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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.

Corlears School front of building

Press and Media Coverage

Corlears in the News

For media and press inquiries, please contact us at communications@corlearsschool.org.

 

Masks, Young Children and Learning

MAR. 16, 2022 — CHELSEA NEWS

A conversation with Corlears’ Colleen Goddard, Ph.D., an expert in early childhood development and a practitioner, consultant and college professor with over 22 years of experience, about the pandemic’s impact on young children, and the city’s recent policy changes.

 

11 Summer Camps NYC Kids Can’t Wait To Attend

FEB. 28, 2022 - TIME OUT

3. Camp Corlears

Camp Corlears focuses on giving kids space outdoors to play, learn and laugh with their friends. The Chelsea elementary school offers a number of different options throughout the summer that are a great fit for children of all ages. At all of the options, children will be inspired by nature and their own artistic creativity to join in a vibrant and welcoming community.

 

Checking in on Independent Schools

FEBRUARY 4, 2022 — CHELSEA NEWS

Successfully educating children is hard work. Doing it during a two-year pandemic takes everything each school community has to give. Corlears Head of School David Egolf, Early Childhood Specialist Colleen Goddard, Kindergarten Teacher Olympia Hamlor, and Studio Art Teacher Christine Walker reflect on their experiences teaching during the pandemic.

 

25 Free Things To Do in NYC This Winter

JAN. 16, 2022 — MOMMYPOPPINS

17. Explore the Learn. Play. Grow. Center

Young children and their families can avoid the chillier temperatures with indoor fun at the Corlears School. Take advantage of the free programming, which includes free play, movement, theater class, and STEAM activities every other Saturday beginning Saturday, January 22.

 

Going Big When You’re Small: Three Lessons for Nonprofit Leaders Responding to the Pandemic

NOV. 30, 2021 – FORBES

Small nonprofits are often vulnerable to major market shifts like those caused by the current pandemic, but they also have advantages inherent in their small size that can be the secret to turning those challenges into opportunities. David Egolf, Corlears Head of School, offers three guiding principles that can help you through to success.

 

Corlears Launches Learn. Play. Grow. Center

NOV. 17, 2021 — CHELSEA NEWS

Corlears School launched free public programming open to all NYC families on Saturday, October 16. The Chelsea preschool and elementary school building is open to young children and their families as the Learn. Play. Grow. Center over 13 Saturdays through May. 

 

David Egolf Head of Corlears School on 5 Things Parents Can Do to Help Their Children Thrive and Excel in School

NOV. 3, 2021 — AUTHORITY MAGAZINE

School is really not easy these days. Many students have been out of school for a long time because of the pandemic, and the continued disruptions and anxieties are still breaking the flow of normal learning. What can parents do to help their children thrive and excel in school, particularly during these challenging and anxiety-provoking times?

 

Organizational Resiliency in the Face of Crisis: A Framework for Resilience and Stamina

AUG. 20, 2021 — FORBES

At Corlears, we recognized that providing optimal space for young children to learn is foundational to our mission. Because in-person learning is more impactful for most of our students, we created opportunities for in-person instruction while also recognizing the challenges and risks associated with Covid-19. David Egolf, Corlears Head of School, shares a framework of priorities that can help nonprofit leaders develop resilience and stamina.

 

How Can I Prepare My Kids for Back to School? Professional K-12 Teachers Weigh In

AUG. 2, 2021 — WYZANT

As the summer ramps up and the fall year approaches, many parents are wondering how to best prepare their children for going back to school during this still uncertain time. The deadly pandemic and a year-and-a-half of virtual classes has taken its toll on a lot of students, and returning to in-person classes may reawaken their anxieties and fears. To prepare your kids for going back to school while ensuring they have a positive, fulfilling summer, six educators, including David Egolf, share their advice and best practices.

 

What Is the Difference Between Hybrid and Blended Learning, and What Do They Have in Common?

MAY 17, 2021 — CLASS TECHNOLOGIES INC.

It’s clear that learning will look different even after concerns about COVID-19 have diminished. Two new terms that we frequently hear these days are “hybrid” and “blended learning.” What are they? What is the difference between hybrid and blended learning? David Egolf of Corlears School explores the differentiation between blended and hybrid learning.

 

A Year Later, How Are Independent Schools Doing?

APRIL 8, 2021 — CHELSEA NEWS

As New York City officials went into crisis mode at the beginning of the pandemic last spring, independent schools quietly slipped out of the spotlight to chart their own course in staving off the worst effects of the novel virus ravaging the city. What emerged was a strikingly similar theme and process across private schools throughout Manhattan: to encircle community, plan, strategize and protect while moving forward. David Egolf looks back on the challenges schools faced during the pandemic and how this past year reinforced Corlears’ values.

 

Milestone Celebration for Corlears

JUNE 13, 2019 — CHELSEA NEWS

On Saturday, June 8, Corlears School celebrated its 50th birthday with a classic backyard party. More than 60 alumni, founding families, staff, and parents gathered at the independent school to reconnect and reminisce in honor of the momentous anniversary year.

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Press Releases and Recent Blogs

Corlears School Partners with The Calhoun School for Middle School Enrollment Transfer Initiative

FEBRUARY 6, 2023 — CORLEARS SCHOOL

Corlears School is partnering with The Calhoun School, a historic force in progressive education on the Upper West Side, to forge an innovative and unprecedented enrollment agreement. Beginning with the class of 2024, students who graduate from fifth grade at Corlears will have the option to directly transfer their enrollment to Calhoun’s sixth grade without an admissions process and with priority in Calhoun's financial aid offer timeline.

 

Corlears School Announces Two Innovative Programs Creating Access and Equity

AUG. 31, 2021 — CORLEARS SCHOOL

Early education leader Corlears School announced today it is launching two innovative programs, both designed to create new ways for families in the neighborhood to access the tremendous expertise and facilities that the nonprofit, progressive private school has to offer.

 

Corlears Voted Best Private School in Manhattan

APRIL 20, 2020 — “BEST OF THE CITY” AWARDS PRESENTED BY BETHPAGE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

The results are in! Corlears School was recently voted number one private school in Manhattan in the annual “Best of the City” awards, presented by Bethpage Federal Credit Union in Long Island. We want to thank our vibrant, caring, and compassionate community for nominating us and voting us to the top spot!

Connect with Admissions

Interested in enrolling your child at Corlears School? Connect with the team anytime at admissions@corlearsschool.org, or subscribe for more information about our school programs.