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Inspiring a Lifelong Love of Learning

A note from our Head of School, Carrie Kries

We are thrilled to join you on your journey to explore early childhood education The Washington Market School has been a staple in the Tribeca neighborhood, originally known as The Washington Market, since 1976. We are proud to have served as a home away from home for young learners and their families for nearly five decades.

As a preschool, we are often the very first formal setting for both children and parents alike to find a community of friends. In that spirit, our admissions process is rooted in connection and curiosity. We do not believe there is value in interviewing and assessing children at this tender age. Instead, we focus on developing relationships with families through ongoing conversations and mission-driven events. Our goal is to give prospective families an authentic understanding of how special it is to be a part of our school community. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Warmly,

Like our students, we started small.

The year was 1976, and our school’s first lesson had just begun: a meeting of 6 students in founder Ronnie Moskowitz's loft. This small class laid the foundation for decades of nurturing young minds Word spread, and with the support of local artists and neighborhood pioneers, our school grew alongside our children.

Ronnie

Two spacious locations. One thriving school.

Both sites of The Washington Market School are thoughtfully designed to encourage independent exploration. Children have the freedom to learn, play and grow in our spacious classrooms and captivating studio spaces. Our buildings house expansive gyms, dynamic art studios, cozy libraries, a music loft, and an interactive lab room where our young learners thrive.

Early childhood lays the foundation for how young children will engage in the world.

The Washington Market School is committed to strengthening its anti-bias, antiracist (ABAR) educational practices.

Our children are at the perfect age to develop a keen understanding of fairness, (having what you need to work, live and play) As they grow older, their working definition of fairness will begin to translate into valuing and standing for equity for all people. ABAR work is ongoing and never finished and requires our active engagement in continually assessing and understanding our own biases as adults.

"Alone we know a little, together we know a lot"

-Britt Hawthorne

ABAR Framework:

1. Self Love

2. Embrace People

3. Identify Unfairness

4. Act Justly

Our Educational Philosophy

For decades, we have carefully blended the time-tested approaches of Maria Montessori and Reggio Emilia.

Montessori

Dr. Montessori found that providing children a healthy sense of freedom within a structured environment promotes their self-discipline, independence, and joyful approach to learning; we hold this respect for each child at the center of our work. Our lessons enable our young learners to engage deeply and develop stamina.

Reggio-Emilia

The Reggio Emilia philosophy emphasizes children’s ability to construct knowledge through in-depth investigation and research. Our prepared classroom environment offers an array of interesting materials that support children in making meaning. Children actively learn by doing d k d

Our blended approach

to these two philosophies celebrates children’s innate curiosity and their limitless capacity for absorbing new skills and concepts.

We learn a great deal about our children through observation and documentation. Our teachers are co-constructors, learning alongside the children. As a school community, we aim to model an authentic appreciation for joyful learning, all while guiding our children through their peaceful and meaningful interactions with peers and adults

A Typical Day

The Washington Market School provides a variety of rich and immersive experiences for every child Each day, children engage in group and individual work, as well as studio classes, meetings, and large motor experiences such as a visit to the gym or movement in the classroom.

Work time is a cornerstone of our classrooms and the foundation of our day. Children collaborate in small groups, have lessons with teachers, and work independently on projects that are inspired by their interests. They are encouraged to explore the classroom materials, ask questions and notice sensory details like sounds, shapes and textures. It is a time for self-discovery where they begin to learn more about what intrigues them, hone new skills, and accomplish goals.

Studio Classes

All children participate in studio classes weekly, nurturing their creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression Through art, chess, library, music, and movement and drama classes, our young learners dive deeper into ideas, explore their passions, develop new skills, and begin to flourish into well-rounded individuals.

Parents play a vital role in our community.

We understand that a child’s experience in preschool is only as positive as the fulsome partnership between their parents and caregivers and their school. That is why as well as a , designed to empower families on this incredible path.

Each year, we also organize a series of vibrant and engaging events for our school community to come together. These annual events are cherished school traditions that celebrate the collective spirit of The Washington Market School. we initiatives for parents, offer a range of educational comprehensive and collaborative exmissions process