Family Annex Nursery School

Our child has absolutely thrived at The Family Annex! She’s learned so much, made wonderful friends, and wakes up excited to go to school every Monday (a miracle given our daughter’s fierce 2.5 year old disposition!). The teachers are deeply caring, responsive, and truly get to know each child—using mini family photo albums to help the children transition into their classroom and even learning key words and phrases from families who speak other languages at home to help every child feel comfortable and confident.

The children enjoy lots of outdoor play every day and rich arts and music experiences that truly spark curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning. It’s a warm, engaged community with active parent involvement and a thoughtful, child-centered approach inspired by Reggio Emilia. If you’re looking for a nurturing, creative early childhood program, we can’t recommend Family Annex enough!

Family Annex is an incredible school. Our child has thrived there. Someone once described it to me as "a big hug" and I could not agree more. The teachers and administrators are so warm and knowledgeable. They follow the Reggio Emilia approach to early education. Children are active participants in their learning. Teachers build on their interests and utilize daily experiences as learning opportunities. The children get to do so much art, its amazing! Family Annex also does a great job building community by welcoming the whole family into the classroom through weekly family visits. One of my favorite parts is that the kids get outside every day, regardless of weather (unless it is very extreme). Family Annex is a truly exceptional school.

Family Annex has provided a warm, welcoming and stimulating place for our toddler. His teachers shower him with love and support, even during his most challenging moments. Guided by Nancy, the school Director, they have helped us solidify the home-school connection so that he is able to thrive in both environments. It is truly a special place and we couldn't be happier!

Family Annex is a wonderful preschool with very special teachers. Our daughter loves going to school. We are delighted to see her grow and blossom into a caring and loving person with many thanks to Family Annex.

The Family Annex is a very special place for early childhood education. I appreciate the Reggio Emilia approach, which views the child as a researcher and encourages children to explore, ask questions and engage with the world around them. My children have become voracious learners through this process. The emerging curriculum evolves from the students' interests and their natural curiosities. My two sons have had truly unique experiences in their classrooms ranging from the study of Harlem, gardening, visiting farmer's markets, making tea, etc. Aside from the pedagogy, the school also focuses on the child's social emotional development and what it means to be a member of a community. The teachers in all of the classrooms have been amazing; they are kind, encouraging and motivating. Each day the teachers send parents/caregivers a journal depicting the day's explorations. I absolutely love the daily journals --it's always the best part of my day!

An added bonus is the fact that the school is open for 11 months and has great hours (8:00 am - 5:45 pm)! The tuition is also a great deal compared to other child care centers in the Columbia University area.