Who we are

New Amsterdam School

Nature-based Waldorf Early Childhood Programs

62 Ave B New York, NY 10009 | (212) 533 -1820 | admissions@newamsterdamchildhood.org

Caregiver-Child Classes, Nursery, Pre-K & Kindergarten

New Amsterdam School from Devotive on Vimeo.

About New Amsterdam School

Founded in 2006, New Amsterdam School began as a grassroots alliance of educators, parents, and community leaders determined to bring the benefits of Waldorf education to Lower Manhattan. A tranquil oasis in the East Village, NAS offers a warm, home-like learning environment with programs for children 10 months - 6 years old. The New Amsterdam community embraces diversity, fosters inclusivity, and honors the uniqueness of each child.

New Amsterdam School embodies an innovative spirit of Waldorf Education. As a member of WECAN (the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America), New Amsterdam School is part of the well-established Waldorf movement that today includes over 1000 schools and 1600 early childhood programs in 58 countries. Waldorf education is proudly known as the fastest-growing independent school movement in the world.

Our Programs & Philosophy

Our modern, innovative approach to Waldorf education inspires reverence for the natural world, for one’s self, and for others, while building foundational practical, social, and cognitive skills. In our Early Childhood program, children thrive in self-directed play, music, games, baking, painting, and abundant time in nature. They freely explore the world around them, developing fine and gross motor skills, social skills, and self-knowledge that lay the groundwork for future social and academic success.

Our Community

As a close-knit community, New Amsterdam attracts faculty and families who are committed to the shared values of respect, empathy, kindness, and collaboration. Parents give generously of their time and talents, working together to co-create the life of the school in partnership with teachers and staff. The community comes together through an array of opportunities, including parent education evenings, community art events, and celebrations of seasonal festivals.

Why New Amsterdam School?

All students have daily play in our local community garden, El Jardin del Paraiso, a lush oasis in the center of the East Village:
- El Jardin is laden with fruit trees, edible plants, flowers, and a small pond. Children are able to freely explore their environment in a safe and private space.
Waldorf pedagogy results in a warm, home-like daily school environment:
- Our teaching style recognizes the wholeness of the human being. The goal is to guide and teach through example and imitation, rather than directives. There is a very distinct rhythm to classes, which incorporates both full-body movement, through running, dancing, and playing, and fine motor skills, through the learning of sewing, knitting, and embroidery. This balance ensures for the proper development of the child.
Our strong community is deeply felt by our families:
- Every school year we host a multitude of seasonal celebrations and festivals, honoring the beautiful diversity in our school community, and creating magical memories for the young children. We are also committed to being involved in our East Village neighborhood community, and frequently visit and learn from local businesses, community groups, and more.
Teachers are highly trained and multi-talented:
- New Amsterdam School teachers are not only highly decorated academically, but many of them are professional artists and performers.

Programs

Seedlings Parent-Child Classes

For children ages 10-24 months and their caregivers | 10-Week Sessions | 9:00am - 10:30am | No Drop-Ins

Dogwood Nursery (24 months+)

5 Day Drop-off program | 24 months+ | 8:30am to 3:15pm

Maples Bridge Program: Caregiver & Child Class

3 Days (Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday)| 1.8 - 3 Years Old | 9:00am to 12:00pm
The 3-Day schedule is particularly suited to the slightly older two year old, Maples students joining for a second year, or those with a greater readiness for separation and independence. (Once a child reaches 2.9 years, they can be dropped off.)

2 Day (Thursday & Friday)| 1.8 - 3 Years Old | 9:00am to 12:00pm
The 2-Day a week schedule is best suited for the not quite twos or younger twos, and those more tentative or wishing to take separation a little more slowly.

Linden (5-Day) & Magnolia (3-Day) Pre-K

3-Day Daisy Pre-K (Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday)| 3 - 4 Years Old | 8:30am to 3:15pm

5-Day Linden Pre-K (Monday - Friday)| 3 - 4 Years Old | 8:30am to 3:15pm

*1pm Early Dismissal is available as well*

Mulberry Kindergarten

Mixed-Age Kindergarten | Ages 4-6 | Monday-Friday | 8:30am to 3:15pm
*1pm Early Dismissal is available as well*

*For all Pre-K and Kindergarten Programs, AfterCare from 3:00pm - 5:00pm is available*

Financial Aid applications are live. If interested, please create an account and apply for Financial Aid here.

If you have any questions, please reach out to johnathon.paddock@newamsterdamchildhood.org.

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