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A message from Head of School David Egolf and Assistant Head of School Mansi Vasa.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Learn about Corlears School's history, educational philosophy, mission, core values, and more.

Meet our faculty and staff and explore the directory.

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Everything prospective families need to know about Corlears admissions.

Outlining the admissions processes for each of our academic programs, from toddlers through fifth grade.
Visit our campus and go inside the curriculum with school leadership. 

Changing the paradigm from financial aid to equitable tuition level-setting for all families.
Quick Links
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Everything you need to know about Corlears School in one handy booklet. Follow the link to receive a digital copy in your inbox.
Early Childhood Division
The Roots program for ages 16–24 months celebrates the way toddlers learn best: through the art of play and wonderment. 

The Seedlings nursery program fosters the natural wonder and curiosity of 2- and 3-year-olds.

Empowering children to become even greater participants in their learning and school community.
Elementary Division
As Corlears students enter the all-important elementary years, it’s all about making connections and building independence.

Building the foundation kids need to fall in love with learning and gain confidence for everything to come.

Comprehensive, individualized support for all Corlears graduates.
Auxiliary Programs
Classic summer fun with plenty of outdoor play, arts and crafts, and fun with friends. Led by Corlears teachers. Open to all.

All about the before- and after-school care available to families enrolled at Corlears.

Free family activities available on select Saturdays throughout the school year.
Meet the volunteer Board of Trustees and learn more about the committees and structures that govern Corlears School.

Events, holidays, and school closings.
Corlears families are important members of our school community, and we offer a number of ways to get involved.

How to get connected and stay involved with Corlears School's alumni community.
Corlears is a small school, but our community has a big heart — and many ways to get involved.

Every dollar has a lasting impact — not just on  students attending Corlears today, but on all children who come through our doors.

There are a variety of opportunities available for current and alumni community members to get involved by volunteering their time. 

A TRANSFORMATIONAL VISION
The Corlears 50th Anniversary Campaign

In 2018, Corlears celebrated its 50th anniversary. In honor of this significant milestone, Corlears School embarked on a 5-year, $4 million campaign that goes beyond our physical structure; this campaign is focused on our heart. Over the past five years, Corlears has been building a truly innovative and transformational vision that is growing a new model for what a private school made just for young children can be.

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Camp Corlears

2024 REGISTRATION IS LIVE!
Classic summer day camp at a school made just for young children located in the heart of Chelsea. Head to ActiveNetwork to register, or read on to learn more about our camp programs serving children ages 3–11.
⏰ Register before March 31 to get 10% off all sessions! Discount is automatically applied.

At Camp Corlears, we make classic summer fun the focus, with plenty of outdoor play, arts and crafts, and fun with friends at the heart of it all.

Our head counselors are primarily Corlears School teachers. Thanks to their deep expertise in nursery, preschool, and elementary classrooms, they not only know how to keep children engaged, but are exceptional at facilitating growth through play and creating nurturing environments for discovery and friendship!

Corlears School has 50+ years of experience educating young children, and all camp programming has been intentionally designed with developmental readiness — and fun! — in mind. 

Why Choose Camp Corlears?

School icon A school made just for young children Corlears School is centrally located in the heart of Chelsea, nearby the A/C/E, 1/2/3, and L trains. Our facilities include a rooftop garden, multipurpose gym, art studio, and a stunning natural backyard. Plus, our campers' quarters are carefully curated classroom spaces designed to meet children where they are.  
Teacher icon Head counselors are expert educators

Camp Corlears is designed and led by highly credentialed Corlears School teachers. Their deep understanding of child development ensures a summer filled with fun, sun, and a little learning, too! In our community, you'll find a nurturing environment where your child's growth is prioritized.

 
Child icon Fun, child-centered programming Activities are developmentally appropriate and designed to be responsive to children's interests. In the older age levels, specialty camps include "culminations," where campers demonstrate what they've learned! Swim, soccer, music, and a new STEAM makerspace are just some of the activities your child may enjoy.  
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Stay in Touch

Interested in Camp Corlears, but not quite ready to register? Subscribe to the Camp Corlears mailing list to get all the info you need right in your inbox.

CLASSIC DAY CAMP

Age 3

Every day at Camp Corlears is a chance for our littlest campers to learn, explore, and grow. In the 3s, campers love sprinkler time in our beautiful backyard, in addition to engaging art, literacy, and music activities led by head counselors with deep expertise in early childhood.

Alongside the daily activities designed to be responsive to the campers' emerging interests, your child will also enjoy the following:

  • Music and movement classes 2x/week
  • Soccer classes 2x/week led by SocRoc
  • Daily sprinkler time in the backyard, weather permitting
  • Increased support from early childhood professionals

Children must be 3 years old — or turning 3 by October 1 — to be eligible. Half- and full-day options are available. Extended care until 5 p.m. is available for full-day campers at a rate of $40/day.

Camp Corlears - fun with sprinklers in the backyard
CLASSIC DAY CAMP

Age 4

At Camp Corlears, PreK-aged children enjoy engaging in art, literacy, and music activities centered on fun weekly themes.

Alongside the daily activities designed to be responsive to the campers' emerging interests, the 4s will also enjoy the following:

  • Music and movement classes 2x/week 
  • Soccer classes 2x/week led by SocRoc
  • Local field trip 1x/week aligned with that week's theme; past trips include visits to the New York Public Library, Little Island, Kelly Park, and more
  • Daily sprinkler time in the backyard, weather permitting
  • Increased support from early childhood professionals

Children must be 4 years old — or turning 4 by October 1 — to be eligible. Extended care until 5 p.m. is available at a rate of $40/day.

Camp Corlears - Zach making some younger campers smile
CLASSIC DAY CAMP

Ages 5–6

At Camp Corlears, rising Kindergarteners and first graders enjoy art, play, and investigation activities based around fun weekly themes. Alongside the daily activities led by expert head counselors, the 5s and 6s will also enjoy the following:

  • Swim 2x/week at the McBurney YMCA
  • Soccer 2x/week led by SocRoc
  • STEAM-powered fun in the makerspace 2x/week with The GIANT Room
  • Local field trip 1x/week aligned with that week's theme; past trips include visits to the Central Park Zoo, Intrepid Space Museum, the American Museum of Natural History, and more

Designed for children entering Kindergarten or first grade in the coming school year. Extended care until 5 p.m. is available at a rate of $40/day.

Camp Corlears - Rachel with a young camper
SPECIALTY CAMP

Ages 7–9

From the 7s onward, Camp Corlears offers specialty camps that result in a culminating activity where campers demonstrate what they've learned during the week. Each specialty camp runs for two weeks, though families can choose to register for just one week. The specialty camps for rising second, third, and fourth graders are:

  • Weeks 1 and 2: Full STEAM Ahead with technology teacher Zach Brewer 
  • Weeks 3 and 4: Sky-High Science with science teacher Theresa Law
  • Weeks 5 and 6: Art Explorers with studio art teacher Sara Nixon

But that's not all! The 7/8/9s also get to enjoy the classic day camp experience, including plenty of outdoor play, fun with friends, and the following:

  • Swim 2x/week at the McBurney YMCA
  • Soccer 2x/week led by SocRoc
  • NEW: STEAM-powered fun 2x/week in the Camp Corlears makerspace with The GIANT Room
  • Field trip 1x/week aligned with that week's specialty camp
Camp Corlears - celebrating a goal in soccer
SPECIALTY CAMP

Ages 10–11

For our oldest campers, Camp Corlears offers specialty camps that result in a culminating activity where campers demonstrate what they've learned during the week. Each specialty camp runs for two weeks, though families can choose to register for just one week. The specialty camps for rising fifth and sixth graders are:

  • Weeks 1 and 2: Thrilling Textiles with studio art teacher Sara Nixon
  • Weeks 3 and 4: STEAM camp (Details TBA) 
  • Weeks 5 and 6: To Infinity and Beyond! with science teacher Theresa Law

There's more! The 10/11s also get to enjoy the classic day camp experience, including plenty of outdoor play, fun with friends, and the following:

  • Swim 2x/week at the McBurney YMCA
  • Soccer 2x/week led by SocRoc
  • NEW: STEAM-powered fun 2x/week in the Camp Corlears makerspace with  The GIANT Room
  • Field trip 1x/week aligned with that week's specialty camp
Swimming at the Y with Camp Corlears
AGES 5+

Camp Corlears x The GIANT Room

The GIANT Room is all about providing quality STEAM tools and learning experiences that empower children to build the world they'd like to live in. For the first time, all campers ages 5 and up will get the full GIANT experience in the Camp Corlears makerspace twice a week! 

GIANT's partnership with Corlears School began in 2021, when they became one of our original partners for Learn. Play. Grow. Since then, hundreds of children have experienced the hands-on fun of The GIANT Room at Corlears! And because GIANT will have a dedicated makerspace all summer, our campers will get to experience even more tools and tech to bring their on-theme creations to life. 

Depending on the age level, campers will experience fabrication machines like a laser cutter, 3D printer, and Cricut; robotics and creative technologies like littleBits and micro:bit; electronics like LEDs, motors, and solar panels; building tools like Rigamajig, marble runs, and LEGO; plus, for our older campers, AR/VR coding platforms and creative AI tools!  

GIANT Room at LPG 2023
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Hours and Dates

All camps take place between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., though the 3s have a half-day option that ends at noon. We also offer extended care until 5:00 p.m. for an additional fee. Early drop-off at 8:30 a.m. is available free of charge via add-on, although registration is required so that we can ensure sufficient staffing. 

Each Camp session is one week long. Families can register for one session or multiple sessions. Multiple sessions do not need to be consecutive, and all sessions are prorated for the closings outlined below.

  • Week 1: June 17–June 21 (closed June 19)
  • Week 2: June 24–June 28
  • Week 3: July 1–July 5 (closed July 4 and 5)
  • Week 4: July 8–July 12
  • Week 5: July 15–July 19
  • Week 6: July 22–July 26

Pricing

Full payment is due at the time of registration. Corlears will grant a refund of 50% for the cost of camp up until March 31 for any sessions that a child is unable to attend. After March 31, no refunds will be granted.

Register before March 31 to get 10% off all sessions! Discount is automatically applied.

Pricing is not inclusive of platform processing fees, and extended care until 5 p.m. is available to all full-day campers at a rate of $40/day. 

For children enrolled at Corlears School, the cost of camp is scaled to a family's TEAM level for the following school year. If you haven't received your family's custom promo code, email the team at camp@corlearsschool.org.

without early bird discount
with early bird discount
SAVE 10% UNTIL MARCH 31

Age 3 (Half-Day)

$715/week
$643.50/week

Age 3 (Full-Day)

$1,150/week
$1,035/week

Ages 4–11

$1,045/week
$940.50/week
TESTIMONIALS

What Families Have to Say About Camp Corlears

"[My daughter] made friends with many new children and even older girls who were very nice to her. She gained confidence in her ability to be in new spaces and enjoyed the process of making new friends! [...]

"[We] were extremely pleased by the entire experience. I particularly appreciated that the camp was led by teachers from the school. We also loved the swimming and soccer!"
Parent of a 7-Year-Old2023
"Seeing [my child] participate in the activities and hearing about how she made new friends each day and enjoyed her activities, it really blew me away how comfortable she felt in such a new environment, which is a testament to Corlears' staff and programming!"
Parent of a 4-Year-Old2023
"Our son sometimes struggles with new experiences. We attended a summer camp last year which he really struggled to settle into. At Corlears, he loved his teachers and was excited and happy going to camp."
Parent of a 4-Year-Old2022
"[My son] stayed away from home for a longer stretch of time than he ever had in a school-like environment. He seemed more independent."
Parent of a 4-Year-Old2022
"My child enjoyed Camp Corlears the past 2 summers and wanted to go again!"
Parent of a 5-Year-Old2023
"Lots of growth in language and motor skills!"
Parent of a 3-Year-Old2023
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child need to be enrolled at Corlears School to attend Camp Corlears? Nope! Camp Corlears is open to all families.
What are the birthdate cut-offs?

At the youngest, children entering our 3s camp must be 3 years old or turning 3 by October 1. Similarly, the 4s camp is designed for 4-year-olds or children turning 4 by October 1. 

Children enrolling in the 5/6s must be entering Kindergarten or first grade in the coming school year, and so on for our camps for ages 7–9 and 10–11. 

If you're not sure which program is right for your child, answer our mini quiz.

Can I request that my child be placed in a camp group with their friends?

From the 3s through first grade, camp programs are composed of multiple camp groups. During the registration process, families will have the opportunity to request two children they would like to be placed in their child's camp group. We will do our best to accommodate these requests, with the goal of accommodating at least one, although we can't make any guarantees. Please note that even if children are not in the same camp group, there will be plenty of group overlap and connection throughout the day, either in the backyard or through special activities like swim, soccer, field trips, and more. 

Are meals or snacks included?

No. Children should arrive at camp each day with a water bottle, nut-free snack, and, for full-day campers, a nut-free lunch that does not need to be heated up or refrigerated. 

How does swim work? And what if my child can't swim?

Beginning in the 5s, all campers swim 2x/week at the nearby McBurney YMCA, which is about a 10-minute walk from Corlears. Swimmers of all abilities are welcome, with lessons taught by the YMCA’s Red Cross-certified swim instructors. Each week, the swim instructors test the campers' swimming skills.

If your child does not know how to swim, the instructors will teach them about water safety and beginner swimming skills while providing a floating backpack. Campers who can't swim will keep both hands on the wall and await a swim instructor's directions before swimming in the pool.

What if my child is unable to attend a registered camp week?

Families should notify camp@corlearsschool.org if they need to make any changes to their camp registration. Up until March 31, a 50% refund will be granted to families. After March 31, no refunds will be granted.

A child’s inability to attend a camp week for any reason, including due to illness, will not result in a refund.

Where possible, Corlears will consider requests to switch a child’s registered camp week to a week later in the summer. These requests will be considered against camp group availability and programmatic needs, and may not always be granted. Corlears is unable to grant credits towards future summers if children are not able to attend their registered sessions.

Does my child need to be potty-trained? Yes, we ask that all campers are potty-trained. Children in the 3s and 4s will be asked to bring a change of clothes along for the occasional accident. For families enrolled at Corlears School, please note that the level of potty training support that exists in the Seedlings classrooms during the school year is not a feature of Camp Corlears.
What if my child is new to a separation-based program?

For children who are new to separation, our counselors will provide resources and guidance for how to make separation successful in the lead-up to camp. Counselors will greet children when they arrive at camp each morning, either in front of the school or in our natural playground, helping to ease their transition to camp.

Counselors will be in touch as the summer approaches with guidance on how to successfully separate each morning. For now, we have some resources that might help: Top Tips for Helping Toddlers with Separation Anxiety, written by one of Corlears School's early childhood head teachers, offers tips on separation. Be sure to take a look at the video at the bottom of the page!

Plus, check out Corlears School's Guide to Early Childhood, which is provided to families in our early childhood school programs. Page 18 outlines helpful separation strategies for families, but please note that our resources and staffing picture is slightly different for Camp Corlears than it is for Corlears School.
Will my child receive a Camp Corlears T-shirt?
They sure will! Though unfortunately we only have shirts made available for campers, not parents.
Do you offer financial aid?

Unfortunately, we are not able to provide financial aid for Camp Corlears at this time, although it is something we would like to offer in the future.

That said, families enrolled at Corlears School do receive a discount on camp that is scaled to their equitable TEAM tuition level.

Connect with Admissions

Interested in enrolling your child at Corlears School? Connect with the team anytime at admissions@corlearsschool.org, or click the button to subscribe for more information about your program of interest.