Battery Park Montessori opened in 2013 as part of the Green Ivy network and is New York City’s first trilingual Montessori program. It serves infants through kindergarten and uniquely offers full immersion in Spanish and Mandarin, in addition to English. Classrooms are intentionally designed as joyful, peaceful and purposeful spaces where children are seen, heard and respected. The school’s riverfront location in Battery Park City provides light‑filled rooms and access to a private garden and playground.
Nursery Ones (ages 1–2). Students attend five full‑day sessions per week. Teachers guide children as they explore Montessori sensorial and practical‑life materials; the curriculum lays the foundation for language, motor skills and independence. A 6:1 student–teacher ratio ensures individual attention.
Nursery Twos & Casa 3/Kindergarten (ages 2–5). Mixed‑age classrooms foster mentorship, collaboration and leadership. Guides follow each child’s interests and introduce materials individually. Children rotate through Spanish, Mandarin and English environments each day, developing fluency and cultural awareness. Daily outdoor play in the school’s garden complements classroom learning.
Tuition is based on a full‑day schedule and includes daily hot lunch, healthy snacks, classroom supplies, field trips and trilingual language immersion. For 2025‑26 the Nursery Ones program is $49,208 per year, while Nursery Twos – Casa 3/Kindergarten costs $47,353 per year. Families may opt for extended‑day care and enrichment classes for an additional fee.
The school is located at 21 South End Avenue overlooking the Hudson River. Its contemporary facility features purpose‑built Montessori classrooms with natural light, a private outdoor garden, art studio, music room and a multi‑language library. The campus is stroller‑friendly and accessible by subway, ferry and bus.
Battery Park Montessori is led by Maria Horsford, Head of School, who holds Montessori credentials and previously served as a classroom guide. Supporting her are Emily Thomas, Assistant Head of School and Casa English teacher; Kate Benini, Director of Auxiliary Programming; and Claire Huang, Mandarin guide. Additional teachers hold Montessori diplomas and degrees in early‑childhood education, music and language instruction.
Battery Park Montessori follows Maria Montessori’s philosophy of child‑led learning. Teachers act as guides who prepare the environment and allow children to choose activities suited to their developmental stage. Multi‑age classrooms encourage leadership and mentorship, while uninterrupted work cycles develop concentration and intrinsic motivation. The program uniquely emphasizes multilingualism; children spend equal time immersed in Spanish and Mandarin, boosting cognitive flexibility and cross‑cultural understanding.
Admissions are rolling. Families first submit an inquiry and schedule a campus tour. Children must be at least one year and one day old to enter Nursery Ones and two years old before December 31 to enter Nursery Twos. After the tour, parents complete an online application and participate in an interview with their child. Offers are sent as spaces become available, and siblings receive priority. Financial aid is offered on a limited basis.
Battery Park Montessori is a member of the American Montessori Society (AMS) and follows Green Ivy’s rigorous standards for authentic Montessori practice. While the school has not yet sought independent accreditation, its programs align with AMS and international best‑practice guidelines.
• Meals included: Tuition covers a healthy hot lunch and snack prepared on site.
• Enrichment options: After‑school clubs include music, art, Mandarin and Spanish story time, soccer and yoga.
• School year: Classes run September–June with summer camp and holiday camp options.
• Uniforms: Students wear comfortable play clothes; there is no formal uniform.
• Transportation: Located near the ferry and PATH; stroller parking is available.
https://www.batteryparkmontessori.com/ | accessed 2025‑07‑25
https://www.batteryparkmontessori.com/our-team | accessed 2025‑07‑25
https://www.batteryparkmontessori.com/admissions | accessed 2025‑07‑25
https://greenivy.com/battery-park-montessori/tuition | accessed 2025‑07‑25
https://www.batteryparkmontessori.com/montessori | accessed 2025‑07‑25
https://www.greatschools.org/new-york/new-york/29820-Battery-Park-Montessori/ | accessed 2025‑07‑25