General Nursery School Information

  • Founded in 1919, our nursery school is one of the oldest nursery schools in America
  • Independent, not-for-profit school governed by its own Board of Trustees
  • Early childhood education program for children from 2.0 years to 5 years old
  • Affiliated with and supported by Columbia University
  • Admissions is open to all families that wish to apply
  • Licensed by New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
  • Accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Facilities

  • Five classrooms in two buildings
  • Two outdoor play space on location, plus garden on Columbia’s campus
  • School is located inside two Columbia University buildings

Program

  • 100 children enrolled in 6 classes
  • Between 12 and 22 children in each classroom, depending on children’s ages with at least two teachers in each room
  • Two day, three day and five day a week programming, based on the age of the child
  • Morning classes start at 9:00
  • Extended day option (two afternoons a week) for children enrolled in 5-day a week classes
  • School year follows an academic calendar starting in mid-September running through early-June
  • Optional summer camp program is available for June and July for currently enrolled children

Faculty 

  • 15 faculty, 8 with master’s degrees
  • Each classroom has at least two teachers: a head teacher with at least one or two assistants and/or co-teacher.
  • Director has over 25 years’ experience leading early childhood programs
  • Music specialist visits most classes weekly