Resurrection Episcopal Day School (REDS) is located in the historic Church of the Resurrection on the Upper East Side. Since its founding in 1990, REDS has provided an authentic Montessori environment for toddlers and preschoolers. The school is distinctive because it is New York City’s only early‑childhood program recognized by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). This recognition requires rigorous adherence to Maria Montessori’s original principles and ongoing review by AMI.
REDS serves children ages 2.9 to 6 years in two programs:
* Toddler (Casa dei Bambini) – A morning program for 12 children with three AMI‑trained guides. Children explore practical life, sensorial, language and movement activities and participate in group snack and garden time.
* Primary (Mixed‑Age Preschool/Kindergarten) – A three‑year program for up to 20 children per class. Primary students attend half‑day (8:30 a.m.–12 p.m.) or full‑day (8:30 a.m.–2:45 p.m.) sessions. The same teacher guides the class for all three years, fostering community and leadership.
The curriculum follows AMI guidelines, focusing on independence, order and concentration. Lessons span practical life, sensorial activities, mathematics, language and cultural studies. Spanish, art and music specialists visit weekly. There is no before‑ or after‑care; after‑school programs for primary children provide enrichment.
Tuition is relatively transparent:
Extended day is available only for children in the second year of the primary cycle.
REDS operates within the Church of the Resurrection at 119 East 74th Street. The school includes a toddler classroom, four primary classrooms, a library, a multipurpose auditorium/gymnasium and a garden. The church’s courtyard serves as an outdoor classroom where children tend plants and observe nature.
REDS’s faculty consists entirely of AMI‑certified guides. The school believes that maintaining authenticity requires teachers trained in Maria Montessori’s original methodology. Guides meet with parents during two observation periods and parent‑teacher conferences each year to discuss each child’s progress and collaborate on goals. The head of school works closely with the church’s rector and board to align the school’s spiritual ethos with its educational mission.
The mission of REDS is to promote the intellectual, spiritual, emotional and physical development of the whole child through authentic Montessori education. Inclusivity is central; the school welcomes families from diverse ethnic, religious and socio‑economic backgrounds. The three‑year primary cycle ensures that children develop leadership skills and benefit from mentoring younger classmates. Because REDS adheres to AMI standards, its classroom environments are minimalist, featuring scientifically designed materials that invite exploration and self‑correction.
Overall aggregate rating: Not publicly published. REDS does not have a rating on GreatSchools or PrivateSchoolReview and its Yelp page requires verification. Families consistently describe the school as nurturing and authentic in private forums. In the absence of publicly posted ratings, we advise parents to visit the school and speak with current families.
Admissions are selective and occur on a rolling basis. Families submit an application, attend an information session and schedule an observation and interview. REDS encourages applications from families seeking an authentic Montessori experience and offers financial aid through the Clarity platform. Deadlines for financial aid applications fall in mid‑November.
REDS is the only Association Montessori Internationale (AMI)‑recognized school in New York City. It is also a member of the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) and the Parents League of New York.
URL | accessed 2025‑07‑25
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REDS mission & inclusivity | 2025‑07‑25
REDS AMI recognition & membership | 2025‑07‑25
REDS programs & tuition | 2025‑07‑25
REDS facilities & staff | 2025‑07‑25
REDS admissions & financial aid | 2025‑07‑25