NYC's First Montessori Preschool
Located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, The Caedmon School is the first Montessori school established in New York City, and the second in the nation. Caedmon has over sixty years of experience curating creative, Montessori-inspired environments and experiences that encourage independence and instill confidence. Our approach to education has a reputation for academic excellence, and Caedmon grads go on to enroll in top schools within and around New York City.
Preschool at Caedmon is for children 20 months through 4.9 years old and combines the Montessori method of education with other early childhood developmental techniques to foster confidence, creativity, and independence. Preschool is divided into two classrooms at Caedmon: the Beginners Program and the Early Program.
The Beginners Program at Caedmon is preschool for children who are twenty months through two years, eight months old. In small classes with 4:1 student-teacher ratio, teachers provide the special attention that children of this age need to prepare for their subsequent move to the Early Program.
The Early Program at The Caedmon School is a two-year preschool program for children between two years, nine months through four years, nine months old with a 7.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Montessori materials, which address cognitive and sensory-motor development, are enhanced by more play-based activities to encourage social, creative, and emotional growth, preparing children for entering Kindergarten.
Not at all. While the classroom environment remains consistent, your child’s role, confidence, and academic depth evolve significantly over the two-year cycle.
At Caedmon, our mixed-age Montessori classroom is intentionally designed to support long-term growth. Children don’t repeat a year, they experience a powerful progression from foundational learning to mastery and leadership.
A two-year cycle is a cornerstone of Montessori education. It allows children the time and consistency they need to fully develop academically, socially, and emotionally.
Key benefits include:
Maria Montessori observed that children thrive in environments that mirror real life — not same-age groupings, but dynamic communities. Mixed-age classrooms create opportunities for children to be learners, leaders, observers, and mentors throughout their journey.
In the first year, children are immersed in building essential skills and confidence.
Focus: Confidence and foundational skill development
What children experience:
This year is about discovery, curiosity, and building a strong academic and social foundation.
In the second year, children step into leadership roles while deepening their academic skills.
Focus: Mastery, leadership, and readiness
What children experience:
The second year is often transformative. Students grow into confident, independent learners who take ownership of their education.
| Year One | Year Two |
|---|---|
| Learning routines | Leading routines |
| Building independence | Demonstrating initiative |
| Exploring foundational materials | Mastering and extending materials |
| Developing concentration | Sustaining complex work cycles |
| Learning from older peers | Cementing learning through mentoring |
By the end of the two-year cycle, children emerge as:
At Caedmon, the mixed-age classroom is a thoughtfully designed journey. Over two years, children don’t just grow academically; they develop confidence, leadership, and a lifelong love of learning.
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At The Caedmon School, our specialist classes are thoughtfully designed to support each stage of early childhood development. For our two- and three-year-old students, offerings include Music, Movement & Mindfulness, and Courtyard, fostering creativity, self-awareness, and exploration. As students progress to the Early Program Four, they engage in a broader range of disciplines, including STEAM, Art, Music, Movement, Mindfulness, and Courtyard.
Each class is led by dedicated specialists who are experts in their fields, ensuring that students benefit from high-quality, engaging instruction that nurtures curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.
We encourage you and your child to try a complimentary sample class to experience our classroom and meet our Caedmon teachers. You can also join us for an Early Childhood Tour: Beginners & Early Program, weekday mornings at 9:00 AM.
Tel: +1 212-879-2296
416 E. 80th Street,
New York, NY 10075
Get Directions
Tel: +1 212-879-2296
416 E. 80th Street,
New York, NY 10075
Get Directions
