"It is truly a marvelous place, where everyone knows us as a family, and we are always greeted with a smile."

"Our journey at MAPCDS could not have been more fulfilling. It has been a privilege to be part of this community and see our child blossom."

The MAPCDS Advantage

Established in 1949, MAPCDS has been serving NYC families for almost seventy years. Our time-honored tradition is uniquely distinguished among independent schools. MAPCDS is one of only 12 free standing preschools in New York State that is accredited by NYSAIS. This recognition demonstrates our commitment to providing consistently superior education through a process of self-reflection and peer assessment.
MAPCDS has evolved with changing times. We believe children have a right to education that recognizes and prepares them for the world they will inherit. Through our program children learn to think critically and creatively – skills and sensibilities they will need to thrive in an increasingly complex landscape.
The MAPCDS interpretation of the Reggio Emilia Approach naturally creates a highly personalized experience that is meaningful to each child in the class. We are transparent in our work with children and provide a range of in-depth documentation materials to share their learning with parents. Teachers document the school experience through extensive notetaking, photographs, video, journals and the children’s own creations. Portfolios of each child’s educational journey are expertly and lovingly curated by teachers and given to the children when they complete their time at MAPCDS.
Our environment is unparalleled. The school is nestled high above Madison Avenue, protected from the fast pace of city life, but very much in tune with the world beyond our walls. Our spacious, modern classrooms are bathed in natural light and equipped with beautiful, intriguing materials which spark wonder and curiosity in children. Classrooms are thoughtfully arranged to promote collaboration and foster relationships. Our covered roof garden provides a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the city and allows daily outdoor play protected from challenging weather conditions. The natural world is incorporated in our daily life. We garden on the roof and nurture plants and small creatures in classrooms. Ample indoor stroller parking is available: a rare luxury in Manhattan!
We are committed to ongoing professional development for teachers on a local, national and international level. This priority ensures that our understanding of child development remains current and our practice is informed by recent studies on the brain and how we learn most effectively. We welcome professional visits from educators around the world to exchange practices and challenge and learn from each other’s thinking.
MAPCDS is intentionally diverse and inclusive. As a parent here, you will benefit from a community of peers from different religious and ethnic backgrounds who share your family’s core values. We celebrate a range of religious and cultural holidays together, with widespread parent leadership and participation.
Our attention to social-emotional learning fosters strong character development in children in healthy balance with pre-academic skill building.
MAPCDS plants the seeds of empathy, social justice and charitable action in our children through various service initiatives. These undertakings are successfully achieved through age appropriate discussion and planning and active family participation. In recent years, we have raised funds and donated goods to those in need in our own neighborhood, the greater metropolitan area and abroad.
MAPCDS provides a safe space for children to take appropriate cognitive and physical risk as their minds and bodies grow. What results is confident, resilient, joyful learners who are well connected to others, welcome challenge and delight in discovery.
Our Director of Exmissions is a school specialist dedicated to supporting families through the application process to ongoing schools.
Strong alumni involvement and support is testament to the sustaining relationships that begin at MAPCDS.