Ignite the First Spark

Beginners and Pre-K at Nysmith are designed to spark curiosity early, helping young students build confidence, independence, and a genuine excitement for learning from the very beginning.

Explore Our Lower School
Nysmith student and teacher

What Our Community Says

Real experiences from parents, teachers, and students discovering the joy of early learning at Nysmith.

“Two years ago, I walked into Nysmith unsure. Today, I leave with a heart full of friendships, memories, and lessons that I will cherish endlessly.”

Lucia Tang

Student

Love of Learning

“Nysmith was the sole foundation of my love of school. Clearly, I wanted to go to school forever, so I became a teacher! I learned how work ethic and effort can lead to success just as much as natural talent can.”

Erika Giorgis

Student

Driven by Curiosity

“At Nysmith, questions were encouraged and explored, even if they led down the “wrong” path, or weren’t directly related. The teachers were always happy to sit down and answer any questions you had about a topic.”

Steven Bunting

Student

Confident Communicators

“I learned so much at Nysmith in terms of academics and life skills. I became a leader and developed communications skills that have helped me so much in high school.”

Kirthi Kumar

Student

"At Nysmith, I found my voice. I gained confidence, not just inside, but the kind other people can see too."

Vreni Raina

Student

Designed for Deep Learning

At Nysmith, early childhood learning is hands-on, engaging, and intentionally designed to support both intellectual and emotional growth during a child’s most important developmental years.

Nysmith student and teacher

Math

Patterns, sequencing, number sense, and problem-solving are introduced through interactive lessons that make early math feel exciting, approachable, and confidence-building.

Beyond the Classroom

Nysmith students

100 Day Parade

100 Day Parade

Our Preschool students celebrate the 100th day of school with our joyful 100 Day Parade. For many children, this milestone is especially meaningful as it may be their first school experience, and it’s a fun way to pause, celebrate growth, and feel proud of how far they’ve come.

Robotics Week

Robotics Week

During Robotics Week, our Preschool students explore the exciting world of robots through hands-on, age-appropriate activities. They learn how robots work, what they can do, and how they operate—sparking curiosity and early problem-solving in a fun, memorable way.

Nysmith students

Biology Parade

Biology Parade

Our Biology Parade brings learning to life as Preschool students showcase what they’ve discovered about the human body. Leading up to the parade, students explore basic anatomy, how the body processes food, and what different organs do; then proudly share that knowledge in a fun, memorable celebration.

Winter Concert

Winter Concert

The Winter Concert is a special moment in the Preschool year, as many students perform in front of an audience for the very first time. With songs, smiles, and lots of encouragement, children build confidence and experience the excitement of sharing something they’ve learned with their community.

Career Week

Career Week

Career Week gives Preschool students a window into the big world beyond the classroom as parents visit to share what they do for work. Everything is explained in kid-friendly terms—doctors talk about helping people, engineers and other professionals share how they build and create—opening the door to endless possibilities and big dreams.

International Week

International Week

International Week is a joyful celebration of our community and the many cultures represented at Nysmith. Parents and grandparents visit to share traditions, customs, and stories, helping students learn to appreciate differences and build a sense of belonging and respect for others.

Bright Futures Begin Here

The earliest educational experiences shape how children see themselves as learners for years to come. At Nysmith, our admissions process is designed to be personal, thoughtful, and supportive as we learn more about your child and help your family explore the right next step.

Apply to Nysmith
Nysmith students