Introducing the 2024 Living Greenwich Preschool Guide – Spring Edition: Your Ultimate Resource for Greenwich-Area Parents Eager to Ignite Their Child’s Learning Journey!
As the vibrant hues of spring emerge, so too does the promise of new beginnings and growth. For parents in Greenwich, CT, this season heralds a pivotal milestone in their child’s educational journey: the decision to enroll them in preschool. As the trusted voice of the community, Living Greenwich is pleased to present our 2024 Preschool Guide — Spring Edition, a comprehensive resource designed to assist families in making informed decisions about their child’s early education.
Our mission? We have made it our goal to introduce Greenwich-area parents to a diverse landscape of philosophies, curricula, and teaching methodologies. We aim to empower local parents to discover the Pre-K programs that perfectly align with their family’s values, educational goals, and aspirations for their child’s future. To that end, we’ve carefully curated a selection of programs that promise not only top-tier care but also a delightful array of enriching activities, new friendships, and the confidence to excel in kindergarten.
VISIT THE SCHOOLS: The Greenwich-area preschools and programs featured in this guide are eagerly awaiting the chance to meet you and your child. They’re ready to offer engaging tours of their facilities and provide answers to all your burning questions as you embark on this exciting journey to find the ideal fit.
Remember, it’s never too early to set your child on the path to Pre-K success! Don’t hesitate – start the conversation with the preschools that pique your interest today. Your child’s extraordinary learning adventure awaits!
Where to begin? Scroll Down to Peruse Our Featured Greenwich-Area Preschools – Or Click on Any Name Below to Visit a Specific Preschool Overview. Each preschool opens in a new tab in your browser – to return to this index page and view additional programs, just return to this tab. We strongly suggest taking the time to read the full details for each Preschool – and clicking through to their actual websites – in order to get an informed sense as to the actual spectrum of offerings and activities furnished by each featured listing.
Note: Featured image above courtesy of Putnam Indian Field School | Inspiring confidence, curiosity, creativity and a sense of community in every child we teach. AND featured home page hero image courtesy of Christ Church Preschool | A Non-Profit Preschool for Children Aged Two to Five Years Old.
Living Greenwich Preschool Directory
Scroll Down to Peruse Our Featured Preschools – Or Click on Any Name Below to Visit a Specific Preschool Overview. Each Preschool opens in a new tab in your browser – to return to this index page and view additional schools, just return to this tab.
- Bridges School | Empowering Lifelong Learners
- Christ Church Preschool | A Non-Profit Preschool for Children Aged Two to Five Years Old
- German International School New York (GISNY) | A Pre-K through Grade 12, Independent, Bilingual School
- JCC Preschool at Greenwich Reform Synagogue | Socialization, exploration, and learning begins here at GRS!
- King School | The Power of Wonder
- Putnam Indian Field School | Inspiring confidence, curiosity, creativity and a sense of community in every child we teach.
- Temple Sholom Selma Maisel Nursery School | A Place Where Learning & Discovery Begin!
- YWCA Greenwich | Steven and Alexandra Cohen Preschool Center
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Preschool Showcase
For over 35 years, Bridges has offered high quality early childhood education to our community. As a progressive school inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, we provide a child-centered, play-based approach encouraging children to discover their own interests, with their own words, which helps to define who they are.
Bridges School is accredited as a program of excellence by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The school is located on the banks of the Mianus River in Greenwich offering programs for ages 20 months to 5 years old.
Bridges School is a community of children, families, and teachers committed to learning and growing through a process of inquiry and discovery. We believe that children are born with a natural curiosity about the world and that cultivating this curiosity with careful listening and support is the key to successful lifelong learning.
Parents and teachers work together to create a beautiful and engaging environment that is responsive to the needs of young learners and their families.
Ages 20 months – 5 years
Long Day and Extended Day programs available.
(203) 637-0204
dawn@bridgesschool.org
Enrollment for the 2025-26 school year opens on September 1, 2024.
Call, email, or visit our website to learn more.
Christ Church Preschool is proud to offer a learning community that values children’s ideas, protects the playfulness of childhood, and engages families in their child’s education.
Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy of education, our curriculum is based on a process of exploration, observation, and reflection, where children are co-constructors of their own learning. In-depth investigations based on children’s interests become the context for fostering social-emotional, cognitive, academic, and physical growth.
Our large outdoor campus and spacious classrooms offer beautiful and engaging environments for meaningful play and learning. Classes spend large portions of the school day outdoors, with time in interest areas such as our school garden, mud kitchen, fields, and playgrounds.
Our school is known for its warm, close-knit community. We recognize the preschool years are as important for our parents as they are for the children. We offer many opportunities for parents to meet one another and participate in their child’s learning.
Christ Church Preschool serves children ages 2-5. Our school also features an outstanding bridge program for 5-year-old’s, with the mission of preparing children for kindergarten.
Contact Director Jennifer Purdy at (203) 869-5334 or jpurdy@christchurchgreenwich.org to schedule a tour. In place of open houses, we give private tours so that we can respond to the specific needs and questions of each prospective family.
For more information about our program, visit our website at ccpreschoolgreenwichct.org.
Expand your child’s world at German International School New York (GISNY), an independent, bilingual Pre-K through Grade 12 college preparatory school where locals and expats alike receive remarkable preparation for wherever the future takes them. German-inspired and internationally-minded, GISNY motivates students to experiment, collaborate, create, and think critically. Our small, vibrant community is dedicated to nurturing both the mind and the heart, providing a safe and welcoming environment that feels like an extended family.
Located close to New York City, our beautiful campus offers wide-open green spaces with plenty of room to explore, play, or just recharge. GISNY’s Pre-K and Kindergarten programs provide 3 – 5-year-old children with small class sizes, bright and spacious classrooms, and beautiful school grounds. Our unique Nature-Based Early Childhood Education Program (NBECE) actively connects children to the natural world – and to each other – as they use the great outdoors to stimulate curiosity, develop critical thinking, and acquire valuable knowledge.
Entering Pre-K and Kindergarten children are not required to speak or understand German. They build the base of bilingualism by first grade. Our Pre-K and Kindergarten programs follow the “One teacher – one language” approach, where one teacher communicates solely in German and the other solely in English, facilitating language acquisition and fluency. You will be surprised how quickly your child naturally acquires the language concepts and skills that become the building blocks of bilingualism and literacy here at GISNY.
With a focus on personalized attention, GISNY maintains a small student-to-teacher ratio, allowing each child to receive individualized support and guidance. It’s no wonder that GISNY has been honored with the “Excellent German School Abroad” seal for several years in a row. GISNY is the only school in the tristate area accredited to offer the NYS High School Diploma and the German International Abitur, a globally recognized diploma, which facilitates access to the finest colleges and universities worldwide.
The benefits of the GISNY experience are unmatched. Here, your child will find everything they need for all that comes next. Their world is waiting.
Learn more and register for our next Open House or a private campus tour.
Upcoming Open House Dates 2024:
- April 20, only for Pre-K & Kindergarten (in person, nature classroom), 10:00 – 11:30 am
- May 15 for Pre-K to 12 (virtual), 3:00 – 4:00 pm
German International School New York (GISNY)
50 Partridge Road, White Plains, NY 10605
+1 914 948 6513
Socialization, exploration, and learning adventures begin here at GRS by cultivating a growth mindset!
The JCC Preschool at GRS offers an exceptional educational environment through our combined curriculum framework. Our approach is to blend elements from multiple educational philosophies to create a customized program that meets the specific needs and goals of a classroom or academic setting to develop a comprehensive, balanced, and practical curriculum.
Our mission is to nurture the whole child academically, socially, and emotionally, equipping them to become lifelong learners and productive citizens in a global society by developing autonomy, self-confidence, and critical thinking supported by a strong learning community of teachers and parents. Our experienced and dedicated educators create opportunities for our students to actively engage in their learning through cooperative, project-based activities or child-led independent exploration. In this way, we create a nurturing environment that encourages children to embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, and see effort as the path to mastery—key components of a growth mindset.
Our parents are actively engaged in yearly events, often visiting their child’s classroom to read a book or conduct a lesson with the class, which not only enriches the learning experience but also strengthens the community feel of our preschool. In addition, many parents participate as a focus group, committed to providing feedback and suggestions on the curriculum, school and special events.
Through teacher-led and self-directed activities, this innovative approach is grounded in a holistic, play-based learning style, tapping into children’s natural curiosity. The JCC Preschool at Greenwich Reform Synagogue experience includes diverse daily activities such as music, sports/movement, small class sizes, Handwriting Without Tears, routine nature walks to Pomerance Park, Shabbat, Jewish Holidays Celebrations, and more.
Our Bridge/Pre-K program for five-year-olds is a crucial transition that prepares your child for kindergarten with intellectual, physical, and social-emotional abilities. Our skilled instructors foster wonder, curiosity, and confidence to prepare students for academic and personal success. They operate dedicated learning centers that teach real-life skills and engage children in fascinating STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) activities using age-appropriate materials, and inquiry-based and cooperative learning methods to prepare them for the next educational level.
The JCC Preschool at GRS, located at 92 Orchard St, Cos Cob, CT, offers exceptional early education for children aged 15 months to 5 years. We provide flexible drop-off options ranging from 2 to 5 mornings a week and enriching extended-day options.
The JCC Preschool at GRS is currently enrolling for their Summer Fun program and Fall 2024 – 25 school year! Come in for a tour and meet our amazing community!
OPEN HOUSE: JCC Preschool at Greenwich Reform Synagogue, Saturday, March 23, (from 9:30 am to 10:30 am, or 10:30 am -11:30 am). Families can RSVP by emailing Gabriela Marcus at gmarcus@stamfordjcc.org or calling 203.489.3084
At King School, we believe that the smartest person in the room is not the one with all the answers, but the one with all the questions. We nurture the curious – who aren’t afraid to ask why, to try something new, to get it wrong before they get it right. Because real learning is about doing and this engagement leads to deeper learning.
King School unlocks the power of wonder and students PreK-12 become agents in their own learning. Starting at age 3, students in our early childhood program explore the world around them through an approach to teaching and learning known as the Reggio Emilia-inspired methodology. This child-centered and self-guided method allows students to explore, make connections, and learn from their environment.
King’s teachers create learning opportunities incorporating students’ ideas and interests; our program encourages students to ask questions, gather data, learn research skills, make models, and share their learning with their peers.
Students are encouraged to ask questions and make their own discoveries. Our lower school program is an interactive, project-based, hands-on experience that nurtures a love of learning and working with others. As they build mastery of skills, students continue to apply their natural curiosity; they learn and express their understanding of the world through discovery, project-based learning, and play.
From Prekindergarten to Grade 12, students embrace hands-on experiences, discovering the world around them in all subjects. The teaching methodology relies on strong relationships with faculty and mentors, encouraging lifelong curiosity and purpose. This approach not only prepares students for their future academic pursuits but also contributes to their overall fulfillment and happiness in life beyond graduation.
Visit our campus to learn more about King School. We have two special events coming up this spring. On Saturday, April 27, join us for an Earth Day Celebration for children ages 2 to 10. On Thursday, May 2, join us for an information session on navigating the independent school admission process.
Putnam Indian Field School’s mission is to inspire confidence, curiosity, creativity and a sense of community in every student. PIFS is an independent, co-educational preschool for toddlers through pre-kindergarten and has been the premier early childhood program in the Greenwich area for more than 45 years. Rooted in a play-based, Reggio Emilia-inspired approach, PIFS provides children with an outstanding first school experience and a love of learning.
Built exclusively for young children, the facilities and campus set PIFS apart from all other early childhood programs. The “little red school house” has evolved over the years to include eight light-filled classrooms, a science room, gymnasium, an art studio, a lunchroom and kitchen. In addition, there are five outdoor play areas designed to challenge the various ages and abilities of preschool children, including a natural playscape with a ropes course, zipline, climbing nets, forts and basket swings. Extensive organic vegetable gardens provide learning experiences for the children and healthy food for lunches and snacks.
The educated and experienced faculty is committed to providing the best learning environment for children. For PIFS educators, teaching at the school is more than a job, it is their calling, and many of the teachers have been with the school for decades. They are dedicated to understanding each child’s needs, interests, and abilities, and to creating plans for continual growth and development. The teachers are happy to spend their days learning and playing with young children.
Parents are an integral part of the school. Meaningful communication between families and teachers ensures happy and productive experiences for PIFS students. Parent volunteers run the school events and provide input through their involvement on the Board of Trustees and the various committees of the Parents Association.
For the children of PIFS, life at school is play-based, hands-on and full of interesting and exciting learning experiences.
Greenwich’s Temple Sholom Selma Maisel Nursery School (SMNS) offers a rewarding, one-of-a-kind educational experience for families with children pre-school aged and younger.
Our program includes part-day (2’s, 3’s and 4’s), as well as full-day (infant/toddler through pre-school) options. We also offer Little Explorers and Little Tumblers as a non-separating introduction to pre-school for children between 1 to 2 years old, in addition to our Itsy Bitsy Playgroup for parents with infants/toddlers under 12 months.
At SMNS, we strive to stay on the cutting edge of early childhood education and have added unique indoor learning spaces such as a dedicated STEAM lab, recycling room, gymnastics studio, and imagination playground to enhance our curriculum. Children enjoy taking daily trips outside to care for our garden, build in the wooden block center, and explore our child-size town and state-of-the art multi-level playground.
Our teachers and staff are both experienced and professional, and support an individualized approach to education and care. We are continuing to follow all early childhood recommendations and regulations to ensure a safe and healthy environment.
While guided by Jewish values, we welcome families of all faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds. Children at SMNS enjoy the wonderful richness of Shabbat, Jewish holidays and traditions through music, stories and creative activities. We often draw on the resources of Temple Sholom’s clergy and professional staff, and all of our families are encouraged to participate in the Temple’s interactive programming, such as our monthly Pajama Shabbat, geared for young children and their parents.
SCHEDULE A TOUR
We invite you to contact David Cohen, Director of Schools, at 203-622-8121 or david.cohen@templesholom.com to schedule an in-person or virtual tour.
Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and licensed by the Connecticut’s Office of Early Childhood, YWCA Greenwich’s preschool classrooms are full of eager children, many returning for another year of learning in a stimulating, inclusive and nurturing environment.
Utilizing a diverse and robust curriculum, The Steven and Alexandra Cohen Preschool Center encourages students to learn, grow, and thrive through four steps of development: social & emotional, physical, cognitive, and language. Flexible scheduling and full and half-day attendance are offered, serving all kinds of growing families.
Through generous donations, fundraising programs, and events like the Holiday for Hope Gala held by YWCA Greenwich, financial aid scholarships are available for those families who are income eligible, as well as those affected by domestic or sexual violence.
For more information, please visit www.ywcagreenwich.org/preschool
