Classroom 4: Fours/Fives
(5 by Dec 31)
Grande Section
The Grande Section is a natural continuation of the preschool experience. Five-year-olds engage in immersive and meaningful learning experiences and build critical skills for success in school and in life. Now proficient in both French and English, with a growing sense of self, students not only delve deeper into mastery of academic content (literacy, mathematics, science), but they also learn to identify emotions, personal strengths and challenges in order to grow into the complex human beings that modern society requires.
Kindergarteners continue to learn by doing, and through this process, they regularly practice reasoning, collaborating, and problem-solving to discover more about themselves, their neighborhoods, and the world around them. Five-year-olds have so many questions, and we provide tools to help them discover their own answers.
The structure of the day is similar to Moyenne Section. In addition to regroupment and les ateliers, students deepen their French immersion with 75% of the day in French and 25% of the day in English. Teachers present academic content (language and literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies) not only through lessons, but also through integrated workshops, art projects, music, and play. Kindergarteners use the blocks room to foster their imaginations, play outdoors daily, and participate in a variety of activities like swimming through our partnership with the YMCA.
Schedule and Tuition*
Full Day
Mon–Fri: 8:30 am –3:00 pm
$35,000/year
Extended Day
Mon–Fri: 8:30 am –6:00 pm
$39,500/year
* These rates are subject to change every school year.
Required non-refundable enrollment deposit (credited towards tuition): $5,000
There is a possibility to add early drop-off (8:30 am) to morning and full day preschool programs for an additional $1,500/year.
Kindergarten aftercare option from 3:00–6:00pm is also available.
There are 3 options for tuition payment plans. Learn More
Life After the Maternelle
Site Directors are available to discuss the various elementary school options in the community — public, private, and gifted & talented (G&T) programs. At your request, we can prepare and send ISAAGNY reports to private ongoing schools.
Smith Street Maternelle also partners with Smart City Kids (SCK), a nationally recognized admissions consulting group, to support families in the Moyenne and Grande Sections as they prepare for the transition to elementary school. This partnership includes family workshops, individual consultations, classroom observations, and direct advocacy with ongoing schools. Smart City Kids works closely with our Directors and teachers to ensure that each child’s profile is represented thoughtfully and accurately, and that families are guided step-by-step through applications, interviews, and school selection.
Our hope is that families in the Moyenne Section will remain with us for Kindergarten. At the same time, we are committed to supporting each family in making the decision that feels right for their child and circumstances.
Graduates of Smith Street Maternelle have gone on to well-regarded schools across New York City, including progressive independents such as Saint Ann’s, Packer, and Brooklyn Friends; French and international schools such as Lycée Français de New York, UNIS, and ISB; and public programs such as PS 8, PS 29, and the PS 58 French Dual Language program, as well as District 15 G&T programs. Our partnership with Smart City Kids helps ensure that each child finds the right next step, whether in public or private school.