Parent FAQ
Below are several of the most frequently asked questions from families interested in Rose Hill Montessori of Manhattan
What ages does Rose Hill Montessori serve?
We currently serve children ages 2 to 5 years old in our preschool program, offering full-day, half-day, and extended day options. The school stays open until 6pm. We are also expanding to include infant and toddler care (ages 0 to 2) in our new center in the near future.
What is a Montessori preschool?
A Montessori preschool emphasizes child-led learning, hands-on materials, mixed-age classrooms, and independence. At Rose Hill Montessori, children choose from carefully curated activities that support social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
How is Rose Hill Montessori different from other NYC preschools?
We blend Montessori principles, Reggio Emilia inspiration, and a deep commitment to arts-based learning and music. Our children paint, build, explore nature, and engage in open-ended play every day. We are proud to offer a warm, nurturing community in the heart of Manhattan. We have 2 private playgrounds and large windows and natural light in every classroom!
Where is your preschool located?
We are located on the Rose Hill section of Manhattan, serving families from neighborhoods such as the Stuytown and Peter Cooper Village, Gramercy, Kips Bay, Murray Hill, Madison Square Park, and beyond.
Is Rose Hill a traditional Montessori program?
We are a Montessori-inspired preschool that blends the core principles of Maria Montessori with elements of the Reggio Emilia approach and a strong focus on the arts and play-based learning.
Our classrooms offer:
Project-based exploration, open-ended materials, and creativity
A child-centered, respectful environment
Daily experiences in visual arts, music, storytelling, movement, and uninterrupted work cycles
This hybrid approach best prepares children socially, emotionally, and academically for kindergarten and beyond.
Do you follow a traditional academic curriculum?
Rather than focusing on worksheets or memorization, our curriculum is hands-on and exploratory. Children develop literacy, math, science, and social-emotional skills through play, creative expression, and meaningful projects. We follow an emergent curriculum which encourages an experience tailored to the interests and needs of the individual children and their classroom.
Do you provide meals?
Yes! Families have the option to enroll in our hot lunch program provided by Little Green Gourmets, a local NYC company specializing in nutritious, delicious meals for children. Lunches are freshly prepared and delivered daily, using organic, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Menus are seasonal, well-balanced, and allergy-aware.
Meals are available for an additional charge and served individually packaged. Options accommodate vegetarian, kosher, dairy-free, gluten-free, and other common dietary needs. Families may also choose to send lunch from home.
What is your teacher-to-child ratio?
Our classroom ratios exceed NYC requirements. All our classrooms have one teacher to four students ratio. Each class maintains this low student-to-teacher ratio, allowing for individualized attention and strong bonds between teachers and children.
What is the daily schedule like?
Our days include: Montessori work cycle, Art and sensory activities, Early Learning Activities, Outdoor play in our large private playground, Music, storytelling, and movement, Lunch and rest time, and more! We value rhythm over rigidity, with routines that help children feel safe and confident.
Do you offer summer camp or after-school programs?
Yes! We offer a Summer Program filled with art, water play, music, and exploration. We also provide after-school enrichment for enrolled families and some children in the neighborhood.
How do you communicate with parents?
We use the ProCare App to share daily photos, updates, and messages. Parents receive regular classroom photos and write-ups highlighting the days’ activities, and we host events like parent-teacher conferences and parent mixers.
Is Rose Hill Montessori a licensed preschool?
Yes. We are a DOHMH Article 47–licensed preschool in New York City. Our programs meet and exceed NYC safety, staffing, and curriculum standards.
How do I apply or schedule a tour?
Visit https://schools.procareconnect.com/form/daefeca9-f7b0-4cfe-ae0c-30782639ecf2 to learn more about our programs. Or you can schedule a tour by visiting https://calendly.com/rosehillmontessori/tour-of-rose-hill-montessori-1
We offer rolling admissions based on availability.
Do you accept ACS or other tuition assistance?
Yes, we accept a limited number of ACS (Administration for Children’s Services) vouchers per class.