A More Valuable Pre-K Year
Now Enrolling for Fall 2026 – Limited openings for 4-year-olds
Suburban Essex Best of Essex 2025
Silver Winner
Suburban Essex Best of Essex 2024
Gold Winner
Why Pre-K at Park Street Academy?
One of the most meaningful years of early education.
At Park Street Academy in Montclair, NJ, the Pre-K year is a thoughtfully designed balance of academics, creativity, and unstructured play—helping children build confidence, independence, and a clear path into kindergarten.
Is This the Right Fit for Your Family?
Our Pre-K program is for families looking for...
A Montclair preschool with no residency requirement – All are welcome here
- A curriculum specifically designed for 4-year-old children, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach
- Strong kindergarten preparation in a warm and loving environment
- Flexible schedules with an excellent full-day enrichment program
- The option for an additional year in our Transitional Kindergarten program
- Guaranteed placement in our summer camp (including swimming lessons)
- A Montclair preschool with no residency requirement
- A more personalized experience during this important year, with open communication
The Park Street Difference
Three teachers in every classroom.
While larger programs may have one teacher and one assistant, our classrooms are supported by three professional team teachers per class, providing an exceptional teacher-to-student ratio. This allows for:
- Small group learning
- Individual attention
- One-on-one support
- Strong relationships
A balanced, thoughtful approach
Strong academics, hands-on exploration, real childhood.
Our program combines strong early academics with creativity, movement, and meaningful play. Throughout the day, students experience:
- Whole and small group instruction in literacy and math
- Hands-on science and STEM
- Social studies, art, and thematic learning
- Fine Arts with a Spring Art Show
- Spanish and music classes
- Outdoor play and movement breaks
- Imaginative play and free exploration
Learning is reinforced through hands-on experiences, special visitors, and engaging thematic units, including community helpers, environmental conservation, local history, and cultural diversity.
See how this looks in a real classroom
A Proven Literacy Foundation
Wilson Fundations – a head start on reading.
One of the ways our Pre-K program stands apart is our use of Wilson Fundations, a multisensory early literacy program that introduces:
- Letter formation
- Letter-sound connections
- Early sight words
- Pre-writing and handwriting skills
Through engaging, hands-on activities, children build a strong foundation for reading and writing in a way that is both developmentally appropriate and fun.
Building Confidence Beyond the Classroom
Ready for kindergarten – and excited for it.
Children develop:
- independence in daily routines
- the ability to express their needs clearly
- confidence participating in group settings
In a supportive environment, students are encouraged to take risks, express themselves, and given space to grow at their own pace.
Flexible Scheduling that Works for Families
A schedule that fits real family life.
Core Pre-K program: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM with options for before and after care .
Full Plus Program: schedule flexibility between 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM. Includes exciting afternoon enrichment and our outstanding summer camp with swim lessons.
Afternoon Enrichment Clubs
Each day offers something different.
Each day offers something different:
- Book Crew – building a love of reading through stories and activities
- Yoga – movement and mindfulness
- Wiz Kidz – hands-on science experiments
- Performing Arts – music, dance, and improvisation
- Kids Café – cooking, creating, and trying new foods
Optional add-ons include: Tennis, Gymnastics & Super Sports.
A Connected School Community
Families find friendships here, too.
Families at Park Street Academy often say the community engagement through our parent association is a valuable bonus to their experience.
- Family events and outings (movies, skating, hiking)
- Parent events (happy hours, potlucks, sip & paint)
Preparing Children for What Comes Next
Our Pre-K students leave us…
- Ready for the academic expectations of kindergarten
- Confident participating in a classroom environment
- Comfortable forming friendships and navigating social situations
- Excited and prepared for their next school experience
Families and elementary schools consistently tell us our students transition smoothly and confidently into their next school.
Meeting Each Child Where They Are
Whether your child is coming from another preschool or just beginning their school journey, we support each student’s starting point and guide their growth over time.
Limited Openings Available
Still exploring Pre-K options for fall? We invite you to visit, meet our teachers, and experience the difference firsthand. Limited openings available.
