Preschools in the Buffalo Area
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Buffalo KidsOutAndAbout Preschool Newsletter |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
Are you planning to have your children attend preschool this year? Or are you thinking about whether it's the best option for your family? Do you have a friend who is thinking about preschool for her kids? If any of these is true, this special annual edition of our newsletter is for YOU! We provide not only options for where to start your search in our area, but also some tips for what to
think about and what to look for as you start the process.
KidsOutAndAbout has a large list of local preschools that have posted to our site; this list is provided in the LISTS/Preschools & Childcare list linked from the menu on every page of
KidsOutAndAbout. In this newsletter, first, we have some featured preschools with descriptions of their programs. Next, we provide a list of links to some additional schools. And last, we provide tips for helping you evaluate preschools when you visit, to see if they are right for you.
Remember: SAVE THIS NEWSLETTER and forward it along! If you or one of your friends is in the market for a preschool, it's a handy
reference.
—Debra Ross, publisher |
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KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more. |
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At St. Benedict School, our early learning programs provide a strong foundation for children to thrive academically, socially, and spiritually. Our Preschool Program for 3-year-olds introduces young learners to a structured environment through play-based
learning and exploration, fostering socialization, communication, and independence. For 4- and 5-year-olds, our Kindergarten Readiness (KR) program builds on these foundational skills, emphasizing early academic and social development alongside group participation and independence. Through engaging activities, creative play, and faith-based teachings, both programs help children grow in confidence, character, and knowledge. We are honored to partner with families on this exciting journey,
preparing students to take their next educational steps with joy and enthusiasm.
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At Aurora Waldorf School, we inspire children to love learning for its own sake, giving them a gift that will last a lifetime. AWS is an independent Pre-K - 8th Grade school south of Buffalo, integrating rigorous academics with artistic endeavors, practical
skill-building, and opportunities for play every day. Guided by the principles of Waldorf Education, our curriculum aligns with the evolving stages of child development. Children learn reverence for nature by spending daily learning time outside on our 13-acre wooded campus. Weaving global and local cultures and traditions into the curriculum, AWS welcomes a diverse community of students and teachers.
Visit us to learn more about Pre-K and Kindergarten! Transportation provided by AWS from Buffalo and also may be provided from your local district.
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Amherst Nursery School is a non-profit, non-denominational, private cooperative nursery school with classes for two, three and four year old children. Classes are taught by experienced preschool teachers assisted by teacher aides under the supervision of
the on-staff education director. Parents have the opportunity to participate in the cooperative by serving as additional aides in their child’s classroom, by performing other jobs around the school as necessary, by attending meetings and special events, and by serving on the Parent Board of Directors.
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We are Buffalo's public Montessori school. Our mission is to empower our graduates to be creative life-long learners within the world community. Montessori is an educational method that is focused on the whole child, meaning children’s intellectual,
physical, social and emotional development. Montessori is centered around a carefully prepared, sensory-rich classroom environment to encourage children to learn through curiosity and desire. We serve children in PreK - Middle School.
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Over 100 group fitness classes, 2 convenient locations, indoor pools, heated outdoor pool, state-of-the-art fitness equipment, top-ranked early childhood program, Camp Centerland, after-school care, Jewish Repertory Theatre, and much more! Serving Western
New York Since 1945, our Early Childhood programs promote children’s social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth through a multi-sensory approach to teaching. We believe children learn best in a program emphasizing creative expression through “hands-on” experiences while becoming confident, independent, and respectful classroom community members.
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The Lake Shore Cooperative Nursery School is a nonprofit organization whose primary concern is that children are nurtured as they learn. We offer two programs which are both designed to meet the needs of each age group. We have a two day a week program for
children age 3, as well as a three day a week program for children who are 4 years old. The program for 3 year olds has both a morning session (T/F 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.) and an afternoon session (T/F 12:15 p.m.-2:45 p.m.). The program for 4 year olds has one session (M/W/Th 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.). Teaching your child is our charge; getting to know each of them personally is our privilege. We are honored to be given that opportunity. Our primary concern is your greatest treasure... your
child.
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OLV Elementary School has provided students with a safe and nurturing learning environment for more than 120 years! Whether in classrooms, computer labs or sports fields, our caring teachers shape the leaders of tomorrow and provide the building blocks for
each child's potential.
Our small class sizes ensure individualized attention, fostering deeper connections, focused learning, and academic success. OLV Elementary empowers students from PreK3 through 8th grade with 1:1 devices, robotics, virtual reality (VR), 3D printers and pens, and more—preparing them for the future through hands-on innovation and exploration.
Our students discover the joy of music through hands-on experience with xylophones, glockenspiels, metallophones, drums, recorders, tambourines, and more—cultivating creativity, teamwork, and a lifelong love for music.
Call 716-828-7592 to schedule your private tour…
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The early years of growth are the most crucial in a child's life. We have designed our preschool to promote a loving atmosphere in which the children can develop cognitively, emotionally, socially and physically at their own pace. "Learning by doing" is an
integral part of our program and encourages children to be curious. The discoveries they make give them positive self-esteem, which is a developmental milestone they will carry with them their entire lives. We accept every child for who they are and recognize their unique abilities. We believe in early education and want to see each child grow and achieve their very best. With us, the children know they are safe and loved. We strive to be their home away from home!
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Elmwood Franklin offers a challenging, comprehensive academic program paired with a strong emphasis on citizenship and good character. Students in preschool through 8th grade are given the opportunity to learn and to lead in a child-centered environment. We
continually challenges students to grow academically and intellectually so that they can achieve at increasingly higher levels. Elmwood Franklin promotes a culture of learning in which curiosity is rewarded, risk-taking is encouraged, and challenging assumptions is expected. Through these experiences, confident, resilient, independent thinkers are cultivated.
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A premier preschool for children 2-5 years old. At Launchpad for Learning, our preschool programs cultivate a community of families and teachers working together to provide an educational, engaging, safe and positive environment that enhances and fosters
the physical, cognitive, emotional, creative and social development of children, through play-based learning and discovery.
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At Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Classical School, our Montessori program for ages 3-6 provides a joyful and structured foundation for lifelong learning. The Montessori approach allows children to explore at their own pace while fostering independence,
confidence, and a deep sense of wonder. Rooted in the Montessori method and the Catholic classical tradition, our program nurtures the intellectual, spiritual, and physical development of young learners, preparing them for a lifetime of discovery.
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Northmore Nursery School has 3, 4, and +4 classes. We believe that early childhood should be a joyful time filled with play, exploration, friendships, and meaningful learning — not a race to achieve academics too soon. From the moment children walk through
their doors, the staff focuses on nurturing the whole child through thoughtfully planned activities and supportive teacher guidance. At the heart of our approach is helping children build confidence and social skills: making choices, forming relationships with peers and teachers, expressing feelings, and developing respect for themselves and others. This emphasis on social and emotional growth lays a strong foundation that supports each child’s transition to formal schooling.
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Open Door Nursery School in Williamsville is a beloved non-profit preschool where little ones ages 2 through 5 get to grow, learn, and play in a warm, nurturing setting that feels a bit like family. Founded in 1970 and hosted at the Williamsville United
Methodist Church, this early childhood program has been a cornerstone of the community for generations, helping children take their first big steps in education and social development.
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The Montessori curriculum at St. Mary School (SMS) is a rich, three-year program for children ages 3-6, that focuses on the core subject areas of Practical Life, Sensory Skills, Math, Language, Geography, and Science. Children learn in a self-paced,
hands-on environment that is designed to meet their developmental needs. A variety of schedule options are available including half & full days for 3 & 4 year olds, as well as 3 half days per week for 3 year olds who may be brand new to a Pre-K setting.
Bus transportation is available within 15 miles. For more information or to schedule a personalized tour, call (716) 689-8424 or email: rkisailus@stmaryschoolswormville.org.
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Parker Academy Child Care and Learning Center INC enhances academic achievement through tutoring, enrichment, and the arts. Our vision is to engage and empower children to reach their highest potential. We are committed to providing a loving, nurturing and
fun experience for all children. Our Preschool teachers work in creative, fun ways with your child to promote language, writing, and reading proficiency through read-alouds, writing, small-group learning, and more. Math concepts, puzzle completion, counting through song, science experiments, dramatic play, painting, and outdoor activities all contribute to a dynamic early learning environment your child will love.
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What kind of preschool best suits your child?
Those nice parenting articles always tell you to make sure you choose a preschool that best suits your child's personality--but then rarely provide any specifics on what will give you those clues. Children vary widely in their responses to different situations. Think
about where your child falls on the following dimensions, and think about your own personal preferences for what a preschool experience should be like for your child. Then, when you visit preschools, ask the administrators (and observe yourself) about how well the school's philosophy matches your children's needs. - Playing and learning: Do these seem like separate times at the preschool, or are play and learning time integrated?
- The setting: Is your goal to get your child used
to a school setting, or is it important that the setting feel more like home?
- Specific learning goals: Do you have academic milestones or religious needs that you would like met? Think about this before you set out, and refine your thoughts as you visit more schools.
- Introverts and extroverts: If your child falls on one end of introvert-extrovert scale, it's important to realize this and see what would be expected of them at each preschool (especially important for the
introverts).
- Active play: Does the school provide resources for physically active play that match your child's needs?
- Rest: Kids have different rhythms and requirements for rest. Think about what your child's specific needs are to ensure that they will be accommodated.
- Structure: Some kids do better with lots of structure, while other families feel that they already have enough structure and prefer that a preschool ensure lots of time for unstructured play and
interaction.
- Discipline: What happens when kids misbehave at school? Does the school's philosophy match yours?
- Safety: Safety is a big concern. Think carefully about your standards for keeping kids safe, and observe how the school meets your expectations.
If your child attends (or attended) a great preschool that is not currently on our big preschool list (the easiest way to find out is to search in the big search bar on the top of every KidsOutAndAbout page), please
email me back and we'll contact them immediately to see if they'd like to be on this list! |
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