The William Woodward Jr. Nursery School
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Overview
Educational philosophy
Progressive / Play BasedPrograms offered
2s · 3s · Pre-K
Annual tuition
—
School continues
Through Pre-K
Financial aid
Not offered
Sibling & legacy
—
The William Woodward Jr. Nursery School is an independent, nonprofit play-based preschool on the Upper East Side, founded in 1961 to serve the children of nearby hospital and medical-center staff and now open to the wider neighborhood. It offers a warm, child-centered program for children roughly ages 2 to 5 across three levels - Little Stars (2s), Rainbow (3s), and Explorers Pre-K - with weekly music, yoga, cooking, and language exposure. An ISAAGNY and Parents League member, it emphasizes building confidence, independence, and a love of learning within a small, diverse community. Extended-care hours and part-time (2- and 3-day) options are available for the youngest class.
Programs & Schedule
| Schedule option |
|---|
| AM half-day. Part-time options: full week Mon-Fri, MWF, or Tue/Thu. Optional extended care to 12:30 PM. Tuition not published. |
| full day. Part-time options: full week Mon-Fri, MWF, or Tue/Thu. Lunch brought from home. Extended care to 3:15 PM. Tuition not published. |
Tuition · By inquiry
Extended Day to 3:15pm available
Schedule
Monday – Friday · 9am–2:45pm
Extended hours
Yes · until 3:15pm
Tuition
Contact school; 2026-2027 rate; [Detail: Rainbow (min age 2.9) / full day, 5-day (Mon-Fri) only. Weekly Spanish and yoga. Extended care to 3:15 PM. Tuition not published.]
Schedule
Monday – Friday · 9am–2:45pm
Extended hours
Yes · until 3:15pm
Tuition
Contact school; 2026-2027 rate; [Detail: Explorers Pre-K (min age 3.9) / full day, 5-day (Mon-Fri) only. Weekly music and movement with visiting specialists (no French or yoga specials listed for this class on the curriculum page). Children move on to kindergarten elsewhere. Extended care to 3:15 PM. Tuition income-based/sliding scale, no figures published.]
Admissions
This school enrolls on a rolling basis year-round (subject to availability and waitlists). There is no fixed application deadline — reach out to the school directly to check for current openings.
Admissions contact
admissions@wwjns.orgEx-missions
Ex-missions refers to the process of applying from preschool to Kindergarten or an ongoing school. Schools with dedicated ex-missions support actively guide families through ERB testing, school visits, and applications.
Where graduates go
Private kindergarten & elementary
19 schoolsPublic kindergarten & elementary
1 schoolSee the full list of schools graduates go on to — with counts and sources.
Culture & Community
Play-based, developmental, child-centered early childhood program. Cheerful, child-centered classrooms nurture the social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development of each child through guided exploration, hands-on 'trying and doing,' structured activities and free play. No single named methodology; emphasis on building competence, self-confidence, gradual independence, and enthusiasm for discovery. Diverse, international community that supports both English-speaking children and English-language learners.
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Horace Mann School Nursery-Kindergarten Division
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