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Discover a school made just for young children ages 1-4 in the heart of Manhattan.

Meet UsOn Campus

A visit to Corlears is your best first step to learn about our school. We offer several ways to explore our vibrant, child-centered space throughout the year, including:

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Coffee with School Leadership

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Early Childhood Open Play

Welcome to Corlears

Nestled in the heart of Chelsea is Corlears, a uniquely accessible child-centered school where each young learner is treated as a true individual. For over 45 years, we’ve provided a joyful, inclusive and curiosity-led space for children during the crucial formative years of ages 1 through 4. 


Our mission: to build foundations of compassion, critical thinking, imagination and leadership and cultivate joy and confidence in learning that serves our graduates throughout their lives.

As NYC’s leading early childhood education experts, we know an interdisciplinary, values-driven curriculum — personally tailored and introduced at a young age through play — gives students the best framework for making sense of the world around them. 


Corlears graduates are lifelong learners who know how to ask profound questions, express unique ideas, think through multiple perspectives, and take responsibility within their communities. 

Our Difference In Action

The Most Important Part: A Strong Start

Our curriculum is crafted by Early Childhood educators with years of expertise in key developmental domains. Through sensory-rich activities, thoughtfully designed classrooms, and child-led exploration, our emergent curriculum fosters student inquiry while weaving in foundational skill building at every stage.

Little Kids Growing Big Values

Corlears is right-sized so each child may be personally known and nurtured in social and emotional learning, as well as academics. This personalized attention empowers them to grow in confidence through a sense of true belonging — and gives families peace of mind knowing their child is learning consistent core values in a safe, inclusive environment.

An Extraordinary Community

At Corlears, empathy and inclusion aren’t just a trend. They’re imperative and integral to our everyday lives. By exercising this commitment through programming and admissions practices — including our equitable tuition model —we’ve fostered an extraordinary community that comes together to celebrate our differences and diversity of thought.

Wraparound Care Program

We offer full-day options (8:00am–6:00pm) and year-round enrollment, led by caring educators who ensure continuity, stability, and a rich experience throughout the day and year.

START YOUR JOURNEY

INQUIRE NOW

Discover a school made just for young children ages 1-4 in the heart of Manhattan.

Programs Made Specifically For Young Children

Our core programs are developed by early childhood education experts and supported by flexible, age-appropriate schedules with extended day options and after school care.

AGE 12-24 MONTHS

TODDLER

Our youngest learners get a nurturing start through responsive, play-based learning that fosters independence, autonomy, joy and wonderment. 

AGE 2-3

NURSERY

Children enrolled in our Seedlings program develop a greater sense of self and others through a play-based curriculum that builds strong social-emotional and academic foundations.

AGE 4

PREK

Language, literacy, math, art, and science intersect with play and wonderment to create real-world learning experiences that prepare children for Kindergarten.

What Our Families Are Saying

"Our son has been a student at Corlears since the 2s program. We could not be happier at the education he's received and the unique perspective he's developed about the world. On  the academic side, Corlears has helped grow and nurture our son into a smart, well-balanced  and engaged kid. He's been academically challenged in a way that has brought out a passion for education and learning well beyond our expectations.”

CORLEARS PARENT

"Corlears is a warm, special environment that’s hard to find in type-A NYC. If you want a kid who feels happy and secure and confident, then this is the school for you."

JULIE S.

“Our children are thrilled to go to school every day, and they are learning and growing so much! It is amazing how well the school balances academic rigor with a progressive method of teaching to ensure the kids all love learning and therefore are even more likely to achieve academic success. The faculty are gifted and incredibly invested in all of the children/families.”

CORLEARS PARENT

"Strong community, small school, unpretentious environment, great teachers, and instills a joy for learning and entering the building each and every day." 

LINDSAY M.

"Absolutely loving the fit between the school’s values and our family. Our kiddo is being met and challenged at appropriate levels for who she is at her age."

DAVID I.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Corlears’ approach to academic rigor?

Our real-world, interdisciplinary curriculum integrates years of leading early childhood education research to deliver an academic program that’s as engaging as it is powerful. Math, science, writing, social justice, social studies, Spanish, art, music, technology and physical education are incorporated into every child’s course of study at every age. Our small size enables us to tailor lessons to each child’s particular strengths and needs so no one gets left behind!

How much does a Corlears education cost?

In 2022-23, we introduced the Tuition Equity and Accessibility Model (TEAM) to help ensure tuition is fair and accessible. This model determines an equitable tuition level for all of our families. Put another way, each family pays what they are able to afford. It’s just one way we remove barriers to entry for the diverse community of young children in New York.

Do you offer extended day care?

We are proud to support families through flexible, age-appropriate scheduling. You can choose either a three-day or five-day school week, and you may extend from three to five days as the school year progresses. Core programs run during the mornings, and we offer an Early Birds program for PreK students starting at 8:00 a.m. All families may access our extended-day option until 3:00 p.m. and after-school care until 6:00 p.m. through Corlears Plus.

START YOUR JOURNEY

Discover a school made just for young children ages 1-4 in the heart of Manhattan.

INQUIRE NOW

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