Frequently Asked Questions
HOW DO I ENROLL?
Parents should complete and submit the application, during the fall of the year prior to enrollment eligibility.
Following receipt of the application, a school visit will be scheduled for individual families. These informal visits give parents the opportunity to see the school and to discuss the program with our Director, Tricia Pool (tricia@mcns.org). Play visits that include the children can be arranged in the late afternoons.
As part of the Independent Schools Admissions Association of Greater New York (ISAAGNY), MCNS follows the notification dates established by the association. For the 2023- 2024 academic year, families whose application and fees were submitted to MCNS before Friday, February 10 will receive notification about acceptances on March 2, 2023. A response is required from the family by March 9. After these calendar dates have passed, MCNS will continue accepting applications if there are spaces available in individual classrooms.
IS MCNS A LICENSED NURSERY SCHOOL?
Yes, MCNS is licensed by the New York City Department of Mental Health and Hygiene and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Our permit number is 3053.
IS MCNS A DOE U3K or UPK?
No. MCNS is an independent, tuition based, not for profit preschool. As such, mastered teachers develop curriculum specific to the children in their classrooms each year. Pre-Academic skills are introduced naturally through play.
DO WE NEED TO BE INVOLVED IN COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN ORDER TO ENROLL AT MCNS?
No. MCNS serves both the Columbia University Medical Center and the Washington Heights and other neighboring communities.
WHAT IS THE STUDENT TO TEACHER RATIO?
In MCNS classrooms, master teachers are supported by experienced, well trained assistants. Maximum enrollment in the Explorers classroom is 12 children. Pathfinders is 15, and Trailblazers is 20. The ratio is 1:4 in Explorers, 1:6 in Pathfinders and 1:6 in Trailblazers.
WHEN DOES THE SCHOOL DAY BEGIN?
Classrooms open in the morning at 8:30 AM. Staggered arrivals may be arranged as early as 8:00am.
DOES MCNS OFFER ANY FINANCIAL AID?
A limited amount of tuition aid is made available each year. The financial aid application with all supporting documentation must be submitted to TADS before January 11, 2024 for the 2024 -25 school year.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ENRICHMENT/SPECIAL CLASSES?
Yes. Music, Studio Art and Science/Nature & Gardening specialists supplement the regular program. Storytelling, and Games & Movement activities are integrated into the children’s classroom experience.
DO YOU OFFER SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS?
Children applying to MCNS should be able to participate in the activities of a developmental, early childhood general education program. MCNS welcomes children who are receiving services through Early Intervention or CPSE. The staff is accustomed to collaborating with Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists and SEITs in our mainstream environment.
Sometimes, MCNS teachers or administrators will recommend an evaluation when observations suggest the child might benefit from additional supports.
WHAT KIND OF STAFF DEVELOPMENT DO YOU PROVIDE FOR YOUR TEACHERS?
MCNS believes that staff development is an integral part of early childhood education. School is occasionally closed so that the whole staff can participate in professional development sessions together. Teaching teams meet regularly with the Director to discuss the children’s interests and integrate relevant curriculum projects into their classrooms. In 22-23, the faculty met regularly with Sarah Piel and Gabriella Felman, from Community of Play, for an ongoing discussion of Emotionally Responsive Classroom and Reflective Practice.
During the fall of 2023, MCNS teachers have joined our colleagues at Tompkins Hall for certification in Positive Discipline. Teachers also receive training through the North American Reggio Emilia Alliance.