“Experience is a moving force when it arouses curiosity, strengthens initiative and sets up desires and purposes.” – John Dewey

At Purple Circle Early Childhood Program, children have the opportunity to interact with materials, and develop connections with both children and adults.  Purple Circle is an independent Early Childhood Program that supports the development and education of infants, toddlers and children ages 3 months through 5 years. Located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, it was founded in 1972 as a parent-cooperative that values families as integral members of the school community. The partnership between families and teachers is essential to the social, emotional, cognitive and the physical growth of children. Our exceptional student-to-teacher ratio affords teachers time to observe, describe, and document all children closely in order to know them as unique individuals. Knowing children as unique individuals, Purple Circle is able to provide a variety of materials in every classroom that supports each child’s strengths and interests. Outdoor play is an essential component in the development of children. Neighborhood parks such as Camel Park, Red Park, Hippo Park, Tot Lot and Riverside Park are visited daily by teachers and children.

Multiple time options are available to families to accommodate an array of schedules.

Purple Circle is a non-profit, non-discriminatory school welcoming children and families of all racial, religious, socio-economic, national or ethnic origins and family configurations.