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PKA is a hidden gem. We could not have chosen a better preschool for our daughter, who was there for 3 years.
We always felt she was in good hands leaving her there, which was comforting, and most importantly, the teachers gave her a foundation for being a good human being. They nurtured her as an individual and also had a strong influence in teaching her to be part of a community.
Their approach was holistic. An example is shopping at the farmer’s market, then preparing a meal with their purchases, and bringing it to share with their families at the year-end potluck. Or initiating a stoop sale to raise money for children affected by the earthquake in Nepal. The children collected belongings from their families, hung signs to advertise, ran the sale, counted their money, took it to the bank, and sent off a donation check.
As our daughter grew older, she was given appropriate leadership opportunities which really fostered her confidence. There’s no better testament to how happy our daughter was at PKA than how difficult it was to extract her at the end of the day. As she’s now begun kindergarten, she could not be more prepared — not just in terms of learning, but in terms of emotional intelligence.
Meg Moorhouse Designer, Love & Victory
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I am forever grateful to PKA for taking my child in and helping her develop into the question-asking, curious, confident, expressive kid she is.
From day one, my child participated in open-ended conversations about current events and developed an understanding of what power, kindness, and respect mean in society. The best part was the fact that the teachers allowed the children to lead their own learning. Nothing was scripted or set in stone; the teachers were there to simply guide them.
My child attended PKA during the difficult times of the COVID pandemic, but the staff was clear and straightforward with their expectations and updates through the school years. They were incredibly accommodating and understanding, and really took the time to understand each family’s unique needs. PKA is totally worth the experience.
Janet Wong School Teacher
PKA Parent
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As a parent and educator, it was really important for us to find the right environment for our daughter. In PKA, we found a school that recognizes, embraces, and celebrates each child’s individual identity, emerging intentions, and curiosity.
We are completely satisfied with the education and experience that our daughter is receiving at PKA. Sharon has been absolutely wonderful to Esmé and our family. I can’t imagine a better preschool experience for her or for us.
Our daughter walks around with astonishing self-confidence, interest, curiosity, stamina, and self-possession. She is much more engaged in her life at home, in the natural environment, and in social situations. We are sad that she cannot continue, but know that, because of PKA, she is all the more ready for pre-K.
Luke Janka Assistant Principal
Lyons Community School
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As working parents, we initially sought out a safe, nurturing, happy place for our daughter. We found that and so much more at PKA, where all kids are truly allowed to be themselves. Individuality is celebrated.
Three years later, we’re confident that the bright, spunky kid we now walk to elementary school blossomed because of PKA and its community.
Tawnya Crawford Parent
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I could not feel more fortunate to have found the most incredible preschool for my 3 daughters. My oldest daughter started school at PKA when she was 2, and from the moment I walked through the door on my tour, I just knew I had found someplace that was truly magical.
Her two sisters followed in her path, and all three were lucky enough to spend their preschool years at PKA, surrounded by the most loving, warm, insightful, creative, and caring teachers.
People often comment on how different my 3 girls are in personality, and I truly attribute this to an amazing preschool where children are always encouraged to be themselves, make their own choices, and are free to grow and thrive as individuals. Through play, they learned all of the academic essentials they needed when it was time to move on.
Most importantly, at PKA my girls learned the gift of kindness, friendship, and to always feel confident and proud of who they are — and I have seen for myself that this gift has stayed with them. I am forever grateful.
Alyson Kupferberg Mother of Maya, Maggie & Jules
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PKA is amazing. What a gift to not only not have to worry at all when I drop off my child at school, but also to have two truly dedicated, talented, highly trained preschool teachers teaching my child and most importantly truly loving and caring for my child.
My daughter had two other preschool experiences prior to PKA. The first one was okay but not structured enough, and the second private preschool was a disaster. We were there for a month and then pulled her out. Getting into PKA was a dream.
She came home with new yoga moves, songs from music class, and constantly teaching us what is and is not earth-wise, what is and is not healthy, and pointing out letters she could recognize on the street and in our apartment. Her teachers provided copious amounts of art experiences, and she came home talking about Pollock and Sousa.
The administration was kind and professional and the field trips were fantastic. I cannot recommend PKA highly enough.
Zohar Hicks Mother of Tzippy Hicks
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PKA is a nurturing community dedicated to the social, emotional, and intellectual development of the child as a whole. From the moment we walked in the door, both my daughter and I felt welcome and safe.
The school was immaculate and organized while simultaneously exuding a sense of serenity and focus on the children with a well-developed, age-appropriate curriculum. Their focus on discovery and the exploration of community and the larger world is so inspiring; every day my daughter comes home with something amazing to share.
The establishment regularly utilizes a wide variety of community resources to further the collective experience. I simply cannot recommend PKA highly enough to those in search of the perfect environment for their child.
Lynn Jones Parent
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Professional. Kind. Awesome.
We are lucky to live in a community that supports family well-being. PKA is diverse, educated, and interested in shaping the best experiences for our children. We love PKA.
My daughter has been attending PKA since she was 2 years old in their full-day program. I love that the Littles and Bigs have space for age-appropriate learning and then come together later in the day. I love that PKA has a curriculum, that they “travel the world” with handmade passports, that they make a lot of art, and that they balance free play with structured learning.
I love that they take walks around the neighborhood, go on field trips, visit the Botanic Garden and Brooklyn Museum, and that the classroom walls become filled with the children’s artwork and energy over the course of the year.
What I love the most are the staff and teachers who form amazing and unique bonds with each of the children. They are present, thoughtful, and take the care of our kids seriously. PKA is a wonderful place for your toddler to just be who they are — and be celebrated for it.
Deana Acheson Parent
