We Believe in…
Emergent, Project-Based Learning
We believe that children are natural investigators. Our emergent, project-based approach means that students help set the course of our curriculum. Our teachers introduce different topics, and see what sparks students’ curiosity. We use that as a launching pad to develop curriculum. For example, if the students are interested in ice cream, we’ll learn how ice cream is made (perhaps doing some math along the way). If they’re interested in buses, we’ll learn about how people travel around New York City. Wherever their curiosity leads, we’re ready to follow.
Arts and Music Education
We believe in nurturing students’ creative spirit. Visiting artists from the Music School join each class twice monthly, beginning in November, to share their instruments. Each class will learn about the different families of instruments: Percussion, brass, woodwind, string. Each week, professional musicians, dancers, and visual artists—trained to work with young children—lead classes. Through these experiences, children build confidence, express themselves, and feel joyful!
Celebrating Our Community 
We believe that a sense of belonging is foundational to a meaningful education. At Third Street, every child’s identity is honored, and every family is warmly welcomed. Families are encouraged to share their culture and background. We come together as a community several times a year, for sing-alongs, class parties, preschool and Third Street Music School events.
Play and Independence
We believe children need free, explorative time to learn about life and themselves. Free play indoors and outdoors, in our courtyard, is part of each day. Sometimes, children are playing together, sometimes alone. Each classroom is set up with the following interest areas: blocks, dramatic play, sensory table, art area, science/discovery, reading area and writing area. The teachers change the materials in each area based on the emergent curriculum/topic of study. Through play, children reenact experiences, try out different roles, express ideas, develop vocabulary, process information, relate to each other, and widen their view of the world surrounding them.
Explorations with Nature
We believe that nature is one of a child’s greatest teachers. The Learning Garden at Third Street serves as an outdoor classroom where children explore soil, seeds, composting worms, and seasonal cycles. Through gardening and hands-on environmental projects, children deepen their understanding of the natural world and lay the groundwork for environmental responsibility, scientific inquiry, and a profound sense of wonder.
