Columbus Pre-School
About Us
It’s hard to talk about Columbus Pre-School without honoring our history. Over 30 years ago, our school was founded to provide an enriching, child-centered preschool program for the youngest members of the Upper West Side. Today, we are proud our mission continues, with an incredible community of educators, parents, students, and graduates.
A Touch of History
Our Humble Beginnings
Peggy and Billy Gluck first opened the doors to Columbus Pre-School in 1988, on a mission to create a school in their neighborhood that honored young children and showed them the wonders of the world of learning. With two young children and a background in education, they had a clear vision of what they hoped preschool would be for their own kids and set out to see that through.
Their first class of 8 students was small, but the dreams were big. Columbus Pre-School continued to evolve with the community, welcoming hundreds of students over the past thirty+ years.
Who We Are Today
A lot has changed over the years, but a lot has stayed the same. Columbus remains deeply rooted in progressive, Reggio-inspired education, fostering a love of learning through children’s interests, and development through emergent curricula that honor young learners’ curiosities.
Billy and Peggy’s son Travis, one of the first students of the school, is now a 3s teacher, and their daughter, Kiah, works in the administration focusing on exmissions.
The school is thriving, filled with passionate educators, engaged students, and supported by a tight-knit family community that helps keep the same feeling of a home away from home that has always made Columbus Pre-School a special place.
Look around
Our School
Our school has always lived in the same location, a sprawling space on the second floor in the heart of the Upper West Side, with classrooms flooded with natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows, skylights, or both.
Since 1988, the space has evolved with the school’s needs and is now comprised of 6 large classrooms, boasting a 2,500 square foot gymnastics studio, a lending library, and over 2,000 square feet of outdoor space with a climber, riding toys, ball sports, large format blocks, a messy art area, and more. In the summer, overhead sprinklers add an extra fun splash for outdoor play!
Read More
The school’s lending library has nearly 3,000 books! Columbus Pre-School also sponsors a Little Free Library (take a book, leave a book) just outside our main entrance on Columbus Ave for all community members of the UWS.
Our school is housed on the second floor, with three different entrances/exits, an elevator, and stroller storage for those families who are coming from afar.
I am excited to introduce you to the many wonderful things about Columbus Pre-School that made me want to join as director 12 years ago.