
Benefits of a New York Education
Parents know that education plays a pivotal role in shaping the minds and lives of our children. New York is well-known for its excellent educational institutions, both public and private, offering a wealth of resources and opportunities to students at every level.
As parents, we are lucky to have access to cutting-edge academic programs and innovative teaching methods, from prestigious private schools to top-notch charter and public schools. Our kids benefit from exposure to groundbreaking research, state-of-the-art facilities, and extracurricular activities that nurture their passions and talents.
We broke down an easy go to outline on your educational options, check them out!
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Nursery, Daycares, and Preschools
When it comes to your child’s first school experience, which can start as early as a newborn, New York has the best early childcare choices for parents. From enrolling before the birth of your little one to being available on a schedule that supports your busy life, your family’s mental well-being, and your sense of community, there is truly an early education care option that will work within your budget and life.
Psst…check out NYC School Calendar 2023-2024: NYC DOE Calendar is now out!
New York Schools are Rich in Cultural Diversity
Bilingual education in New York offers numerous benefits to students. Bilingual education enhances cognitive abilities, such as problem-solving skills and critical thinking, as students are exposed to different language structures and cultural perspectives. New York is a diverse melting pot, and bilingual education fosters cross-cultural understanding, empathy, and tolerance, promoting social cohesion among students from various backgrounds.

Charter Schools
A charter school education benefits students, families, and the community through innovation, personalized learning, strong community connections, and increased educational opportunities for students. Charter schools provide a unique and creative educational experience. Many charter schools promote smaller classes, enabling more individualized attention and personalized student learning plans. This customized approach fosters academic growth and helps students reach their full potential. A huge plus- charter schools employ highly qualified and passionate educators committed to providing their students with a high-quality education.
Catholic Schools
Catholic school education provides a solid academic foundation, emphasizing discipline, critical thinking, and a rigorous curriculum. The commitment to academic excellence is coupled with a focus on moral and ethical values, instilling virtues such as compassion, integrity, and respect in students. Catholic schools often have smaller class sizes, allowing individualized attention and fostering a supportive learning environment. If you are looking for a strong school community, Catholic schools promote belonging and foster strong relationships among students, parents, and teachers. Integrating faith and spirituality in daily activities and teachings encourages students to understand their beliefs and values better.

High School
By the time your child is ready for High School, you have an idea of what sort of school will be a good fit for best them. High school students can attend one of the many public school offerings (via a lottery), a High School Charter School, a Catholic school, or private. New York high schools are so good they have more of a collegiate vibe, with many high school programs in New York often having access to internships, mentorship programs, and apprenticeships, enabling them to gain real-world experience and establish valuable connections early on.
When it comes to living in New York and your child’s education in vibrant and diverse New York, parents have endless opportunities and the privilege of mapping out their dream education plan from nursery school to high school. Visit newyorkfamily.com for our helpful guides and articles to support you in your child’s school journey.
Staten Island Education Listings
Academy of St. Dorothy
1305 Hylan Boulevard
719-351-0930
academyofstdorothy.org
Academy of St. Dorothy (ASD) is a private elementary school in Old Town with a focus on academic excellence through a nurturing, collaborative learning environment. ASD instills in students from Pre-K through Grade 8 the religious and moral values of a Catholic Christian environment – community, service, reverence and leadership. ASD offers instruction, activities and sports on its vast and easily accessible 13-acre campus. To learn more about ASD, visit www.academyofstdorothy.org.
Big Bird’s Playhouse
1859 Richmond Avenue
718-982-0550
Big Bird’s playhouse has been serving parents in Staten Island since 1991. Providing them with a safe environment where children feel loved, respected and safe. This is a place where they learn grow, building a foundation for their future. They believe children can learn from play, stories, arts and crafts at their daily centers. All of their staff is warm and caring to each child’s specific needs. Serving children from 3 months to 12 years old. Free PreK 3 and PreK 4. Extended hours available, Open from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm.
High Hopes Childcare and Preschool
1298 Woodrow Road
718-317-8143
facebook.com/HighHopesChildCare
High Hopes Childcare has offered quality childcare in a safe and loving environment since 1996. They are DOH licensed and have been collaborating with the DOE since the inception of UPK in 1996. The school offers programs for infants through age 5 and is open Monday-Friday, 7am-4:30pm.
Learn and Discover Playschool
ldplayschool.org
1368 Forest Avenue
347-699-0212
Learn and Discover Playschool, situated on Forest Avenue amidst popular shopping plazas, is an emerging premier preschool accessible via S48, S66, S57, SIM30, and SIM35 buses. Their state-of-the-art facility fosters curiosity and exploration, promoting exciting learning activities for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. With dedicated teachers following a Reggio-inspired, play- based curriculum, children are encouraged to take charge of their learning journey. The school offers an equipped outdoor playground, extending the classroom and promoting holistic development through creative play. Learn and Discover Playschool shines as a beacon of excellence in early childhood education.
Most Terrific Child
555 Tompkins Ave.
718-273-0334
At the Most Terrific Child Center, they believe that children learn best through exploration and hands on experiences. They acquire the ability to relate to the world around them through active engagement with their environment. There is a balance between indoor and outdoor time, active and quiet activities, and individual and group routines. Each child is treated with love and respect. They believe expressing oneself is a key value for all children.
St. Joseph Hill Academy
850 Hylan Blvd.
718-987-1187
St. Joseph Hill Academy Elementary school is a premier co-educational school. Students from Pre-K3 to 8th grade are nurtured in Catholic traditions and the students develop a lifelong love of learning. St Joseph Hill Academy is proud to be a PLTW Distinguished Gateway school.
Staten Island Academy
715 Todt Hill Road
718-303-7803
As the island’s longest-standing independent, coeducational college preparatory school, Staten Island Academy is distinguished by its student-centered approach to learning and teaching, in which every child is challenged to explore and excel to his or her highest ability. Included with tuition is 7AM to 7PM Extended Day. Full-day, 3-day or 5-day programs are offered beginning with Pre-K3 students. Distinguished Patrick Academic Resource Center staffed by Orton-Gillingham trained specialists. Need-based financial aid is available from Kindergarten.
Tiny Treasures University
396 Van Duzer Street
718-273-5157
Tiny Treasures Academy and University are a daycare, preschool, pre-kindergarten and wellness center with a twist on traditional ways of enhancing children’s development and supporting the modern-day parent. Both centers offer a holistic approach in body and mind to equip kids with a strong foundation. Custom schedules are available.