🎟️ Free Pre-K seats Public funding alongside private tuition
Children's Harbor participates in NYC's free Pre-K, so a portion of seats are city-funded at no tuition. Availability changes year to year — apply through MySchools and confirm with the school. How free 3-K & Pre-K works →
Amber Staff transparency
A long-established AMS-member school, but per-teacher credentials and full tuition aren't posted publicly — request the staff list and fee schedule when you inquire. Why this matters →
Snapshot
See the school
St. George
St. George is Staten Island's civic gateway — the ferry terminal to Lower Manhattan, harbor views, and hillside blocks of Victorian houses. It's the most transit-connected corner of the island, anchored by the free Staten Island Ferry.
Overview
Children's Harbor Montessori is a long-established independent nonprofit in St. George, serving children from ages 2 through 6 (into Kindergarten) since 1976. It's an AMS member and one of Staten Island's steadiest Montessori options, with the added draw of participating in NYC's free Pre-K.
Programs & ages
Toddler and 3–6 Primary classrooms through Kindergarten, in a small-school setting near the ferry. Its half-century of continuity is a genuine plus for families wanting a stable early-childhood environment.
Tuition 2026–27
Private tuition isn't posted publicly — request the current schedule. Crucially, the school offers free NYC Pre-K seats, so eligible four-year-olds may attend at no cost; apply via MySchools and confirm availability. See our free 3-K & Pre-K guide.
Leadership & staff
As a small nonprofit it's closely run, but named staff and their Montessori credentials aren't fully published. Ask who leads each classroom and what certification they hold.
Accreditation & authenticity
AMS membership signals a Montessori orientation but isn't the same as AMS/AMI accreditation. Given the long track record, ask about teacher training to gauge fidelity — our authenticity guide covers what to check.
What parents say
Independent review volume is limited, but the school's reputation rests on longevity and a warm, small-school feel. Weigh a visit and conversations with current families heavily.
Heard around town
Signals from public parent forums and listservs. Forum chatter is opinion — take it with a grain of salt.
Admissions
Inquire and tour directly for private seats; for the free Pre-K seats, apply through the DOE's MySchools process on the city's timeline. Our admissions timeline and planner help you keep both tracks straight.