On a Last-Minute School Hunt? Church Street School Offers Solutions

Online, August 30, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Many parents of young children in New York City were greeted this summer with highly anticipated acceptance letters to the preschool of their choice. However, for others, the season brought disappointing news: no vacancies for their children. Facing the same challenge as long-term city residents are numerous new arrivals to the city: All are engaged in the hunt for a good school to enroll their children before the new school year begins.

According to Betsy Kerlin, Director of Programs and Development at Church Street School for Music and Art, there are alternatives still available. Church Street School for Music and Art offers "Arts Express," an innovative music and art immersion preschool experience, with classes for 2's, 3's, and a Pre-K program for those turning 4 by December of this year. Since 1990, the school has been dedicated to arts education for students of all ages and ability levels. As the only not-for-profit school for the arts in Lower Manhattan, Church Street School extends an understanding and love of the arts to a community that is economically, socially and culturally diverse.

"The alternative Pre-K program, taught by our professional faculty, will foster kindergarten readiness in children through experience and exposure, combined with our acclaimed music and art program," Kerlin says. "The teachers at Church Street School are highly trained and experienced in their art, educational approaches, and belief in the accessibility of the arts to all. A group of acclaimed teaching artists from around the world, we leave space in our approaches to learn from our students too."

Church Street School's process-oriented approach plays a part in every class. "Our objective is to facilitate creativity and give voice to the natural musical and artistic sense through direct, physical experience," says Kerlin.

She adds, "In music classes, this means total music education-not just brainwork or finger work, but ears, mind and body working together. While we emphasize skill building and the development of general music understanding, we also emphasize improvisation and composition as a way for the students to truly 'own' their experiences."

Seats are still available for the fall/spring semester, for more information on classes and schedules, log on to www. Churchstreetschool.org. To register for classes, contact Jason at [email protected] or 212.571.7294.