Park Street Academy

Park Street Academy is a daycare in Montclair, New Jersey, serving children ages 2½ to 6 years old with full-day programming from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The academy offers a comprehensive early childhood education program centered on academic development, social-emotional growth, and cultural appreciation, with structured class schedules, afternoons, and summer camp options. Since 1996, Park Street Academy has provided nurturing, multi-modal learning experiences that foster curiosity, confidence, and responsibility in young learners. It welcomes families from Montclair and surrounding communities including Verona, West Orange, Cedar Grove, Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, Little Falls, Clifton, Essex Fells, Caldwell, North Caldwell, West Caldwell, East Orange, Orange, and Nutley. The school holds a perfect 5.00 rating based on its reviews, reflecting strong satisfaction among families.

The academy’s approach emphasizes hands-on, thematic learning across academic, artistic, and physical domains, integrating reading, math, science, social studies, performing arts, and motor development. Its faculty consists of New Jersey State Certified early childhood educators and Child Development Associate (CDA) credential holders, all committed to ongoing professional development. The school is led by Lisa Raphael, its founder and director, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education and is certified in special, elementary, and early childhood education. She is also a certified Wilson® Dyslexia Practitioner and holds a National Administrator Credential from the National Child Care Association.

Located at 46 Park St in Montclair, the school sits on a residential street within the heart of the town, serving families in a neighborhood setting. The facility includes classrooms and outdoor play areas designed to support active, engaged learning. With a long-standing presence in the community since 1996, Park Street Academy is known for its inclusive environment, dedicated staff, and commitment to fostering lifelong learning in a supportive, culturally aware setting. It remains a trusted choice for early education in Montclair.