Upsides: -I like that the kids with various needs are mixed together - it's actually hard to tell which kids have issues. After 6 months, I'm still not sure which kids in my child's class (aside from mine, who had significant speech delays) are part of CPSE (the Board of Education's special education program for preschoolers). -The people who run the Merricat's school have been there for many, many years, and all of them are lovely. I really couldn't say enough nice things about them. -The facility is great - it's the 2nd floor of a beautiful old church's building - it's called "Merricat's Castle Nursery" because it looks like a castle from the outside. -Their days there are fun. Children do lots of varied activities and have their own outdoor space when its nice weather. -The teachers are masters at helping kids transition - even my husband comments on this. -High school students from a local school work in the classroom (one per year in each classroom) one day/week. My kid adores the high school boy who is in his classroom. He's so good with the kids and such a nice kid himself. My child constantly asks if he could come over for a playdate. Downsides: -It's a short day - 2 1/2 hours, with only a few exceptions for extended day. -Not as many social events for parents as some NYC preschools, so if you're into it for that reason, look elsewhere (though this more likely should be on the "upside" list for the rest of us).