YWCA Princeton

About

We offer an exceptional program that emphasizes well-rounded learning. Your child will learn critical thinking, respect, independence, and problem solving

Story

We offer an exceptional program that emphasizes well-rounded learning. Your child will learn critical thinking, respect, independence, and problem solving—all while having fun in a nurturing, safe environment.

We incorporate activities designed to stimulate your child’s mind and to develop important social skills such as cooperation, helping, negotiation, and problem solving. Your child will be actively engaged in a variety of “hands on” experiences and group activities designed to encourage creativity and growth.

The YWCA Princeton believes each child is a worthwhile individual, learning to make appropriate choices, establish and maintain self-worth, and respect herself/himself as well as others, regardless of difference. All staff are members of the New Jersey Association of the Education of the Young Child (NJAEYC).

The school’s diverse international student population has specially designed classes to ensure they enter kindergarten well prepared for educational success. We offer a traditional program, a bilingual program, and a multilingual program whose students first language is non-English (for example, Chinese, French, or even Hindi). Students from our last graduate class represented 11 countries and 5 different languages. All our students celebrate diversity, earning respect and acceptance in their multicultural peer group -- all in a safe and nurturing environment, with highly qualified, caring staff.

A perfect balance of learning and play

Experiential, “hands on” learning
Individual and group activities
Respect-based curriculum

Our preschool students

2½-6 years
International student population
Bilingual & multi-lingual classes
Potty training not required
Students are from Princeton, Montgomery, Skillman, Plainsboro, Lawrence, West Windsor, and beyond. All are welcome!



Flexible scheduling

Full and half day options
Select the hours the work best for you between 8am-6pm
Come 2, 3, 4, or 5 days a week
Year-round programs available
Summer nursery school option



Unique offerings

Field trips and special on-site presentations
Free swim lessons for students enrolled in our YWCA summer camp
Outdoor nature center & classroom
Weekly music program
Year-round special events
Access to other YWCA programs (such as ballet, swim). Free transfer of students between programs.

Mission

We follow the National Association for the Education of the Young Child's mission and goals

- to serve the needs, rights, and well being of all young children
- focus on educational and developmental services and resources

Curriculum : "Creative Curriculum"
- social competences
-practice of decision making to develop children into respectful individuals
-cognitive, social, emotional and physical skills

Learning through:
-hand on activities
- stories
-art
-songs
-crafts
-music
-games
-community awareness

Prepares for:
- geared for kindergarten readiness

Opportunities:
-offered activities for child's personal developmental stage
-activities are chosen by child's own interest
-English immersion classrooms: comprised of diverse population
-Bilingual classrooms: comprised of children w/ children w/ Spanish as first language w/ intent of parallel language development