The Riverside Church Weekday School is a non-denominational, early childhood school serving children ages 2 to 5 in a nurturing setting committed to addressing the unique needs of young children. Our school’s mission is aligned with the Riverside Church mission celebrating diversity and pledging itself to education, reflection and action for peace and justice.

We draw upon a variety of proven approaches to foster independence, individuality and creativity. Supported by a collaborative community of peers, parents and teachers, our children learn to make decisions, meet complex challenges, and take responsibility for their actions. We are committed to developing an awareness and respect for the natural world and its resources within our curriculum and through a full utilization of the wealth of resources available to us in New York City.

The school resides on The Riverside Church's sixth and seventh floors, which were specifically designed as a learning environment when the church was built. It features bright, spacious classrooms with large, arching windows overlooking the Hudson River and upper Manhattan. There are two indoor play spaces, a rainy-day room with climbing equipment and riding toys as well as a gym. The sun-filled art studio looks out onto the river and inspires the beautiful expression of our young artists.

Additionally, The Weekday School is committed to the physical development of our children and their exploration of imagination and mastery through athletic well-being. To fulfill this ambition, the Weekday School employs two large, on-site outdoor playgrounds: the eighth floor rooftop playground, which is equipped with bicycles and tricycles for riding, and the newly refurbished first floor playground, which features climbing equipment and planters where each class tends a garden.

Our commitment to diversity also extends across faiths and traditions. At The Weekday School, children are provided a culturally rich experience celebrating Christmas and Easter led by the senior minister as well as Hanukkah, Passover, Kwanzaa, Lunar New Year, Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday and other holidays.

Our children are led by a highly qualified, talented and dedicated staff of childhood education specialists whose work is supported and furthered by an active Parent's Association. Parents perform many vital roles in the life of the school. Families and friends are welcomed into the classrooms to share traditions, experiences, and talents. Through participation in the Parents' Association, families provide leadership and assistance with school social and fundraising events.