The Riverside Church Weekday School

From the moment I toured the Weekday School and saw its beautiful and light-filled classrooms, I knew I found the perfect place for my son to have his first classroom experience. Since he started in September, we have felt welcomed by the parent community, seen him grow in so many ways (from social skills to vocabulary), and been amazed by the generous and caring teachers he spends the day with. I can't recommend the Weekday School enough. He loves all of the art, music, and dance they engage in and the play-based curriculum offers him the opportunity to fall in love with learning. The school has two spacious outdoor spaces that are used throughout the day. One of the best parts of Weekday is also the flexibility they offer--students can attend 2, 3, or 5 days and there are three pick up times, which makes this school a true gem for working parents.

My son is in his second year at the Weekday School. He has really blossomed at the school, and the Weekday community has grown to be a big part of all of our lives. The kids have lots of time for play, both in the sunny classrooms with views of the river, and in their two outdoor playgrounds and indoor gym. Although the school is play-based, they also do a lot of learning through play! I've been amazed at how my son's writing ability has grown this year. The specials (library, art, music, and dance) are also a real highlight of the Weekday School. My son has been bringing home amazing art projects, and showing us the songs and dances that he learned at school. Most importantly, the teachers are so experienced and caring. They really get to know each child as an individual, and my son has bonded very strongly with his teachers. Ms. Daina, the director, is incredibly warm, dedicated, and accessible. She knows all the children, is involved on a day-to-day level, and provides a lot of guidance for the kindergarten application process. We have had a wonderful experience with the Weekday School. It is a magical place for children!

My daughter has attended Weekday for 2 years. This is an incredible school with amazing faculty and a nurturing environment. The community is so supportive and positive. The students learn how to be good stewards of the community and the earth. They volunteer in Riverside Church’s food pantry. They take nature walks outside. They are being raised to care for each other and the environment. The children learn so much every day, but in a low key and age appropriate play-based manner. All the teachers have masters degrees in education. The rooms are beautiful with lots of light and river views. There is a focus on free play, music, art, dance, and recess. And there are no screens, which is the best for child development. In short, this preschool checks all of the boxes and excels in every area.

Our family feels incredibly fortunate to have found the Riverside Church Weekday School for our son. It is truly a gem of early childhood education in Harlem. The strength of the community here is unparalleled. Many of the educators have been with the school for decades, some even having attended as children themselves, along with their own children. This deep-rooted legacy speaks volumes about the culture, care, and commitment that define the Weekday School. The learning environment is just as exceptional—spacious, bright, and filled with classrooms that overlook the river. It’s a space where children are encouraged to explore, grow, and thrive. For our family, the most meaningful aspect has been the genuine care and attention our son receives. His teachers truly know him, see him, and nurture his development in ways that inspire confidence and gratitude. The play-based approach to learning has created a strong foundation for his growth and has prepared him beautifully for the next step in his educational journey. When it comes time to move on, we will leave knowing he is ready for kindergarten, thanks to the thoughtful and enriching experience at the Weekday School. We wholeheartedly recommend the Riverside Church Weekday School to families seeking a warm, sincere community, a beautiful learning space, and an approach to education that prioritizes growth, discovery, and the joy of childhood.

So happy we had our older child at Weekday - so much time and care was put info his individualized growth. The “specials” (music, dance, art) are wonderful. The classroom spaces are beautiful and full of amazing things to explore and having dedicated outdoor play spaces is a real treat being in NYC. Our child was accepted to a top public kindergarten and was well prepared due to the support given to him in the classroom as well as given to our whole family by the deeply caring faculty and staff.