Director of Education, Director of Admissions & Exmissions
Julie Kandall joined Columbus Pre-School in 2011 and has spent the past 15 years building upon the strong foundation established by founders Billy and Peggy Gluck in 1988. She holds a master’s degree in Infant and Parent Development and Early Intervention from Bank Street College of Education, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from American University. Before stepping into her role as Director, Julie spent 13 years as a teacher, working with children ranging from 3 months through 3rd grade. During that time, she also contributed to the admissions team at a leading New York City private school while teaching kindergarten. Julie’s passion for education is deeply personal. Diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age, she experienced firsthand the profound impact that dedicated and compassionate educators can have on a child’s life. Inspired by her own teachers, she knew early on that she wanted to make a meaningful difference for others. She brings that passion to her work every day, along with deep understanding, boundless energy, and an ongoing commitment to growth as an educator and leader. Julie is equally dedicated to supporting her faculty, fostering their professional development, and creating enriching opportunities for students through hands-on, exploratory learning. In recent years, she has collaborated with teachers to develop an outdoor classroom and an Atelier space, enhancing the school’s learning environment and encouraging creativity and discovery. Outside of school, Julie enjoys spending time with her child, Marlow, a Columbus Pre-School graduate. Together, they love exploring the outdoors both in and beyond the city. In her free time, Julie enjoys puzzles, hiking, and being with her family.
A Message From Julie
HELLO AND WELCOME TO COLUMBUS PRE-SCHOOL!
I am glad you are interested in learning about our unique preschool program that has been a part of the Upper West Side landscape since 1988.
I am proud to have joined this special community 12 years ago as school director, and proud parent to my daughter, Marlow, a Columbus graduate who attended for 4 years. I truly credit the amazing teachers and incredible community for helping her grow into a kind, thoughtful and inclusive friend as well as a creative, curious, and confident student who has a deep love of
learning.
As you search for a preschool, there will be many different components that are important to you. I want to share a few things that I think make Columbus Pre-School stand out from other early childhood programs.
1. A strong, caring, and supportive community
2. Committed and knowledgeable early childhood educators who understand child development and have a deep respect for children
3. Rich, child-centered learning built on children’s interests (Emergent Curriculum)
4. An incredible facility with 6 large classrooms filled with natural light, a gymnastics studio, a private outdoor space with a climber, bikes, cars, and balls as well as an outdoor classroom for messy art activities and construction play.
When you join our community, you gain partners on your parenting journey. A journey that is incredibly rewarding and at the same time can feel overwhelming and exhausting. Together, we will help you and your children move through any challenges and celebrate their many successes.
We have a group of educators who are warm, caring, inclusive, and communicative- making it a priority to become true partners in the growth and development of each and every child. They are introspective and fearless as they learn about the interests of the children to create thoughtful, creative emergent curricula. They bring the curriculum to life through hands-on
experiences that allow students to explore, discover, question, collaborate, and shine.
I am grateful every day that I get to come to Columbus and spend time in the classrooms engaging with the teachers and children. And after 12 years, I am still in awe of the incredible development that happens during these formative years. Our students may be little, but big things are happening in their minds and bodies. Helping them learn to be kind, helpful, communicative, collaborative friends as well as excited, confident learners is an awesome responsibility.
Everyone at Columbus Pre-School works tirelessly to provide the best experience for children and families alike.
I hope that you will come in to see our incredible space, meet our talented teachers and feel the joy and energy of the children as they play, dance, sing, move, learn and grow here at Columbus Pre-School.
Warmly,
Julie Kandall
Director of Education, Director of Admissions & Exmissions – Columbus Pre-School
I am excited to introduce you to the many wonderful things about Columbus Pre-School that made me want to join as director 15 years ago.