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Madison Avenue Presbyterian ChurchDay School
The Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church Day School was founded in 1949 as an extension of the Church’s mission to provide for the community. The school was led by the Minister of Christian Education of the Church for 47 years. During this period, enrollment grew steadily and MAPCDS was recognized as the exemplary early childhood program it continues to be. In 1995, the school’s leadership structure changed to reflect more current practices. Our first Director was appointed and led the school with the support of the Church’s main governing body, the Session. Our second and current Director, Laura Graham, was appointed in 2015 and continues to uphold the school’s ideals with a modern leadership approach. She has expanded the school’s vision and, through strong collaboration with a dedicated administrative team, continues to raise the bar for high quality preschool in New York City.
The Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church Day School (MAPCDS) is a leading institution in child-centric early childhood education, drawing inspiration from the Reggio Emilia and progressive educational philosophies. We prioritize intellectual growth alongside social and emotional development. Our integrated approach instills a joy for learning and prepares young minds for future opportunities and challenges. Families, children, educators, the environment, and our community are the pillars of our school.
We respect our children as competent and capable learners, who co-construct knowledge with educators and peers. We firmly believe that enriching experiences, collaborative relationships, and infinite learning approaches lay the foundation for engaged learners. The MAPCDS experience includes deep and complex interdisciplinary explorations of literacy, math, science, art, and music.
Families are the experts on their children and as such we build trusting, transparent, and collaborative relationships with families. These respectful partnerships foster an environment where learning thrives. We embrace and welcome diversity. Together we weave a connected network transcending cultural boundaries, nurturing empathy in our children and cultivating a vibrant, harmonious community reflective of the world's richness.
MAPCDS educators honor children's questions and ideas through the development of emergent curriculum studies where learning is joyful, engaging, and dynamic. Our educators utilize research-driven practices, nurture heart-centered environments, and empower children to cultivate skills independently. Our ethos promotes career growth and professional development, supporting the school’s value of lifelong learning for all.
Our environment belongs to the children. Balancing form and function, the physical space impacts and documents the learning, the values, the individuals, and the whole of the MAPCDS community. Intentional aesthetics, which reflect the natural world, are an integral component of our learning spaces. As spaces evolve and transform, documentation makes both individual and collaborative learning visible. Learning extends beyond 921 Madison into the wonders of NYC, including Central Park, museums, and our neighborhood.
Founded in 1949, MAPCDS is an integral part of the ministry of the Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church (MAPC). MAPC welcomes all children and families, regardless of denomination, faith, or personal belief, and hopes to provide a reflection of God’s love to everyone in thoughtful and respectful ways.