Bank Street School for Children

Bank Street School for Children is a private elementary school in New York, NY, serving students from preschool through eighth grade on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The school offers a progressive, research-based education that emphasizes learning by doing, fostering lifelong curiosity, critical thinking, and social-emotional development. With a focus on academic excellence, social justice, and leadership, the school prepares students to become thoughtful, compassionate citizens. Its curriculum integrates a racial justice and advocacy framework, encouraging students to engage deeply with diverse cultures and work toward equity. The school serves families across New York City and is recognized as a leading institution in progressive education, with a long-standing reputation for nurturing creative, independent learners.

Rooted in more than a century of educational research, Bank Street School for Children is a living model of the teaching philosophy developed at Bank Street College of Education, which has guided its approach since its founding in 1916. The school’s pedagogy centers on the whole child, valuing each student as both a learner and a contributor to the community. Through hands-on exploration, inquiry-based learning, and mentorship opportunities, especially for eighth graders who guide younger students, the school cultivates leadership, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose. Educators are trained in child development and often hold advanced degrees from Bank Street College, ensuring a consistent, expert-driven approach across all grade levels.

Located at 610 W 112th St, the school sits just a short walk from Broadway and is within a quarter-mile of the Samuel J. Tilden and Kossuth Lajos statues, public artworks that mark its place in the cultural fabric of the Upper West Side. Nearby, the Bank Street College of Education building stands just 21 meters away, reinforcing the school’s deep institutional ties to progressive educational theory and practice. The immediate vicinity also includes medical clinics, reflecting the neighborhood’s mix of academic, health, and civic infrastructure.

Bank Street School for Children is widely recognized for its academic rigor, thoughtful curriculum, and commitment to equity and innovation. Its strong reputation is supported by a well-documented online presence and a website optimized for clarity and accessibility, ensuring families can easily access information about its programs, admissions, and philosophy. The school’s enduring legacy, combined with its modern, inclusive approach, makes it a cornerstone of progressive education in New York City.

Services:

• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiatives
• Extended Day Community Activities
• High School & College Placement Support
• Progressive Education Programs
• Summer Camp Programs