Our daughter will graduate from 8th grade at The Studio School in June. We placed her in the school starting in 6th grade, and it was one of the best decisions we ever made for our family. On arriving at The Studio School (from a different elementary school), our child was anxious, frustrated, disengaged & lacked confidence. From the very start we worked closely with Janet Rotter, Head-of-School, as well as an invested & passionate group of educators who understood how "Jane" was experiencing & processing school. During her three years at Studio our daughter blossomed into a genuinely curious learner, and a lively & engaged young person. The Studio School environment validates how exceptional every child is, and they partnered with the three of us (our daughter is an "only") to provide a uniquely challenging & nurturing education. Our "Jane" went from a child who hated & refused to go to school to a kid who advocates for herself, regulates herself and meets her education head-on, with open & eager arms. It's been a wonderful & enlightening process for all of us. My husband and I occasionally get caught up in "if only we'd sent her there from the start." But if our previous school experience did one thing, it led us to The Studio School. Every child should have this kind of whole, meaningful, educational experience. Our world would be a much better place. Sent from my iPad read more

I don't even know where to start, I wish I could give 0 stars because this school is not worth anyones time or money. From personal experience this school is extremely controlling and on top of that extremely lazy with academics and neglectful when it comes to actual teaching. The teachers and especially their principal will do whatever they can to intervene in the parents and children's personal lives. On multiple occasions I've seen them force parents to make the decisions, that they want them to make, sometimes these decisions have nothing to do with their kids. If the parents don't comply they will threaten to, and go through with kicking their kid out of the school. Simply because they didn't want to do something in their personal lives which had nothing to do with the school or academics. The teachers and principal Janet Rotter on multiple occasions have intervened where they were not asked or needed. read more

Why Studio? At Studio, emotional grounding is the basis for academic development. We did not understand this until our now 9 y/o joined Studio in 2022. In fact, we did not fully comprehend the meaning of Studio's motto "an education from the inside out," which is intrinsic to its curriculum, until our son started to manifest his academic strengths and weaknesses. The latter in particular have been the most exciting to witness, for it is because of the emotional grounding and academic support that Studio provides that our son has been able to take on academic challenges with calm resolve. But it's perhaps Ms. Rotter's (Head of School) remarkable understanding of child academic development and psychology that Studio has turned into such an integral part of our family and of the way we now approach learning. Unlike other Heads of School, Ms. Rotter knows every single one of the students (and parents) at Studio and, with her team of outstanding educators, develops individualized and highly effective learning strategies and objectives for the family. Each kid learns differently. This fact meets a thriving context at Studio. Moreover, Ms. Mabey's (Head of Teaching & Learning) curriculum expertise, from development to group and individual implementation, seals the academic rigor we experience at Studio. For instance, at Parent/Teacher meetings, Ms. Mabey regularly teams up with Head Teachers to augment our understanding of our child's development more comprehensively (by discipline and across the disciplines), and to identify practicable strategies to contribute to this development at home. This has proven particularly effective for us, and we have been able to create an atmosphere at home that is congruent with Studio's pedagogy. This, in turn, helps our son maintain steady progress. At Studio, we are all developing together. It's a family affair. But Studio's curriculum also shines for its interdisciplinarity, combining language (Spanish and English), math, science and history all in "One World." On any given day at Studio, children can learn US history along with math principles, while concurrently learning the differences between these disciplines. Studio's mathematics curriculum is extremely efficient. My son is learning math is not just a set of numbers, but a language reflected in everyday life, in every board game we play and at the park and at subway stations. Everywhere. Hence, Studio's curriculum is not about academics in a vacuum, nor academics for academics' sake. It's a complete education, making connections from the school to home and everywhere in between. Now that we have seen our kid grow older at Studio, we see someone who is turning into an emotionally intelligent human, and someone who enjoys learning. Someone who understands his weaknesses and is unafraid to work on them. Someone who understands his strengths and actively works on maintaining them. Someone who is increasingly less scared of his inner-self and comfortable bringing his persona to the table. Thus far, this is a clear outcome of Studio's education "from the inside out" approach. This is why we continue to choose Studio. read more

The Studio school is a model of what schools should be. The school teaches kids how to think for themselves and put it into words.

We love the Studio School! Little Guy has been there for seven years and we are very happy with the program. We started out thinking we'd send him there for preschool and see how things went. Well, things have gone great. The academics get tougher as the kids get older (as it should be) but the teachers and administration at Studio continue to work WITH the child not AGAINST the child just as it was described in Norah E's review. As the Little Guy has grown, we've been amazed at how Studio's approach has helped us to raise a self-sufficient, self-trusting person. At nine, he is far more emotionally aware than many adults. Plus, in a small classroom setting, the children are able to push past grade level where they excel and they get a ton of support in areas where they are struggling. If you are looking for a school where the development of each child and the strength of the group are in healthy balance, Studio is a great school for you! read more

The Studio School is an extraordinary place. My three-year-old twin sons spent a wonderful year in the toddler program last year and asked every morning, "Is this a day we go to Studio?" because they were so excited to go to school. Now we're eagerly awaiting September so Studio days start again. Studio talks a lot about kids being able to "ask for what they want and need," and the head of school, Ms Rotter, says, "There's no learning without feelings." So the approach focuses a lot on social-emotional growth and development, which I always thought is appropriate for preschool, but now I'm completely sold on how important it is for the higher intellectual development in elementary and middle school as well. I spend most of my time at Studio in the early childhood program with my kids, but earlier this year I gave a career talk to a group of Studio middle school students. I do a lot of these sorts of talks, usually for middle and high school students, and the Studio kids were hands down the most attentive group I've ever spoken to. They had appropriate, considered questions for me, and behaved like no group of middle schoolers I've ever seen before. The only class I've ever spoken to who were more sophisticated was an NYU graduate seminar! If I'd had any second thoughts about whether Studio was the right place for our kids as they get older, they were washed away after that experience. If my boys are that thoughtful and articulate when they are 13 years old (a notoriously difficult age), it will have been worth every dollar of tuition we've paid. read more

My son graduated from The Studio School two years ago and I recently attended his sophomore year parent teacher conference for high school. Everything that was conveyed to me during the conference was clearly a direct result from his experiences at The Studio School. Every teacher I met with described him as someone who knows how to be a student, how to take his work seriously, how to persist, and how to take pride and ownership of his accomplishments. He is excelling in every single of his classes and his teachers often ask him to mentor the other students in the class because he is a "calming force and someone who settles the room." In his freshman year, he was invited to take college level courses for additional credit, which was a challenge he embraced head-on. Throughout his time at Studio, I watched him grow from someone who wasn't interested in learning to being someone who is driven and ready to take on the challenges of high school and beyond. His teachers at Studio were dedicated to investing themselves in making a relationship with him, getting to know him, and helping him seek his true potential. Through attending parent development meetings with the Head of School, Janet Rotter, I was also helped as a parent to be a part of this process and was supported in navigating the challenges of raising an adolescent. As I now look at the young man my son has become, I have The Studio School to thank for this journey. read more

As a four-year-old, our daughter has been enrolled at the Studio School for two years now and the growth we've seen in her is amazing. Yes, the school is nurturing...yes, the school is supportive to both the children and parents dealing with separation issues and the like. But once you get past the acclimation period, that's where the magic happens. We expected at the very least a high quality daycare environment, but what we are actually seeing is our daughter now being able to READ...and process mathematical concepts like basic addition, subtraction and even some multiplication. And yes, she's just four and a half. This isn't because we're forcing her to listen to Baby Einstein CDs or running flash cards by her...she's really taking what she's being exposed to at The Studio School, and coming to her own conclusions...it's quite amazing to watch. I think what we're seeing is our daughter being taught the TOOLS for how to think and process problems, not the act of adding up 2 + 2, but the concept of math itself (in a very age-appropriate way of course). Well, go see for yourself...the school is incredibly welcoming to parents and families and better yet...if you ever have the chance to speak with children who have been at the school for any length of time, you'll notice right away how articulate and thoughtful they are in what they say. Amazing stuff. read more

I was lucky to have plenty of options for my daughter's schooling. The Studio School was her top choice, and mine as well. Now, after over a year at the Studio School, I'm confident that it was the right and best choice for her. I've found it a warm environment, nurturing our daughter's talents, and teaching my wife and me how to be better parents. The Studio School impressed me initially with its focus on 'how' to learn. In kindergarten, my daughter and the other kids quickly began devising projects and seeing them through to their finish. Though she's a natural introvert, her teachers have drawn her out of her shell. She's become better at collaborating with other children, and engages with children and adults in social situations. Recently she volunteered to read a book to a younger class, but first decided she needed to write the book herself. This inspired two of the younger students to "write" their own books! I think this shows how well the Studio School has taught my kid, in just one year, to conceive and execute her ideas. It's also worth noting how tightly-knit the school is. Older kids help younger ones, and everyone participates in school-wide activities at their level of ability. The teachers are attentive to each child's needs--not just their own students but every student in the school. They're also quite approachable for parents with questions about the curriculum or for advice on child-rearing. An occupational therapist affiliated with the school has done great work on my child's fine-motor skills, but also helped her manage her emotional life better. The schoolhouse generally, a double-brownstown, is a warm and welcoming environment. And the kitchen frequently adds a delicious aroma to drop-off--not to mention opening up my daughter's palate. Studio doesn't just provide a good education, it provides a community for my daughter. read more

Our son has attended Studio for 7 plus years. A lot of schools talk about individualized learning, but at Studio it is far more than just talk--it is what they do. The Studio approach acknowledges that children have different learning styles and everything they do is with the goal of addressing each students academic and emotional well being. The school emphasizes strong academics in Reading and Writing, Science, Math, and One World. Studio offers unique programs such as Kitchen Science, Work Period, and Parent Development (workshops designed to support families of Studio students). The teachers at Studio are caring and dedicated and are always accessible to students and their families. read more

Our daughter started attending The Studio School at the age of 2. She will be turning 4 this year and thanks to The Studio School she has blossomed into a confident, curious and super-sociable toddler. The other day at the playground, I watched my 3.5 year old toddler help a shy 5 year old girl (she just met) approach a group of kids and encourage her to join them in chalk painting! This is all because of the unique method The Studio School's visionary leader, Janet Rotter, and her team of teachers!!! The school cherishes childhood, and approaches it with an understanding of a child's development, encouragement of original thinking and social-emotional intelligence. The school has a special, boutique kind of feel and I can't recommend it enough. Hands down the best kept secret of the educational world on the Upper West Side. Go visit this wonderful place and see for yourself! N.T. read more

To the outside world, my family situation would be considered a diverse one. Because of this, acceptance without judgement is extremely important to me for my children. I have had children in the school for 6 years now and at every level the staff has been there for me as I struggle to understand how to handle each particular challenge that has presented itself. Every time I have a conversation about my children with the Head of the School or their teachers, I walk away enlightened. I recall that my daughter was immediately comfortable on the first day we walked into the school. There was a feeling of freedom that immediately put her at ease. The fact that everyone I interacted with knew my name and my daughter's name immediately put me at ease as well. They were investing in my family from the moment we walked in the door. Every day since, the bond between the student, the parent, the teacher and the school as a whole has grown deeper and deeper. I am incredibly lucky to have found the Studio School and am so grateful for what has become our extended, loving, family. read more

I am a very proud graduate of The Studio School, having started there at 3 years old, and graduated in 2014. The Studio School really prepared me for HS, and during my 8th grade year I was helped and assisted every step of the way by teachers who knew me inside and out, who I had grown up with. They supported me in making smart and informed choices about which high school would be the best choice for me. I owe my education hugely to the school's incredible teachers and overall my experience there more than prepared me for HS. I am working hard, excelling and engaged in all academic areas. Something I learned at Studio that has particularly effected my HS experience is a lesson I was taught in math class. The teacher I had for math at Studio said that "math is like a language". You can't just learn how to do a problem or formula, you have to learn why you're doing it and what it means. I have always remembered this and to this day it helps me in how I approach math in HS. read more

I just wanted to write this in because I feel so floored. We are pretty new to Studio School, weren't totally sure but whatever, and they say "If your child doesn't want to come to school or you are having trouble in the morning, call us!" Yeah Right! But turns out they actually mean it! It was so crazy this morning: our son didn't want to go, so I was so mad, I said fine, let's call. And I put him on the phone (they say to do that, empower child, etc). She actually spoke to him, his teacher. They had a little conversation and decided to talk about it more...at school. He said okay let's go to school no more squawking. We went in, everything goes smooth, no one bats an eyelash that we are late, no guilt & tsk tsk thing, tantrum calmed. I love that place! read more

We love the Studio School. Our daughter has been there for one year - since she was 20 months old. She completely took to the structure of the class and by the end was seamlessly transitioning from one activity to another. I was amazed to see my little girl who was previously throwing her food all over the floor suddenly able to sit down and eat with the other students, then clear her plate and clean the table without being prompted or pushed. We feel so lucky to have found such a special place. read more

There is no better school in NYC. As a mother of three boys, I searched NYC for a school that would provide a calm, structured environment for my children where their well-being and education would be the top priority. (And not scores on standardized tests). Studio has proven to be this place, and my children have been thriving here for several years. The academics are rigorous but at the same time, the teachers at Studio have a deep understanding of child development, so new concepts are introduced in an appropriate way. Among the best things: the well-roundedness of the education (which includes Kitchen Sciences, so the children learn to cook and communally clean-up and Work Period, which gives them hands-on opportunities to create); the flexibility of the program (so students with different abilities are allowed to progress as best-suited); the diversity (such that we don't ever talk about diversity; instead families of all different backgrounds and persuasions work collectively on all our children's well-being); and the teachers, who develop close relationships with each child and devote themselves tirelessly to helping them grow. A gem of a school. read more

My 3 children attended Studio many years ago, and I am still so very grateful that each child was given, through Studio, such an impressively solid foundation on which to grow. Each child is now successful in finding joy in their lives through work, friends, and significant others. I, too, learned a great deal through Studio, as it influenced my work as a teacher and gave me confidence and direction as a new parent. It was especially comforting in helping me follow my instincts as a parent, when one is bombarded with so many parenting "shoulds". Comparing Studio to the prestigious private school where I work, it is clear that students at Studio think outside the box as opposed to the conventional climate of following orders and fitting in. read more

I graduated from the 8th grade at Studio in June of 2014 and just finished my freshman year of high school. When I started High school I was nervous about math class, but then I realized I was a lot more prepared than I expected. At Studio, I experienced a lot work with concrete materials which helped me develop my understanding of complicated math problems and concepts. I felt very supported through out the years, and my teachers understood my learning style. I was happy when I got to 9th grade math class and already knew a lot of the Geometry being taught. read more

My three children are at Studio and we all couldn't be happier! My kids love going to school every day. They're learning so much in an amazingly supportive and warm environment. This is a really unique school and offers an incredible education. We especially love the school's kitchen. Students take "kitchen science" classes where they work in the kitchen, learning things like how to follow a recipe, how to double or triple a recipe, etc. The students and staff eat together, family style, which has exposed my children to all kinds of healthy food. My daughter loves salad now and will try just about anything. This is a really unique gem on the UWS. read more

My son loves The Studio School & so do I! There are so many reasons - big and small, but here are just a few. All of the teachers in the school get to know your child. My son has been in the program only one year (twos/threes program), but teachers that teach older children know and understand what makes him special. Understanding each child's needs and how to develop an environment in which they will thrive is a core competency for the school. The parents at the school are warm & welcoming. And the facilities are good for the location and square footage in which they operate. I look forward to my son returning next month. If you're looking for a place where your child and family will feel at home - this is the place! read more

My two sons, 5 and 8, started at the Studio School this past September. It truly is an amazing place! My boys are happy and thriving in this kind, supportive, encouraging environment. They are challenged to try and do new things and are already showing increased confidence. Everything that happens at Studio happens because it was well thought out and considered. I really trust that from the moment they walk in each morning until i pick them up there is a community of people, not just their teachers, who are invested in them and care about their growth and development. The added bonus is that the parents benefit from this amazing school as well. Getting a better understanding of my boys and of my parenting is such a gift. If the past 2 months is any indication of what's to come, i am confident that my boys will continue to grow and flourish and develop the skills, confidence, motivation and desire they need to be thoughtful, considerate, creative, respectful young men. It really is an amazing place! read more