The Right Pre-School for Each and Every Child: a Comprehensive Registration List
Montessori or traditional? 3-day or 5-day? Mornings or afternoons? If you’re a parent of a toddler or a pre-schooler you may very well be wrestling with these decisions. First and foremost is finding the right school for your child. Luckily, Ridgewood has many choices of schools and programs, so a little due diligence should result in a good fit for you and your son or daughter. We’ve done our homework and are happy to share what we know:
Bethlehem Early Learning Center, 155 Linwood Ave, Ridgewood, (201) 444-6678. Provides spiritual, intellectual, physical, social and emotional developmental guidance for 2 ½ – 6 year-old children. Plus a Mommy & Me program called “Beginnings,” for children from 18-30 months.
First Presbyterian Church Nursery School 722 E. Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, (201) 445-2552. The very nurturing First Pres programs begin at age 2 years and 6 months (by October 1st.) The school offers 2-day, 3-day, 4-day and full week options, as well as Kindergarten enrichment and the ability for kids to stay through lunch. They also offer weekly Music, Gym and Spanish classes. Open House this Friday, February 1, from 9:30 to 11 am.
Friends’ Neighborhood Nursery School 224 Highwood Ave, Ridgewood is accepting registration for the 2013-14 school year. Founded in 1959, the school offers classes for children ages 2, 3 and 4. Children do not have to be toilet trained. The morning program is available two to five days a week, with extended hours on three afternoons. For more information or to schedule a private tour, please call Madeleine Beresford at 201-445-0681 or email her at fnnsmail@gmail.com.
Green Twig School 30 Paterson Ave, Midland Park, 201-445-0747. Green Twig prides itself on providing a place that helps a child act on, understand and build on the world he or she knows. The school offers 2-day, 3-day and 5-day programs, both morning and afternoon, for ages 2 years and 9 months through 6 years. Registration is open now. Weekend and evening tours are available.
Little Crane Montessori 113 Cottage Place, Ridgewood, 201-447-3333. It is a small-sized school, affiliated with the American Montessori Society (AMS) since 1998, following a unique educational method developed by Dr. Maria Montessori. There’s a “Stepping Stones” program for children 30 to 36 months, as well as half day and full day options for ages 2 1/2 years to 6 years. Art, Spanish and Yoga, among other skills, are intergrated. Registration is ongoing.
Little Ivy Learning Center 660 East Glen Avenue, Ridgewood, 201-444-0048. Little Ivy’s experienced teachers provide thoughtfully crafted childcare, pre-school and kindergarten programs for children ages 12-months through age 6 with an emphasis on personalized learning and small classes in bright, cozy classrooms. Registration is ongoing. For more information visit the website, or contact the director, Stephanie Bassler, at 201-444-0048, or by e-mail at info@mylittleivy.com.
The Cooperative Nursery School of Ridgewood 100 Dayton St Ridgewood, NJ (201) 447-6232. “The Co-op,” promotes continuity between the child’s home and preschool. Through its cooperative nature, families support and care about each other. Offerings include a Mommy and Me for children 20 to 28 months. 2-day, 3-day, 4-day and full week classes for kids 2 1/2 years through Kindergarten. Registration is open now. Applications are available online.
The Village School 100 West Prospect Street, Waldwick. 201-445-6160. is an academically challenging Montessori school with program levels from Toddlers (18 months old) to Middle School (8th Grade). It is one of two Pre-K-8 schools in NJ that hold dual accreditation from The American Montessori Society (AMS) and The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA). Registration is ongoing. Visit the website to book a school tour.
Westside Presbyterian Nursery School 6 South Monroe Street, Ridgewood. 201-652-1966. The school is celebrating over 50 years in guiding young minds. The curriculum includes developmentally appropriate academic goals for preschoolers, West Side’s primary goal is to nurture children so that they may grow in a positive manner, becoming caring, creative, and responsible members of our society. Offerings include a Mom’s Morning Out drop-off, as well as 2-day, 3-day and 5-day programs. Kindergarten enrichment and “Lunch Bunch” are also available. Open House next Friday, February 8th at 10 a.m.
