Beginnings Nursery School

Beginnings Nursery School is a preschool in New York, NY, serving children from 18 months to five years old in the Union Square neighborhood. Rooted in the Reggio Emilia Approach, the school emphasizes research-based learning, creativity, and collaboration, fostering a nurturing environment where children’s curiosity and voices are honored. It offers programs for toddlers and preschoolers, including parent-child classes, and is known for its progressive, child-centered philosophy. The school has hosted the internationally recognized Wonder of Learning Exhibit, drawing over eleven thousand visitors, and continues to be a leading Reggio-inspired institution in downtown Manhattan. With a 4.20 rating based on five reviews, it is recognized for its dedicated staff and thoughtful educational approach.

The school was founded in 1983 and maintains a strong commitment to its educational philosophy through its teaching team. All head teachers, studio teachers, and administrators have attended the study week in Reggio Emilia, Italy, and many hold or are pursuing master’s degrees in education. Teachers work in collaborative groups, supporting both social-emotional and cognitive development while co-investigating with children. The school places deep value on community, nature, and found materials, integrating them into daily learning. Parent engagement is central, with structured admissions, tours, and play visits, as well as support for transitioning to kindergarten or independent schools.

Located on East 16th Street between Irving Plaza and 3rd Avenue, Beginnings Nursery School sits just a short walk from the Goethe-Institut New York, Union Square Academy for Health Sciences, and Irving Plaza, with the NYC Human Resources Administration and The Stand theater nearby. The school is easily accessible via public transit, including the 14th Street-Union Square subway station.

Though no specific score strengths are listed, the school’s long-standing presence, Reggio Emilia affiliation, and documented community engagement reflect its consistent reputation as a thoughtful, high-quality early education provider in Manhattan. Its deep integration of child-led inquiry and community connection makes it a distinctive and respected institution in the heart of New York City.