Park Street Academy is a wonderful school where caring teachers pay close, individualized attention to how children develop. The three-year program includes specific times of the day for working with language and math, and also for beginning lessons in science and history, plus a range of activities and crafts that have astonished my wife and me. We enrolled our older daughter at PSA eight years ago, when we were new to Montclair, and every day we watched her decode words, learn about the planets, play tennis ... We still use a paper plate-and-Postit centerpiece she made for Thanksgiving. Last year, when it came time for our younger daughter to enter pre-school, there was no question where we would go, and we have no doubts today. Our girls have very different personalities, but PSA nurtured in both of them a love for learning and a respect for people of all kinds, and taught them that school is a place to happily embrace challenges. One reviewer below had issues with Park Street's handling of nutrition. But the school does not allow students to give out sweets, even on birthdays, and doesn't let students trade lunch materials. Good nutrition is part of the curriculum, and is embedded in the classes where students make food, like matzo-based menorahs for Hanukkah. PSA does have a pizza option for lunch on Wednesdays - if that's a problem, look around! You live in North Jersey! And over the summer, they had ice cream days. If these are deal-breakers, so be it, but I've never seen any of the staff refuse to accommodate a family's wishes when it comes to students' dietary needs. Quite the reverse: teachers sit with children who come in early for breakfast, and will warm any food that needs to be heated. Overall, that negative review is absurdly contrary to the experience of my daughters and her classmates at PSA. I would also mention that Park Street's flexible hours (which you pay for) are a big plus for parents who have to synchronize schools, or who have unpredictable schedules. There weren't many days when we had to drop off our daughters early or pick them up late, but PSA was there when we needed it, available from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM The real bottom line is that PSA is a school, not a day-care facility. Some students, and more than a few parents, will find it has structure they are not used to. As far as our family has been able to tell, children have a heck of a lot of fun within that structure. And they leave PSA exceptionally well-prepared for kindergarten, and with lifelong friends among their classmates as well as their teachers. read more

Three years ago we enrolled our son in the Freshman program at PSA and in just a few weeks he will be graduating from Senior North and moving on to Kindergarten. Our experience at PSA has been wonderful. Each year our son has been surrounded by teachers who are nurturing and caring and who also acknowledged and reaffirmed a value important in our family for early education: instilling a love of learning/creativity and a quest for knowledge. From the owner/director, Lisa Raphael, to business administrator, Sandy Weber, to the teachers and support staff, PSA is not just a preschool, but a community that has at its heart the well-being and development of the children entrusted to their care. We found PSA after failed experiences at two prior preschools, the second of which closed midsummer leaving us without childcare for September. The silver lining was that, as a result of an exhaustive search of local area preschools, we discovered PSA. We did the full tour of PSA, which is very worthwhile, and we also researched PSA online. To be clear, and in response to some minor criticism that I have read, with PSA what you see is very much what you get. The monthly snack calendar is posted as are daily reports -- often including photos -- of what our son did that day. Any questions or concerns that we expressed were promptly and satisfactorily answered (and with 3-5 year olds, at some point, questions or concerns do arise) by administrators and teachers. We have watched our son progress from the freshman class to the senior class which has a structured educational program which we believe has adequately prepared him for Kindergarten. For families relocating and new to Montclair, we found that through extra-curricular events (often co-sponsored by PSA and its very active Parents Alliance Committee) such as a parent v. teacher/staff basketball game, family/parents nights out, and other similar events, PSA also provides an opportunity where parents and children can develop lifelong friendships in their new community. The school wide annual dance recital, the senior art show and annual moving up/graduation ceremony are also events not to be missed. read more

Both of my sons now attend Park Street Academy, and every year we love PSA more and more. From top to bottom, our experience has been fantastic. The staff and administrators are caring, conscientious and professional - and they truly love their jobs and the children in their classes. The word that comes to mind is always family. We are part of the PSA family and they are part of ours! If there is ever and issue or concern about our kids - from our side or from the teacher's side (and look, we're talking about little kids, so there's always something happening!) it is dealt with in a collaborative manner in support of one another. My children have learned so much - academically, socially, you name it - from their experiences here. They also cater to the working family, with extended hours and activities that keep the kids engaged and stimulated all day long. The kids are never bored and always learning something - even if it's just how to enjoy playing and exploring their imaginations. We have a few more years before our youngest ages out of PSA, and we are already dreading the day when we have to move on. This is such an excellent, loving, fun place - something you feel the minute you walk in the door. I highly encourage you to check them out for yourselves, talk to the teachers and staff and reach out to parents about their experiences. It is really a fantastic place and our kids are getting a wonderful foundation for their social and academic careers here - not to mention lots of love and support along the way. read more

Park Street Academy (PSA) is a fantastic preschool program. My oldest daughter graduated last year after 3 amazing years and my youngest has just started in the first class (the "Freshman" class). As both a parent and professor in education, I can tell you that PSA is a rare find. First and foremost, the staff is VERY attentive, loving and caring. I can't recall a day that my oldest didn't want to go to school and my youngest, after a little over a month of school doesn't want to come home! The school day is structured (the staff is very organized) with A LOT of activities and opportunities for learning. They cover it all from bringing in community helpers, a whole unit on space and fine arts (the list goes on and on...). I was so impressed with how much my daughter learned each day and her tremendous vocabulary is a reflection of this. They also have very well organized clubs EVERY day (cooking, science, dance etc.) for students that stay later. They definitely have the right idea about teaching academics at the preschool level. Students often work in small groups with 1 teacher so the lessons can be individualized. My oldest entered Kindergarten reading, writing and doing mathematics extremely well for her age. Socially, the staff really facilitates appropriate social skills at each age level and my daughter made so many friends at PSA! I would say that most of all though, the positive, nurturing environment PSA presents from day 1 really taught my daughter to love learning. read more

Park Street Academy is not just a preschool -- it's a truly one-of-a-kind place where learning, creativity, and kindness come together in the most beautiful way. From the moment you walk through the doors, you can feel the warmth and passion that sets this school apart from the rest. What makes Park Street Academy so unique is its deeply personalized approach to early childhood education. The teachers don't just know your child's name -- they know their interests, their strengths, their quirks, and how to help them grow with confidence. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to nurture curiosity, independence, and social-emotional development, all while keeping things joyful and age-appropriate. The environment itself is vibrant, engaging, and filled with opportunities for hands-on exploration. Every classroom is a welcoming, inspiring space that encourages kids to be themselves and take pride in their learning. Art, music, play, nature -- it's all seamlessly woven into the day. But what truly makes Park Street Academy stand out is its sense of community. The staff, families, and children create a strong, supportive network where everyone feels valued and connected. It's rare to find a preschool that feels this much like a second home. If you're looking for a preschool experience that's meaningful, magical, and memorable, Park Street Academy is it. There is simply no place like it. read more

I tried to post this earlier and it didn't take so I will try again! PSA gave my daughter a foundation that I feel no other school could of given her! The staff of PSA was always loving, caring, knowledgeable, and strong when needed. My daughter was always happy to be there! I know all parents are entitled to their opinions and to raise their children the way they want, but my opinion is if your child is happy and growing in so many ways with PSA why does it matter if they serve an extra cookie or lollipop? Unfortunately my son had some special needs and did not attend PSA but the stafford him so much. When I would drop up or pick up my daughter they always managed to make him smile! I am grateful for the experience PSA and their staff gave us as a family! Thank you, Yesenia C. read more

My son recently completed his Freshman year and we plan to keep him at PSA for two more years (through Pre-K). Our experience has been simply wonderful!! Our older child completed 2 years at another Montclair preschool and PSA has performed heads and shoulders above the prior school due to their superior academics, dedication, creativity, the warmth/love of staff, their great space and opportunities for athletics (HUGE gym is a plus). It's very working family friendly compared to most local schools in that you're not required to come in all of the time (although you do have to work around some vacations). Most importantly, my son has been very happy there and looks forward to school with great enthusiasm. read more

This school gave my little girl the most amazing education and cognitive edge when it comes to going to public school in my town. We've been at PSA for 3 years and the teachers their were excellent, they were so patient with my little girl and they were so detailed when it came down to her education. I was amazed by how they treat the kids as if they were little high schoolers, really teaching the kids, at such a young age, the concept of changing classrooms, and dealing with multiple teachers. If I had another child I would definitely enroll them in this amazing program. I wish this program went all the way to college, hahaha.. read more

My niece and nephew both attended Park Street Academy and graduated last year. I often picked them up from school and was always astounded by the learning and most importantly fun the kids were having. The environment is warm, bright and inviting with tons of kids artwork hanging from the ceilings and all over the walls. The Director if the school was very friendly and it was obvious that her staff and students really love her. My niece and nephew never wanted to leave and it was also obvious that they loves all of the teachers too. I definitely recommend this school! read more

I am so thankful for Park Street. As a full time, single working mom there is no place I would rather have my daughter spend her days. The staff is loving, culturally competent, and smart. My daughter is thriving and I am so grateful for the staff and administration at Park Street Academy, not to mention I have made friends and feel connected to the community. Laura Quiros, Ph.D. read more