Williamsburg Northside Preschool

Our child attended Williamsburg Northside School (WNS) for a couple of years (first at the Infant and Toddler center and then at the 2’s program) because there were no other options in the Williamsburg area. Although we liked the specific teachers that took care of our child (they were sweet), I cannot say the same about the school’s administration. They don’t seem to care about the kids and their education but are far more interested in shaking the parents down for their money. Unfortunately the teachers don’t see any benefits of this considerably high tuition institution as many of them have to take 2^nd jobs after school. As a result there’s a massive turnover and the good ones leave. Many parents I’ve spoken to have said they were very disappointed in the repetitive nature of the school’s program which doesn’t foster independent thinking or growth. Others have said that WNS is not transparent and hid the fact that their children were not receiving art or music weekly which they found out only when they asked their children. When the parents brought this issue up to the administration to correct, they were simply brushed off.
We finally decided to pull our child from WNS as a great Montessori option opened up in the neighborhood and we are so thankful that we did. Our child has developed to be more independent, is far less shy than at WNS and is making huge strides in all areas of development including adding a 2^nd language.
Do yourself and your family a favor. Please do the research and look at other options in the neighborhood. You will be glad that you did.
My recommendation would be to stay far away from WNS. It’s a money making corporation more interested in your wallet to help with their expansion costs than in your child’s development. It’s too bad because once upon a time WNS really cared about the children but the current neighborhood consensus is that the school is now failing miserably and many parents are seeing the light and are sending their children elsewhere.

Both my kids are attending Williamsburg Northside – my 5 year old is currently in Kindergarten but started in the preschool and my 3 year old is in the preschool now (in the 2s program). I can’t say enough amazing things about this school. My first kid is a shy kid and had a hard time starting school but he had three incredible teachers (which us parents literally referred to as «angels” – they were so sweet and loving). One teacher sat with my kid on her lap every day for three weeks making him feel comfortable and loved and eventually he started to love school. He made great friends-​2 of which are still his best friends even though they attend separate schools now. The other parents were what made this such a stellar ear – seven or so smart, funny, warm women (many like me pregnant with their second child) who became friends and confidants throughout the year, who I looked forward to seeing at pickup and for playdates. We didn’t think twice about reenrolling him for the next year.
My second kid also had a hard time at first but has learned to love school-​he has his first real friends and has really blossomed this year-​talking more, understanding more, potty trained and most importantly, a good hearted and well behaved kid.
The building is welcoming and the staff is always friendly. Even the receptionist knows both my kids names. Every day is full of learning activities including art, music, reading, cooking, building and playing in constructive ways both outside on the roof and inside in the gym. The teachers have created such a nurturing and enthusiastic environment. I can’t imagine sending my kids anywhere else.

I babysit for a cute little boy who attends this preschool. Three days a week I bring him here in the mornings. The place is clean inside and the teachers and their assistants are incredibly kind and loving with the kids. If I had kids I would totally feel comfortable sending them here.