Pre-K in Montclair, NJ · Ages 4–5
A More Valuable Pre-K Year.
Now enrolling for Fall 2026 — limited openings for 4- and 5-year-olds.
Suburban Essex Best of Essex 2025
Silver Winner
a warm, hands-on classroom
curious learners
three teachers per class
a warm community
Why Pre-K at Park Street
One of the most meaningful years of early education.
At Park Street Academy in Montclair, NJ, the Pre-K year is a thoughtfully designed balance of academics, creativity, and unstructured play — helping children build confidence, independence, and a clear path into kindergarten.
Is this the right fit for your family?
Our Pre-K is for families looking for…
A curriculum specifically designed for 4- and 5-year-old children, not a one-size-fits-all approach
Strong kindergarten preparation in a warm and loving environment
Flexible schedules with an excellent full-day enrichment program
The option for an additional year in our Transitional Kindergarten program
Guaranteed placement in our summer camp (including swimming lessons)
A Montclair preschool with no residency requirement
A more personalized experience during this important year, with open communication
"The school is always clean, secure, and well-maintained."
The Park Street Difference
Three teachers in every classroom.
While larger programs may have one teacher and one assistant, our classrooms are supported by three professional team teachers per class, providing an exceptional teacher-to-student ratio.
Small group learning
Individual attention
One-on-one support
Strong relationships
"The teachers don't just know your child's name — they know their interests, their strengths, their quirks, and how to help them grow with confidence."
A balanced, thoughtful approach
Strong academics, hands-on exploration, real childhood.
Our program combines strong early academics with creativity, movement, and meaningful play. Throughout the day, students experience:
Whole and small group instruction in literacy and math
Hands-on science and STEM
Social studies, art, and thematic learning
Fine Arts with a Spring Art Show
Spanish and music classes
Outdoor play and movement breaks
Imaginative play and free exploration
Learning is reinforced through hands-on experiences, special visitors, and engaging thematic units — including community helpers, environmental conservation, local history, and cultural diversity.
"The amount of knowledge my kids have bestowed upon me from what they learned at school is astonishing."
A proven literacy foundation
Wilson Fundations — a head start on reading.
One of the ways our Pre-K program stands apart is our use of Wilson Fundations, a multisensory early literacy program that introduces:
Letter formation
Letter-sound connections
Early sight words
Pre-writing and handwriting skills
Through engaging, hands-on activities, children build a strong foundation for reading and writing in a way that is both developmentally appropriate and fun.
"The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to nurture curiosity, independence, and social-emotional development, all while keeping things joyful and age-appropriate."
Building confidence beyond the classroom
Ready for kindergarten — and excited for it.
Independence in daily routines
The ability to express their needs clearly
Confidence participating in group settings
In a supportive environment, students are encouraged to take risks, express themselves, and given space to grow at their own pace.
"PSA has helped create a happy and strong early childhood experience, full of love, laughter, friendship, a strong sense of self, and pride in individual accomplishment."
Flexible scheduling that works for families
A schedule that fits real family life.
Core Pre-K program: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM, with options for before and after care.
Full Plus Program: schedule flexibility between 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM. Includes exciting afternoon enrichment and our outstanding summer camp with swim lessons.
Afternoon enrichment clubs
Each day offers something different.
Book Crew — building a love of reading through stories and activities
Yoga — movement and mindfulness
Wiz Kidz — hands-on science experiments
Performing Arts — music, dance, and improvisation
Kids Café — cooking, creating, and trying new foods
Optional add-ons include: Tennis, Gymnastics & Super Sports.
"Communication was also a big plus — they kept us informed and were always easy to reach if we had questions."
A connected school community
Families find friendships here, too.
Families at Park Street Academy often say the community engagement through our parent association is a valuable bonus to their experience.
Family events and outings (movies, skating, hiking)
Parent events (happy hours, potlucks, sip & paint)
"We came in as strangers, and left PSA with an extensive network of friends."
Preparing children for what comes next
Our Pre-K students leave us…
Ready for the academic expectations of kindergarten
Confident participating in a classroom environment
Comfortable forming friendships and navigating social situations
Excited and prepared for their next school experience
Families and elementary schools consistently tell us our students transition smoothly and confidently into their next school.
Meeting each child where they are
Whether your child is coming from another preschool or just beginning their school journey, we support each student's starting point and guide their growth over time.
All are welcome here
Reflecting our diverse community for nearly three decades.
Through our curriculum and classroom experiences, children learn about different types of families, cultures, traditions, and perspectives — building respect, pride, and a strong sense of belonging.
"After two years, I feel that I've graduated along with my daughter and am a better parent and person as a result of the remarkable environment they've created and fostered."