First Presbyterian Church Nursery School
12 W. 12th St.
New York, NY 10011 (map)
Phone: (212)691-3432
ellen.ziman@fpcns.org
www.fpcns.org
Founded in 1952, FPCNS is a neighborhood school welcoming children of all races, religions, abilities, cultures, economic backgrounds and family configurations. Its program is nonsectarian. The curriculum encourages children to explore materials and relationships, and express ideas and feelings, while building skills. The program includes art, music, movement, woodworking, blocks, books, manipulatives, sensory materials, plants and animals, cooking and dramatic play. Large bright classrooms with tall windows overlook trees and gardens. The fenced-in rooftop playground features riding toys, big blocks and climbing equipment. There is space for movement classes and indoor play on rainy days. Each class has three teachers, including a licensed head teacher, two assistant teachers, or an assistant and an aide. Teachers are chosen for their creativity as well as their knowledge, warmth and sensitivity to children. There are specialists for music, movement and studio. Parent involvement includes parent education programs, social and fund-raising events, the maintenance of an active lending library, class trips and special classroom projects.