Admissions

Buckle My Shoe is more than a preschool; it’s a progressive learning community shaped by the Reggio Emilia philosophy. Our carefully curated admissions process ensures that each family is aligned with our values; we seek families who value collaboration, inquiry, and the powerful role of the environment in a child’s development.

Inquiry Now

We look forward to introducing our program to prospective families
in four easy steps.

  • Step 1

    Online Inquiry

  • Step 2

    Virtual School Presentation

  • Step 3

    Application & School Tour/Walk Through

  • Step 4

    Child Playdate & Current Family Connection

Step 1: Online Inquiry

To register for a virtual school presentation, please fill out an inquiry and pick a date.

Step 2: Virtual School Presentation

Virtual School Presentations are held monthly on the first Thursday of every month and last for one hour. Once you have attended a virtual presentation of our program, please submit an application.

$50 Application Fee Applies

Step 3: Application & School Tour/Walk Through

Once you sumbit your application you can schedule a tour to explore our classrooms and see BMS in action. During your visit, you’ll experience our Reggio Emilia–inspired environment and gain a true sense of the Buckle My Shoe philosophy (parents only).

Step 4: Child Playdate & Current Family Connection

The final step of our admissions process is a playdate for your child in our school environment. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with a current family from the class your child would be joining—offering a genuine parent-to-parent perspective and an authentic glimpse into the Buckle My Shoe experience.

SCHEDULES OFFERED

  • INFANTS* & TODDLERS* (Tribeca & West Village)
    Monday-Friday
    Mornings (9am-12pm), extended day (9am-3pm) or full day (8:30am-5:30pm with optional 8am-6pm extension available)

  • TWO’S*, THREES and PRE-K (Tribeca & West Village)
    Monday-Friday
    Mornings (9am-12pm), extended day (9am-3pm) or full day (8:30am-5:30pm with optional 8am-6pm extension available)

*Flexible scheduling available (2 or 3 days in addition to 5 days)

2025-2026

ADMISSIONS TIMELINE

March-September: Rolling Admission for West Village & Tribeca

Kind Words

  • “We selected Buckle My Shoe Preschool while our son was still in utero and it was one of the best decisions we made as “pre-parents”; We saw the environment and team as warm, interactive, thoughtful and nurturing and our expectations were met fully. As an extended day student we wanted our son to feel that his nursery school was like a second home and BMS has really delivered on that. The Reggio Emilia-inspired educational curriculum allowed our son to benefit from an experiential and self-directed learning environment from his first day and throughout his 4+ years at BMS. His teachers at every level have been dedicated, creative and loving. The administration has been responsive, receptive to our feedback and welcoming of our ideas. We have made many wonderful friends among the other BMS families. As a Pre-K student about to graduate we marvel at how much our son has grown and advanced as a learner and as a friend to others. We are so proud of him and so thankful for everything BMS has given him.”

    Allison Stark

  • “I've sent my three daughters - ages 7, 5, and 3 - to Buckle My Shoe and highly recommend their teachers and Reggio curriculum. The older two started at 6 months - I was still working full-time - and it was hard for me, especially with my first, to leave her there all day. However, after a couple of weeks, I felt very comfortable and knew she was in caring and capable hands. The infant teachers were so communicative, and posted many photos throughout the day of her finger painting, engaging in sensory play, hanging out during circle time, listening to books and music. I always knew what she had been up to each day and was really pleased with the variety of activities she was exposed to as well as the socialization with the other infants. As my girls moved up to the toddler and 2's classrooms, Buckle My Shoe continued to be a warm and nurturing environment, and all of their dedicated teachers were passionate about the curriculum and their students. Thanks to these exceptional teachers, the magical classroom environment, and thoughtful educational program.”

    Mindy Price