Preschools in the Westchester Area
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Westchester 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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Forest Preschool at Rye Nature Center is an immersive, nature-based early childhood program where children explore, play, and learn outdoors. Designed for ages 3.5 to 5 years, our program fosters creativity, independence, and a deep connection to nature.
Through hands-on experiences, children develop confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills in a supportive and nurturing environment. Our curriculum follows child-led exploration, encouraging curiosity while building physical strength and sensory awareness. Morning and afternoon sessions are available with flexible scheduling. Registration for the 2025-2026 school year is now open! Visit our website to learn more and secure your child’s spot.
Write info@rynaturecenter.org to register.
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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. Learn how we do this every day by visiting our website.
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Oasis Day Camps offers the perfect “first camp” experience for young campers ages 3–5 who haven’t yet completed Kindergarten. Our nurturing Early Start Imagination Camp (ESIC) program provides a gentle, structured introduction to daily camp life with
age-appropriate routines and activities that help children feel safe, confident, and excited each day. With a curriculum designed to strengthen social skills and both fine and gross motor development, campers enjoy a balance of outdoor play, arts and crafts, sports and games, enrichment activities, quiet time, and swim lessons. It’s the ideal foundation for joyful, screen-free summer growth. Locations in Manhattan, Westchester and Long Island.
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At Hudson Country Montessori School (Danbury and New Rochelle locations), your child is seen, supported, and celebrated. Our Toddler and Primary Programs are thoughtfully designed to nurture each child’s natural curiosity, independence, and joy for
learning. From the boundless energy of toddlers to the growing confidence of preschoolers, we guide children to explore at their own pace in classrooms that feel like family. With Montessori-trained educators, hands-on materials, and a deep respect for every child’s unique strengths, we help students build a strong foundation for lifelong success. At Hudson, children don’t just learn—they discover who they are, what they love, and how to thrive.
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Cornerstone Children’s Center is a nurturing, community childcare center committed to providing a safe, enriching environment where young children can learn, grow, and thrive. Licensed by the New York State Office of Children & Family Services, the
center serves families with children from 6 weeks to 5 years old, offering age-appropriate programs that support early development through hands-on learning, imaginative play, and compassionate guidance. Each classroom is thoughtfully designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence, while the dedicated staff builds warm, trusting relationships that help children feel secure and supported.
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Koala Park Daycare was built on a foundation of family values. It is a place where parents, children, staff members, as well as the community, come together as a family, one unit, to create a trusted and safe environment where children can play, learn and
grow with us. Koala Park Daycare is Your Home Away from Home. From the first hello of the day to the last goodbye, we want every child to feel safe, nurtured, and excited to learn and grow with us, and for you to consider us a true partner in the development and education of your child and an extension of your family. We go beyond what's expected, creating a one-of-a-kind educational experience for the children we care for and the families who cherish them and whom we serve. Serving children 2
months- 4 years.
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Little Sparrows Nursery School was established in 1982 as an outreach to Armonk and the surrounding community. It began very small, with one class of 3s and one class of 4s. Since then, it has expanded to two classes of 2s, two classes of 3s, two classes of
4s and an Academic Enrichment and Extended Day Program. There is currently a staff of 5 teachers, 10 assistants, a Director and a Bookkeeper. The school is registered with the NYS Department of Education and Licensed by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services. Little Sparrows is a private, non-profit preschool and is a ministry of Hillside Church.
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The mission of St. Matthew’s Preschool (SMP), in partnership with St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, is to provide preschool students with a vibrant and developmentally appropriate early childhood program that addresses all areas of learning – social,
intellectual, spiritual, and physical – in a nurturing and supportive environment. The atmosphere at SMP provides a setting which enables each child to feel like a valued and productive member of the school community. We are committed to a child-centered program of education, meeting each individual student at his or her own level, and assisting each in reaching his or her fullest potential. Our goal is to ensure that the children develop the skills and self-confidence necessary to prepare them
to flourish and thrive in kindergarten and beyond.
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The Ardsley Community Nursery School (ACNS) has been serving families from the local area for over 65 years with a fun-loving environment run by caring staff and strong enrichment programs. We are a New York State certified nursery school from 9 AM until
11:45 AM, with afternoon sessions until 2 PM and early drop off for working parents. School year programs are offered from ages 2 through 5 years old, and include a 2-week pre-camp program in June, and a 6-week summer camp program. The school has a beautiful, shady playground with sandboxes, swings, climbing equipment, playhouses and mobile toys. Our goal is for every child to feel good about themselves, make friends and love school.
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At CCNS, children learn through play. The teachers, in cooperation with family and community, create a nurturing environment that enables children to develop independence, curiosity, respect and a passion for learning.
Parents are actively involved in social activities and in the teaching process by doing monthly parent participation days. Parents are an integral part of their child’s first school experience at CCNS. Give your kid the best possible start. We pride ourselves on being able to provide a happy, safe and inclusive environment in which children aged two and a half to five years old are encouraged to explore their potential!
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Earthplace offers educational programs for all ages, including Preschool, Summer Camp, year-round nature activities, and Harbor Watch programs, providing hands-on, nature-based learning opportunities. Our afterschool programs and internships provide unique
experiential pathways that extend beyond traditional school curricula.
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Green Chimneys' Sam and Myra Ross Farm & Wildlife Center, located on our Brewster Campus, is home to over 300 farm animals, horses and permanently injured or imprinted wildlife. The farm is supported by a dedicated team of animal experts and caretakers
who provide the utmost care for our diverse species. Green Chimneys is part of the surrounding community. From preschool programs to summer camp to outdoor adventures for school groups, Green Chimneys offers valuable education and recreation experiences, along with exciting public events, for all ages. Green Chimneys is a multi-faceted nonprofit organization primarily serving students who have been unsuccessful in a traditional educational setting, and benefit from a highly structured and
supportive program. Innovative and Enriching Preschool, Kindergarten and School-Age Programs for Kids 3-10 Years Old
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Immaculate Heart of Mary School is a private, Catholic learning facility focused on maintaining a standard of excellence in education while meeting the needs of our contemporary students. Our mission is to nurture the growth and development of the
whole child from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade within the framework and foundation of a Catholic infused environment.
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With locations in Ridgefield, Westport, and Bedford NY, Landmark Preschool is an educational preschool with programs for ages 1-5. We believe children are curious, capable, and ready to learn at an early age. At Landmark Preschool, educators nurture the
whole child beginning with helping children to learn important social skills, supporting emerging language, developing confidence and curiosity. Our programs and classrooms are tailored for children’s cognitive, emotional, and developmental needs.
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Mohawk Country Day School provides a variety of meticulously designed programs for children aged two through six. Each Program is crafted to meet the specific needs and abilities of the age group, ensuring that each child can develop socially and
intellectually at their own pace.
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Yellow Acorn Montessori’s mission is to encourage the social, emotional, and cognitive development of the child by providing a comprehensive Montessori education, cultivating independent thought and foundational skills as well as awareness of their
environment, empathy for others, and social ease and confidence. The Early Childhood Program (3-5 years) and Toddler Program (18mos-36mos) include Language, Math, Science, Geography and Culture, Practical Life, Sensorial, Music and Art and more.
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We are an outdoor education center that focuses on providing nature based learning to children of all ages. Our Forest Preschool is an unparalleled program in the region and we offer a popular summer camp as well as events, after-school programming and
private events. We post educational resources on our social media platforms via Facebook and Instagram.
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Welcome to the Kehillah School! The Kehillah School is a quality early learning program, offering a nurturing and safe environment using developmentally appropriate, play-based curriculum, infusing Jewish values and community for children ages 6 weeks
through kindergarten preparation using an emergent, Reggio Emilia inspired approach to education.
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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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