We believe that the best teachers are able to draw upon a range of methodologies and strategies in order to individualize lessons as much as possible. In this regard, there are moments in every day, in every classroom which might look progressive, traditional, Montessori, Reggio… you should expect to see a real variety..
Roughly 40% of the students’ week is spent functioning in either Spanish or Mandarin. This includes formal language classes, as well as art (three times a week for one hour) and music (daily for 30 minutes). In addition, the language, art, and music teachers speak almost entirely in the target language to their students whenever they interact with them in less formal settings. There’s a great deal of language spoken at recess, in the hallways, and at lunchtime.
It’s a very personal decision, and each family usually has a strong reason for their choice. For some, it’s a way to keep the language spoken at home “alive” during the school days. For others, it’s just the opposite; they may already speak Spanish or Mandarin at home, and they’re eager for their child to learn a third language. Most Academy students speak English as their primary language, and their parents make choices based on interest in a particular culture or what they perceive will be a highly useful language in their child’s future.
It ranges, depending on subject, but is seldom more than 1:8. More often, it’s in the 1:4 or 5 range, and some language classes are as low as 1:2.
First and foremost, we look for people who wake up every day wanting to be with children. We look for teachers who have deep respect for working in a multi-cultural community. We want teachers well-versed in a wide range of theory and practice. Most of our teachers have advanced degrees in early childhood or in their area of expertise in the curriculum. All have come from outstanding classroom experiences before joining the Academy’s faculty. Our head of school sees the hiring process as one of the most important of her responsibilities.
This is a priority at the Academy. All children have a daily morning recess. Nursery students also have a recess after lunch each day. In PreK and up, they have a physical education class three times a week. All of these activities take place on our rooftop or in Central Park as much as possible. We believe fervently in children’s need to move, to play, and to breathe in fresh air as much as possible.
The Academy’s relationship with Central Park and the neighboring museums creates an invaluable extension of our classrooms. Going to the park or visiting an exhibit isn’t just a field trip for our students; they are places in which they routinely have classes. It’s not uncommon to hear our young musicians rehearsing in the park, to see our physical education classes taking full advantage of the meadows and play spaces, and to find even our youngest students expanding a theme or unit of study at The Met, The Guggenheim, The Cooper Hewitt, or The Jewish Museum.
We provide daily snacks and a healthy, appealing lunch each day. We see lunch as another classroom-- a place where we talk about nutrition, food sources, and how to take care of our bodies. We also work to expose children to a range of foods in order to expand their palates and to develop an appreciation for a variety of dishes.
We begin instruction promptly at 8:30, and the day concludes at 3:30. Nursery students have the option of going home before lunch at 11:45 if they enroll in a half-day program. We also have the option of extended day until 6:00pm, as well as after school enrichment programs.
The Academy runs its own extended day program from 3:30-6:00pm for an extra fee. A range of activities is offered throughout the year and will be published on the school’s website ("After School and Summer Programs") and through parent communications. Soccer, art, math and music classes are consistently offered throughout the year.
They do, as a way to create an even greater sense of community and because parents seem to love the ease of a standard uniform. The uniforms are purchased through Lands' End, which we’ve found makes durable clothing at reasonable prices.
IANY understand's the importance of a partnership with our parent community and therefore the Parent Ambassador Group was formed. This group helps to develop the culture of our school by creating and developing activities for many years to come.Our school's parent body is a warm and friendly group of dedicated families who often create social activities for children and adults throughout the year. To learn more about our Parent Ambassador Group please email them at ianycpa@gmail.com
Yes, the Academy is a 501(c)(3) entity.