The First Presbyterian
Church
Nursery School
The First Presbyterian Nursery School founded in 1952, is a non-sectarian school, welcoming children of all religions, races, and ethnic and economic backgrounds.
Applications
are accepted starting in September of the year before admisssion.
Early notification is offered to siblings, church members (as of January 1 of the year
of application), and children of alumni. Tours and open houses take place
in the fall. For information, please call (212) 691-3432.
The Nursery School is housed on the fourth floor of the Church House, in a space designed for it by award-winning architect Edgar Tafel. There are four large, light classrooms, a children's library, and a woodworking room. Rooms feature large windows, ample floor space, and child-friendly details, including child-size bathrooms in every classroom. Large motor play takes place on the fenced-in roof playground, with state-of-the-art climbing equipment, riding toys, balls, and a playhouse. There is also indoor play space for movement classes and rainy day play.
Each class is staffed by a head teacher who holds a master's degree and is licensed by the New York State Department of Education, an assistant teacher with experience and formal training in early childhood education, and an aide. All teachers are chosen for their experience and sensitivity to the needs of young children. We work with several local educational institutions that provide student teachers in our class-rooms. Our staff also includes specialists for music, movement, and woodworking, as well as a mental health consultant.
We believe that children learn and mature through social experiences with peers and adults, and through hands-on involvement with carefully chosen age-appropriate materials. The classroom settings invite exploration, questioning, and interaction with peers and teachers. Children are encouraged to make choices and solve problems in a safe, thoughtful environment which includes a variety of work areas, plants, animals, and materials which reflect the interests of each class and its individual members.
The setting and the schedule encourage children to explore materials and relationships, express ideas and feelings, and develop skills. They use the media of art, music, and movement, as well as woodworking, blocks, sensory materials, cooking, and dramatic play. Language and other communication skills are developed through conversation, negotiation, literature, and storytelling. Circle time is particularly important for feeling part of a group, for listening to classmates, and being heard by them as well.
The curriculum evolves from the children's use of the materials, their interests and abilities as a group, and their individual developmental levels. Teachers' interests also come into play, as they bring their unique talents, such as puppetry, improvisational drama, or quilting, into the classroom. Areas of interest are pursued by the children and teachers through concrete materials, books, discussion, investigation, and trips in the building and neighborhood.
Families are encouraged to be involved in the school in a variety of supportive roles, and through our extensive parent education program. Parents run an active lending library, plan the annual auction and other events for the benefit of the school.
Children 2.3 to 5 years of age are eligible for admission. Application to the Nursery School takes place during the year before a child enters school, starting in early fall. Notification and parent reply dates follow the guidelines of ISAAGNY, the Independent Schools Admissions Association of Greater New York, of which our school is a member. The school is licensed by the New York City Department of Health. Federal, State, and City statutes prohibit discrimination on the basis of certain protected classifications. The First Presbyterian Church Nursery School supports and complies with such laws in providing equal opportunity and consideration to all employees, and to all applicants and their families.
For more information visit www.fpcns.org
The First Presbyterian Church Nursery School
12 West 12th Street
New York, New York 10011
(212) 691-3432
Ellen
Ziman, Director