For over 50 years, Purple Circle has remained a cornerstone of the Upper West Side. We are an independent, non-profit, family-led cooperative.
At our core, we believe that children are the masters of their own learning. When you walk through our halls, you will see a curriculum that is alive, built in real-time by the children’s own questions, interests, and discoveries.
The Purple Circle Way: Our Strengths
Exceptional Ratios & The Art of Observation Our student-to-teacher ratios are intentionally among the lowest in the city. This isn’t just for safety; it is for observation. Our educators are trained observers who document your child’s unique way of thinking, ensuring they are deeply understood and “seen” every single day.
A True Parent Cooperative We view you, parents, as essential partners. You are an integral part of our governance and our community. This partnership is the heartbeat of our school and what preserves the magic of childhood here.
The Neighborhood as Our Classroom Learning at Purple Circle isn’t confined to four walls. Our children are out in the world daily: visiting Tot Lot, Bloomingdale Playground, and Riverside Park. We believe the natural world and our local Upper West Side community provide the richest learning materials for a growing mind.
A Human-First Approach
In an era of tech-tracking and standardized childcare, we choose a different path.
Human Connection We prioritize deep, face-to-face communication over constant digital pings. While technology has its place, the most important updates about your child’s day happen in conversation with the teachers. Our classrooms have materials meant to encourage open-ended play, no screens allowed. We believe in being present.
Authentic Environment Our space is designed to feel like a second home: warm, cozy, and filled with tactile materials like clay, blocks, water, and sand. We embrace the messy beauty of discovery. A child’s environment should reflect their own work and wonder.
Stability Our children stay together in the same cohort from September through August. This year-long bond builds a sense of trust and safety that isn’t possible in flexible models where children and staff rotate. At Purple Circle, stability is the foundation of courage.
Curiosity Leading the Way We don’t rush children toward standardized benchmarks. By following a child’s curiosity with scientific depth, we build the executive function and critical thinking skills they need for life, not just for kindergarten.
An Invitation to Experience the Magic
Choosing a school is about finding a community where your family feels at home. As you tour our classrooms, we invite you to listen to the sound of the school. Listen for the laughter, the deep concentration during block building, and the respectful dialogue between teachers and children.
