals. Values of progressive education, creative play-based experiences, and Jewish identity are central to its educational mission.  READ MORE

School of the Blessed Sacrament

The School of the Blessed Sacrament is a Catholic school with an early childhood program serving children in pre-K 3, pre-K 4, and kindergarten classes. Central to the school's mission is a love of self, God, and others. Children are encouraged to collaborate and grow in the faith-filled environment.  READ MORE

Beit Rabban Day School

The Gan at Beit Rabban provides children ages 2 1/2 to 5 years old with a caring, loving, and stimulating experience, including an integrated approach to Hebrew and Judaics. The curriculum tends toward a Reggio Emilia approach, with students encouraged to take risks and make meaningful connections.  READ MORE

Montessori and Reggio Emilia Preschools on the UWS

Columbus Pre-School

Columbus Pre-School is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach to education, where teachers respect each child individually and help them act as the authors of their own learning. Child-centered instruction and holistic approaches are the cornerstones of daily activity. READ MORE

Morningside Montessori School

Morningside is a supportive early childhood learning environment guided by the Montessori method where students develop critical thinking skills, independence, interpersonal communication, and reflection. A close-knit community helps cultivate a lifelong love of learning for its students. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

ACT at the Cathedral Church of St. John The Divine
Central Park West Campus (Grades 5-12)
Lightbridge Academy of Midtown Manhattan
Stephen Wise Free Synagogue Early Childhood Center