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IPS Playgroup

On the Upper East Side

A Unique and Warm Community in NYC

photocollage: three boys delightfully watch foam emerge from a pumpkin; a girl and a boy read a book side by side

For over 60 years, The International Preschools — IPS, as we say — has welcomed families from New York City and all around the world. Our uniquely diverse community is a happy place of belonging, sharing, supporting, growing and befriending — for both children and their parents. We celebrate our differences and commonalities and help children build the fundamental skills and attitudes to thrive in a complex world.

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Parent Testimonials

Discover Our Programs

Preschool for 2s, 3s and 4/5s

IPS offers preschool programs for children ages 2 through 5. Our developmentally appropriate and nurturing approach to learning keeps all children engaged and excited to come to school every day!

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IPS Playgroup for Under-2s

IPS is excited to offer a pre-separation class for children under 2 years of age. In this introduction to school, an experienced IPS teacher facilitates structured free play, art projects, storytime, music and snack for your child.

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Summer Camp

IPS runs a summer camp for incoming and current students. Camp is a great place for children to get acclimated to school routines, learn new skills, make new friends and continue the fun they have at school!

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Our Philosophy

Play-based Learning

Play is the serious work of young children. They are born with natural impulses to explore; play-based learning allows children to learn naturally. They understand their world best through hands-on, sensory-based experiences that allow them to actively participate, get messy, and make meaning of both the familiar and the new. These experiences help young children grow into older children and adults who have open-minded, nuanced views of the world.

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Our Programs

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Diversity

At IPS, diversity isn’t something we do — it’s who we are. It’s woven into all aspects of our curriculum and classrooms. We are all uniquely different yet the same in many ways.
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Community

Whether our families are from New York or far away, they all become a part of the big IPS family. We work closely with parents to create a vibrant, welcoming environment.
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Early Drop-off & After School

Recognizing that working parents often need to extend their child’s school day, we offer drop-off beginning at 8:00 AM and after-school programs until 4:00 PM to meet their needs.

Teachers

Our teachers also reflect the diversity of the students. Many speak multiple languages and were born outside the U.S. Each class has two or three teachers, and all head teachers hold Master’s degrees.
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Specialty Classes

As part of our play-based curriculum, our specialty classes — creative movement, music, library, and technology — expand on the curricular themes studied in the classrooms.
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Life After IPS

We work individually with all our families to guide their applications to kindergarten. Many families aren’t from NYC and are unfamiliar with the options and process. IPS has a strong record of placements at top schools.
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From Our Instagram

On Friday Room 4 celebrated Santa Lucia, a Swedish

Round 2 of #WinterSolstice coming to you from IPS.

At #IPSNYC we celebrate #festivalsoflight from aro

Join us in celebrating the #WinterSolstice at IPS!

New & Noteworthy

Parents Trivia Night

Join your fellow IPS parents for a fun-filled night of trivia and new friends! This event will take place immediately following Curriculum Night at school on October 10th. More information coming soon!

IPS Halloween Party

Save the date for our annual IPS Halloween Party in Central Park on Sunday, October 27th. Tickets will be available for purchase in early October.

IPS Playgroup

The IPS Playgroup for children under 2 begins on September 23rd. This pre-separation class is the perfect way for your child to be introduced to the school routine and develop social-emotional skills to prepare them for preschool in September. Register today!