“If you believe the child to be inquisitive and creative, competent and capable, intelligent and whole, then you will create environments which reflect this.”

- Loris Malaguzzi, founder of the Reggio Emilia approach

TriBeCa Community School offers families a unique environment for early education and learning.

Our spaces are designed with children at the center, providing ample opportunities for exploration, imagination, and discovery.  Our classrooms foster a feeling of belonging and it is within this environment that we cultivate a sense of community built on trust and respect to provide an atmosphere that will support our children’s ongoing growth and development.

Scroll down to learn and see more of our spaces!

“The Third Teacher”

The Reggio approach suggests there are three “teachers” that are involved with children's learning: the parents, the classroom teachers, and the environment of the classroom.

While creating an overall educational space, great attention is given to the look and feel of the classrooms, reminding us to view children as able communicators, collaborators, and meaning-makers who are forming relationships every day with people and materials. 

Lighting, mirrors, color, the display of loose parts, the use of natural materials, and a broad range of inclusive and diverse books, instruments, fabrics, and artwork contribute to classroom environments which reflect the diverse cultures of the school community.  

Teachers display detailed, ongoing documentation of the children’s investigations, theories and knowledge-building through the use of photography, videography and note-taking. Seeing themselves and their ideas displayed in the classroom communicates to the children that their work is being noticed and valued, highlighting process over product, and reflecting back on experiences.

We believe children develop best in a space of empathy, wonder, curiosity and joy, and that the classroom should reflect these values through a thoughtfully organized, aesthetically rich, open-ended environment that invites children to communicate their ideas in a hundred different ways.

Classrooms

Our classrooms are designed with care, providing a special space that nurtures each child's development. Creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere is crucial to a child's growth and confidence. Our cozy decor exudes a home-like ambiance, making children feel at ease and self-assured in familiar surroundings, enhancing their creativity. Moreover, every classroom is thoughtfully organized to cater to various learning experiences. Whether it's individual work, small group activities, or larger group engagements, our spaces accommodate every child's unique learning journey.

Indoor playroom with a round table displaying colorful translucent blocks and cups, a wooden wall with hanging keys and artwork, and an area with blocks stacked in colors like orange, green, and blue. There is an open doorway leading to a preschool classroom with small wooden tables, chairs, and a vase of flowers.
Bright, colorful children's playroom and classroom area with tables, chairs, artwork, and educational materials.
Bright, organized childcare or preschool room with children's photos on the wall, shelves with toys and books, small tables with educational toys, and a cozy seating area.
Interior of a children's art classroom with tables, chairs, artwork on walls, a staircase, and large windows letting in natural light.

Ateliers

Our Ateliers are much more than mere "art" areas. They are expressive spaces, filled with diverse materials, offering children a "Hundred Languages" to explore and express their ideas. With the guidance of the Atelierista—a nurturing artist and educator—children delve into their thoughts and theories about the world. The Atelierista acts as a bridge between the classroom's "Mini Atelier" and the main Atelier, introducing new materials and expanding class interests in small groups. Encouraged to work independently, children lead their learning, learning to respect materials and environment. In the Atelier, process-oriented creation reigns, empowering kids to comfortably express their ideas and theories.

Two young boys looking at an iMac computer displaying a close-up of creating or mixing spaghetti with a machine that manipulates pasta. One boy is working with a mouse, and the other is watching closely.
Four young children standing around a table, using paint rollers to create colorful abstract artwork on a long sheet of paper.
Children sit around a table engaged in a sensory activity with rocks, shells, and small objects, in a classroom setting.

Indoor Play Areas (AKA, “Big Blue Rug!”)

The Big Blue Rug, a versatile multi-purpose room, serves all classrooms at each location. Each class has its own blocks and materials, with scheduled time for creative and active play. Small groups use the space to run, build, and explore their imaginations. Besides being a movement area, it hosts significant community meetings, like our annual service learning project where children discuss causes and plan fundraisers. The room is a hub for community events, from 4s graduation ceremonies to delightful multi-class productions like "The Nutcracker." The Big Blue Rug unites our school, nurturing creativity, bonding, and shared experiences within our vibrant community.

Children playing on large blue foam building blocks in an indoor play area with white walls and black carpeted floor.
Five children standing on blue foam blocks and a green foam mat, forming a step-like structure indoors.
Children playing with colorful LED lights in a dark room.
Two young children playing with colorful scarves and a bubble machine in a playroom.
A young girl building a tower with wooden blocks inside a room. Portraits are taped to the wall, and a large screen displays the New York City skyline, including the Empire State Building.
Child crawling through a colorful play tunnel with orange, green, and blue sections.

Parks & Outside Exploration

As a neighborhood school in TriBeCa, community integration is paramount. We cherish the vibrant and welcoming surroundings and make it a point to engage with our environment. From the youngest to the oldest, our students enjoy neighborhood walks, visits to local parks, and observing the fascinating elements like subway trains and friendly firefighters. We're inspired by public art, nature, and even construction sites, learning from our community workers. These experiences enrich our daily classroom life, with photos and stories serving as lasting reflections of the wonders we encounter. At our school, community involvement fuels our students' curiosity and love for learning.

Children playing under a rainbow-colored parachute outside on a grassy area, some kids are smiling and reaching up, with adults nearby.
Two young girls sitting on a park bench, drawing on clipboards with paper, surrounded by fallen leaves and cobblestone pavement on a sunny day.
Three young boys sitting on a park bench, talking. They are eating pretzels from cups. One boy in a red hoodie is making a gesture with his fingers while the others listen.
Group of young children, dressed in jackets and hats, standing in line outside a building, smiling and interacting with an adult woman.
Group of children gathered around a woman at an outdoor market, with fresh vegetables and flowers on display in the background.
Young children and two adults standing around a small, roped-off area in an urban setting, observing a small garden bed with a young tree.
Two children, a girl in a yellow jacket and a boy in a brown jacket and red hat, stand on a sidewalk near a black metal fence, looking at each other, with a bench and cars visible in the background.
Children petting a black and white cow statue outside on a city sidewalk.
Children look through a glass window at a dog display, observing two dogs inside a building.