Consult our guide to find schools and education programs in Westchester, whether it be preschools, private schools, public schools, tutors, teachers, educational programs or learning programs for Westchester kids.
Educational Services
BELLE SCHOOL OF MUSIC
1088 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale
283 Tarrytown Road, White Plains
1537 Central Park Ave., Yonkers
914-961-5511
Established in 1983, the Belle School of Music, “Where Learning Is Fun!,” takes pride in the high standards it sets while providing a comprehensive musical education. The school has developed a unique, effective, enjoyable way of teaching children ages 2 years and older, and adults. Under the supervision of highly qualified, dedicated performers and teachers, the child you love will learn to play musical instruments, developing an appreciation and love for music that will last a lifetime. Bring out your child’s musical talent! Call to schedule a FREE introductory lesson and consultation.
THE CENTER FOR LITERACY ENRICHMENT AT PACE UNIVERSITY
78 N. Broadway, White Plains
914-422-4135
Email mdelany@pace.edu
The Center for Literacy Enrichment offers tutoring in reading and writing to children age 5 to 8th Grade. Three programs are offered during the year: a Monday-Friday morning program for 5-year-olds; an afterschool program for elementary and middle school students every day after school and on Saturday morning; and a summer program during the month of July from 9am-3pm for elementary and middle school students.
THE CHILDREN'S JEWISH EDUCATION GROUP
914-864-1267
Do you want a Jewish education for your child, without joining a synagogue? CJEG is a community-based school that emphasizes Jewish cultural studies, including Jewish tradition, history, and holidays, for children in grades K–7. We offer a professional teaching staff supported by a parent co-op administration. Private or group Bar/Bat Mitzvah lessons are also available. Classes are held Sunday mornings at the SUNY Purchase campus. For more information, please visit our website, cjeg.org.
CONFIDENT KID CLUB
At Huguenot Memorial Church 901 Pelhamdale Ave., Pelham
914-523-2328
Confident Kid Club is an educational program, offering social skills groups for children ages 3-8 years in Pelham. Facilitators, Katharine Page and Carmella Crowley are certified special education teachers, with over 20 years teaching experience. This multi-sensory program allows children to participate in activities to enhance social/emotional concepts. Play/language skills are developed through art, music and games. Program includes weekly parent handouts, individual conferences, and additional resources for parents. We collaborate with classroom teachers and related service providers, and offer workshops for teachers, private SEIT, and teacher consultant services.
CRESTWOOD MUSIC EDUCATION CENTER
453 White Plains Road, Eastchester
914-961-3497
In our new, beautifully renovated and expanded facility, we offer private music lessons for students of all ages and levels. Our world-class faculty gives instructions in piano, guitar, voice, string, woodwind, and brass instruments, as well as drums and percussions. We have outstanding programs in both Suzuki violin and piano, as well as jazz lessons with top artists in piano, guitar, bass, drum, and woodwind instruments. In addition, chamber music and jazz ensembles are available. Professional musical soirees are offered every weekend to the public. We rent and repair instruments.
DICKER READING METHOD
75 Brook St., Scarsdale
914-472-0600
Our revolutionary reading program will teach any child to read, even children diagnosed as learning disabled, dyslexic, or with ADD or ADHD. Whether your child is reading above, below, or at grade level, he or she will accomplish 3–6 years of reading achievement in just one year. Parents will see immediate improvement in reading achievement, comprehension, and vocabulary development. Over 10,000 children, from pre-school to 12th grade, have accomplished these remarkable results. Your child's grades, confidence, and self-esteem will soar as they learn to love reading and school.
DIGITAL ARTS PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAM AT THE WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE CENTER FOR THE DIGITAL ARTS
27 N. Division St., Peekskill
914-606-7300
Every summer the Center for the Digital Arts, Peekskill Extension opens its post-production studios to students 7-17 years of age for arts technology programming. Have your child experience constructing 2D and 3D animation, interactive designs, games, digital films, paintings, and drawings. The Center offers three course modules per day to accommodate working families, from 9:30am to 5:30pm. This year’s program spans from July 8-August 1, 2013. Please see our website sunywcc.edu/peekskill for more information. Call us at 914-606-7300.
LINGUA-GENIUS LANGUAGE STUDIOS
501 E. Boston Post Road, 2nd Floor, Mamaroneck
914-630-7705
Our foreign language programs cater to children between the ages of 6 months and 14 years. Each program is grouped according to the language abilities of the new language learner. We give children the opportunity to progress and learn at their own pace, while simulating the language experience. All our programs are taught in the target languages of Mandarin, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, or German. We offer mommy & me, daddy & me, formal and recreational programs, after-school chess, and private tutoring for children and adults.
MUSIC CONSERVATORY OF WESTCHESTER
216 Central Park Ave., White Plains
914-761-3900
Enroll for spring and summer now! Music Conservatory of Westchester provides high quality instruction in all instruments, and voice for students of all ages and abilities. In addition, MCW offers chamber music and ensembles, classes in music theory (including AP theory), musical theatre, jazz, rock, and pop. The Music Therapy Institute serves children and adults on campus and in partnerships throughout Westchester. Our programs and collaborations cultivate lifelong learning and a sense of community through the joy of music making. View our 2012-13 catalog online.
PRE-SCHOOL READING PROGRAM BY THE DICKER READING METHOD
75 Brook St., Scarsdale
914-472-0600
Your 3-, 4-, or 5-year-old child will learn 15 to 30 words in their first session. Then they will learn to read their first book fluently. Every two months, your preschooler or kindergartner will achieve one year of reading enrichment. Their self-esteem will soar as they develop a love for reading and school. It’s easy, fun, and life's most exciting game.
PRIVATE TUTOR HQ(TM)
914-4A-Tutor
Private Tutor HQ™ is the Headquarters for Lifelong Learners & Teachers™ through its Directory, Lab, and Foundation. Guests can freely search the Directory for Members who offer Pre-K through Adult services in various disciplines, throughout Westchester and beyond. Guests may also book time in small classes hosted by Members at various Lab locations. Volunteers, activists, and fundraisers are always welcome and needed at the Foundation, a 501(c)(3) Public Charity. Private Tutor HQ™ is family owned and operated, and is based in White Plains, NY.
SOCIABLE KIDZ®
1600 Harrison Ave., Suite 105, Mamaroneck
914-502-3295
Sociable Kidz® provides social skills groups for children ages 4-15. The small groups ensure that your child receives individualized attention including problem-solving, sharing, taking turns, coping mechanisms, anti-bullying techniques, etc., using hands-on activities, games, role playing, and social stories. We offer other classes focusing on socials skills: Table Tennis, Board Games, School Fun Club, Recess Club to the Rescue, and a Teen Class.
TUTORING CLUB
475 Main St., Armonk
914-273-2353
Email armonkny@tutoringclub.com
Tutoring Club offers comprehensive academic services, from skill building to subject tutoring, college prep, and college consulting. They provide an individual curriculum for each student after administering an assessment. This assessment isolates the specific academic areas that need to be mastered. The student then works on his or her area of need, which speeds up the learning process. Tutoring Club tutors in all subjects, from Kindergarten through early college. Start off the school year with the right academic support for your son or daughter.
Parochial Schools
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION SCHOOL
53 Winter Hill Road, Tuckahoe
914-961-3785
Immaculate Conception School is a Pre-Kindergarten through 8th Grade Catholic elementary school. Our students enjoy an innovative technology lab with Apple MacBooks, cameras, and video equipment, interactive Smart and Promethean Boards in every classroom, departmental middle school, hands-on learning at every level, and Catholic Faith Formation. Extended day programs include early drop-off, after-care until 6pm, and a variety of after-school sports and clubs. Construction on our new gymnasium has begun. The school is accredited by the Archdiocese of New York, NYS Department of Education, and AdvancED Accreditation Commission.
OUR LADY OF FATIMA SCHOOL
963 Scarsdale Road, Scarsdale
914-723-0460
Our Lady of Fatima School is a child-centered, value-oriented, co-educational Catholic school for Pre-Kindergarten through 8th Grade. As an AdvancED accredited school, we strive to make lifelong learners of all our students, and help develop the skills of inquiry, creative thinking, and problem solving. Our Lady of Fatima aims to meet the needs of all students, while maintaining a strong academic emphasis, as demonstrated by the school’s consistent accomplishment in standardized tests. The Catholic faith is at the core of each curriculum setting. Our school follows NYS and Archdiocesan curriculum guidelines.
Preschools
THE EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
250 Bryant Ave., White Plains
914-949-4187
Now in its 53rd year, The Early Childhood Center is a NYS-licensed and NAEYC-accredited preschool for children ages 21 mos.-5 years. We encourage our children to grow to their fullest potential by providing developmentally appropriate play experiences which support the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of each child. Our threes and fours have the option of staying until 3pm as part of our Creative Kids program.
HUDSON COUNTRY MONTESSORI SCHOOL
340 Quaker Ridge Road, New Rochelle
914-636-6202
Email info@hudsoncountry.org
Hudson Country Montessori School promotes the problem solving skills that educators and business leaders emphasize for 21st-century success. Here, education is a joyful experience of discovery, self-directed learning, and collaboration. Students are exposed to physical and mental order, numerous hands-on learning opportunities with purposefully designed materials, and engage in a framework in which intellectual and social discipline goes hand in hand. Programs are available for children from 15 months through 8th grade with extended hours available, from 7:30am to 6pm.
JCC OF HARRISON
130 Union Ave., Harrison
914-835-2850 x109
The Early Childhood Center of the JCC of Harrison is dedicated to enriching the lives of young children emotionally, socially, intellectually, physically, and spiritually. The 2’s program supports gradual separation of child from parent/caregiver. Three- and 4-year-olds explore an environment rich in materials that promotes developmental skills. Structured activities and unstructured play are offered under the guidance of warm, caring, professionally trained teachers. Morning programs, afternoon enrichment programs, a young 5’s “gap year” program, and summer programs are offered.
MOHAWK COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
200 Old Tarrytown Road, White Plains
914-949-2635
The Mohawk Country Day School has been providing young children with a gentle, highly enriched education for over 75 years. On the lush 40-acre Mohawk Day Camp site, we combine a strong, age-appropriate readiness curriculum with visits to our farm, playgrounds, and bicycle center. Activities include a daily music program, creative arts, physical education, computer and language classes, as well as tree-tapping, apple-picking and hayrides. For more information, please call Barbara Schainman or Carole Bouchier.
ST. JAMES THE LESS NURSERY SCHOOL
Crane Road at Church Lane, Scarsdale
914-723-1018
St. James the Less Nursery School was established over 40 years ago and serves the central Westchester area's 2-,-3- and 4 year olds in an environment which honors all religious traditions in the context of a Church day school. Our early childhood program offers children an environment rich in developing self-help skills, language, pre-math, pre-writing, art and music enrichment. Our classroom environments are bright and spacious. We have two age-appropriate playgrounds, with a bike track and newly renovated equipment. We emphasize the uniqueness of each child, while fostering cooperative learning, respect, and responsibility.
WESTCHESTER REFORM TEMPLE EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
225 Mamaroneck Road, Scarsdale
914-723-5493
Email sue.tolchin@wrtemple.org
The Early Childhood Center (ECC) of Westchester Reform Temple is dedicated to enriching young children’s lives spiritually, emotionally, socially, intellectually, and physically. We are committed to an early childhood setting that is respectful of people and materials, steeped in creativity, and encourages an active curiosity about the world in which we live. Extended-Day lunches/classes offered for 3s and 4s. Soccer, Cooking, Science, and more! In partnership with parents, our objective is to provide a love for learning and Jewish family life. WRTECC is licensed by New York State’s Office of Children and Family Services.
Private Schools
BLUE ROCK SCHOOL
110 Demarest Mill Road, West Nyack
845-627-0234
Blue Rock School is a progressive day school that serves students in Kindergarten through 8th grade, and offers a unique educational experience based on a hands-on approach that nurtures children's innate love of learning, enables them to follow their own natural curiosity, and develop as independent thinkers. At Blue Rock, class sizes are small and students engage in a challenging and creative academic curriculum which is fully integrated with the arts, nature, and play. Open House dates: January 26 and March 9 at 10am. Registration required.
FRENCH-AMERICAN SCHOOL OF NEW YORK (FASNY)
Campuses in Scarsdale, Larchmont, and Mamaroneck,
914-250-0000
Nursery to Grade 1: Scarsdale Campus, 85 Palmer Ave, Scarsdale
Lower School: Larchmont Campus, 111 Larchmont Ave., Larchmont
Upper School: Mamaroneck Campus, 145 New St., Mamaroneck
Email admissions@fasny.org
Bilingualism is at the core of the FASNY experience. The French-American School of New York (FASNY), a coeducational day school for children, Nursery through Grade 12, offers a dual curriculum in French and English, combining the greatest strengths of both the French system and the best US independent schools. Students are graduated with the French Baccalaureate and a FASNY high school diploma. Give your child the ability to play, write, read, sing, act, formulate concepts, raise questions, and make friends in two languages!
FUSION ACADEMY & LEARNING CENTER
Fusion Academy & Learning Center is a non-traditional, college-prep private school for grades 6-12 that offers the smallest class sizes: just one student and one teacher per classroom. Flexible scheduling and customization are key elements of our academy and tutoring programs. Classes are self-paced and taught with consideration for each student’s individual interests, emotional health, and learning style. Each campus is also equipped with a state-of-the-art recording studio and a full mixed-media art studio, and students complete their homework under teacher supervision in the Homework Café® before they leave. Learn more at fusionacademy.com.
THE GODDARD SCHOOL
62 Triangle Center, Yorktown Heights
914-245-2864
1 Jackson Ave., Hastings-on-Hudson
914-478-1390
The Goddard School® teachers nurture the healthy development of children from six weeks to six years old, and encourage each child’s lifelong love of learning. The Goddard School offers families the benefit of on-site owners and education directors who provide dependable management and open communication. Corporate Quality Assurance, accredited professional development, and an individualized program for each child are just a few of the ways that Goddard is defining childcare.
GREEN MEADOW WALDORF SCHOOL
307 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge
845-356-9715
Green Meadow Waldorf School in Chestnut Ridge (in Rockland County, just over the Tappan Zee Bridge) offers Parent & Child classes for babies and toddlers up to age 3, serves children from Nursery-12th grade, and also runs a popular Farm Days summer program. Founded in 1950, we are one of the oldest, largest Waldorf schools in the US, with about 350 students. Green Meadow students go on to top colleges, fulfilling careers, and are known for their resilience and creativity. Visit gmws.org to learn more about Waldorf Education, and see how we are transforming education.
THE MILESTONE SCHOOL
70 W. Broad St, Fleetwood
914-667-3478
70 W. Broad St., Fleetwood
Founded in 1979 on the premise that "the first years of a child's education are the most important," The Milestone School is an independent, non-sectarian Nursery through 4th-grade school. Celebration 32 years of excellence, our unique, stimulating academic environment emphasizing "Early Reading" prepares students to continue on to top private schools in Westchester and NYC. Emphasizing the basics, our curriculum allows our children to explore many areas including music, Spanish, yoga, and drama. Milestone provides the enriching, nurturing experience every child needs and deserves to succeed.
THE MEAD SCHOOL
1095 Riverbank Road, Stamford
203-595-9500
Founded in 1969, The Mead School is Fairfield County’s premiere progressive school serving children from 2 years old through 8th grade, as well as a full-day Child Care Program. The school exists to nurture in each child the power to create a personally meaningful life. Ideas and discoveries are embraced in an empowering community that celebrates excellence and effort. A vibrant arts environment encourages expression in all learning. The school gives children a chance to be learners, communicators, and leaders within the academic and social environs of the school.
THORNTON-DONOVAN SCHOOL
100 Overlook Circle, New Rochelle
914-632-8836
Thornton-Donovan School 100 Overlook Circle, New Rochelle 914-632-8836 td.edu Thornton-Donovan School was founded in 1901 in the Beechmont section of New Rochelle. T-D is an independent and international K-12 co-ed school that attracts students from 40 different countries, and teaches six world languages. The 2012 graduating class of 20 amassed $750,000 in academic awards and scholarships, with early admission to Barnard and a full scholarship to Case Western Reserve. T-D has pioneered international and thematic education for decades, recently focusing on Italy, Argentina, and Alaska. Call or visit td.edu online to learn about its 40 sister schools worldwide.
Special Education
BRAIN BALANCE ACHIEVEMENT CENTER OF NORWALK
15 Cross St., Norwalk
203-286-7428
Email mgoldenberg@brainbalancecenters.com
Don’t compensate for your kids’ challenges by addressing the symptoms; conquer them by addressing the cause. At the Brain Balance Achievement Center, we tackle your child’s learning, behavioral, or developmental challenge head on, by addressing the core issues at the most fundamental level. The program is a ground-breaking, drug-free approach that integrates physical and cognitive activities combined with dietary changes, all aimed to address the underlying cause, not just the symptoms. The Brain Balance Center works with families affected by ADHD, learning disabilities, dyslexia, spectrum disorders, and the like.
NYU SUMMER PROGRAM FOR KIDS
The College of New Rochelle, New Rochelle
212-263-0760/516-358-1811
A seven-week, evidence-based, therapeutic day program exclusively for children ages 7-11 with ADHD and behavior disorders. Focus of program is to build self-esteem and help children develop attentional, organizational, and friendship skills. Clinical psychologists and qualified teachers supervise undergraduate and graduate-level counselors. Staff/child ratio is 1:1 to 2. The program is directed by Dr. Karen Fleiss, a nationally renowned clinical psychologist and expert in the treatment of children with ADHD. Enrollment is limited.
