Language & literacy
Introduction to phonics, capital and lowercase letters and pre-reading. Introduction to basic Spanish words.
Introduce Early Childhood Education in our Learning Pods
Our small group learning pods offer a transition into early education and proven curriculum, led by certified teachers.
Instill an early love of learning!
Prepare your young child for their full-time schoolwork by introducing them to the concept of preschool through our engaging Learning Pods! Playgarden Prep Learning Pods are for children ages 2-4; Pods will familiarize them with group-based schooling, while providing an enriching curriculum that puts them ahead in their future classes!
Complementary Learning with Afterschool Pods
Prepare your young child for their full-time schoolwork by introducing them to the concept of preschool through our engaging Learning Pods! Playgarden Prep Learning Pods are for children ages 2-4; Pods will familiarize them with group-based schooling, while providing an enriching curriculum that puts them ahead in their future classes!
Playgarden Prep Learning Pods can complement your current school or childcare program, by focusing on the areas that little ones ages 4 to 7 need most to succeed at school and in life!
Homework Help with Playgarden Prep Teachers
Ease your little one into a homework routine with the support of a certified teacher to answer questions, give guidance, and provide strategies that help every student to become a confident, problem-solving, and resilient learner.
Playgarden Prep’s teachers make learning fun! We believe that every student can become a self-assured, lifelong learner.
Our Learning Pods are made up of 90-minute drop-off classes, offered 1 - 4 days per week.. The Early Learning Pods are designed for preschool ages (2-4 years), while the Afterschool Pods are designed for Pre-K, Kindergarten, or First grade students. All pods have a maximum capacity of eight students, to make sure that your child receives plenty of direct attention from their teacher!
The curriculum for each Learning Pod is based on our Preschool and Pre-K programs, which combine the time-tested Montessori methods with the age-appropriate curriculum, as well as the latest educational tools from Early Childhood Education experts. Each pod is designed to introduce young students to the major subjects that they will learn in school—Language, Literacy & Phonics, Math, Science, Geography, and more. Additional emphasis is placed on Creative Arts, Music, Movement, Sensory, and other important developmental subjects. Our teachers are also sure to incorporate plenty of hands-on learning activities!
Playgarden Prep Learning Pods are the best way to instill an early love of learning while working on socialization skills, as well as the ability to adapt to a formal classroom environment.
Locations and Programs
We have Manhattan locations in PARK AVENUE, UES MADISON and TRIBECA, with Learning Pods running 3-4:30PM for 1-4 days per week, varying by location.
Preschool: Monday to Friday 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Pre-K Program: Monday to Friday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Extended Day: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Full Day: Until 3:00pm
Full Day + Afterschool Club: Until 4:30pm
3 to 5 day programs, which vary by location.
Our Curriculum
Preschool and Pre-K are essential for developing pre-literacy and pre-numeracy skills, as well as for cognitive, physical, and social-emotional development. At Playgarden, we introduce the following skills and more:
Our Curriculum
Math
Focus on number recognition, counting and early addition. Introduces shapes, patterns and geometry to develop spatial awareness.
Science & Sensory
Sensory table activities explore sand, rocks, water, soil and other textural elements. Introduction to the scientific method, color mixing, seed to plant and basic experiments.
Art
Projects introduce a variety of mediums, styles and artists. Introduction to holding a stylus, stamping, clay, gluing and paint.
Music
Focus on a new genre of music and introduces a new instrument each month. JAZZ-SOUL-CLASSICAL-REGGAE-POP-BLUEGRASS
Movement
Physical education includes yoga, dance, obstacle courses and basic sports fundamentals. SOCCER-BASEBALL-LACROSSE-DODGEBALL-VOLLEYBALL
Nutrition
Weekly food tastings and vegan baking projects. Introduction to mindful eating, setting the table, food preparation, and food groups.
Motor Skills
Children practice letter tracing for Fine Motor and letter construction with educational tools for Gross Motor, among many activities to build coordination and motor skills.
Playgarden Prep welcomes students 18 months to 4 years and offers both 4-day and 5-day enrollment. Our certified teachers are experts in introducing first separation and success in a formal classroom environment!
Students thrive in our carefully designed classrooms, which provide developmentally appropriate materials to encourage each learning style. We use a combination of proven and custom learning tools/materials to connect with our youngest students. Our mission is for children to gain independence in an educational community aimed to build a foundation for successful future learning.
OUR COMMUNITY
See what others have to say!
I have had two children graduate from Playgarden. They both became confident and independent children with a great love for learning. The teachers at Playgarden are unparalleled, teaching early literacy skills and science alongside all of the social-emotional skills early learners need. I have yet to come across a school environment that is as purposeful and communicative.
2026–2027
Sept
School begins
Still have questions? We are here to help!
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SCHOOL HOURS
Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
PLAYGROUND HOURS
7 days per week, 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
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SCHOOL HOURS
Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
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SCHOOL HOURS
Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
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SCHOOL HOURS
Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
