Neighborhood Music School

- 100 Audubon St, New Haven, CT 06510

Introduction / Overview

For families in Connecticut looking for a preschool that nurtures creativity and individuality, the Neighborhood Music School (NMS) in New Haven offers a truly unique and enriching option. More than just a traditional daycare, the NMS Preschool provides a state-licensed, arts-based curriculum for children ages two through five. Rooted in the philosophy of play-based learning, the program understands that young children are natural explorers and creative thinkers. By seamlessly integrating music, dance, and drama into daily activities, the school provides a vibrant environment where learning is a joyful and imaginative process. This holistic approach helps children develop not only a love for the arts but also critical cognitive and social-emotional skills.

The NMS Preschool is an integral part of the larger Neighborhood Music School community, which has been a pillar of arts education in New Haven for over a century. This legacy of excellence and commitment to the community is deeply ingrained in the preschool’s values. As one parent enthusiastically shared, their child has been attending for nearly two years and the "joy, creativity, and sense of community here are unmatched." The emphasis is consistently on learning, creativity, and fun, creating a supportive atmosphere where students and their families feel welcome and at home. This warm and inclusive environment is a core reason why many families choose NMS and stay for years, with one long-time member stating that the school has "become a welcoming home for me and for my children."

Location and Accessibility

The Neighborhood Music School is centrally located at 100 Audubon St, New Haven, CT 06510, USA. This address places it within New Haven's charming Audubon Arts District, making it an ideal setting for a school dedicated to creativity and the arts. Its proximity to Yale University and the New Haven Green makes it a convenient option for many families in the area. The school has gone to great lengths to ensure a high level of accessibility for everyone. Features include a wheelchair-accessible car park, wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible seating, and a wheelchair-accessible toilet. This commitment to physical accessibility ensures that the school is a welcoming and safe space for all individuals, regardless of their mobility.

Beyond physical accessibility, the school has also cultivated an inclusive and accepting social environment. The Neighborhood Music School proudly identifies as being LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space, demonstrating a commitment to creating a community where every child and family feels respected and valued. The on-site services and comprehensive accessibility features mean that parents can feel confident in their choice, knowing that their child's needs will be met in a supportive setting. The school’s location is not just a geographical point; it is a hub for a diverse and creative community, providing a rich backdrop for a child's early education and beyond. The ease of access and the inclusive atmosphere make it a standout choice for families throughout Connecticut.

Services Offered

• Play-based learning for preschool-aged children
• Music in Motion classes
• Adult dance lessons
• Youth dance classes
• Beginner, intermediate, and private dance lessons
• 7th and 8th Grade secondary school programs
• Arts-based education for middle school students
• Progressive education curriculum
• STEM education integrated with the arts
• Theatre Company for middle schoolers
• On-site services

Features / Highlights

• State-licensed preschool program
• Focus on arts-based and play-based learning
• Wide range of offerings from preschool to middle school
• Active military discounts
• Wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, seating, and toilet
• LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safe space
• Good for kids
• High-quality teaching artists and experienced staff
• Strong sense of community and family-like environment
• Opportunity to continue with music and dance beyond preschool

Contact Information

Address: 100 Audubon St, New Haven, CT 06510, USA

Phone: (203) 624-5189

What is worth choosing

Choosing the right preschool is one of the most important decisions a family can make, and the Neighborhood Music School in New Haven offers compelling reasons to be a top contender. What makes this preschool so special is its dedicated focus on arts-based, play-based learning. This approach recognizes that children learn best through exploration and creativity, and the curriculum is designed to foster a love for learning that will last a lifetime. The program goes beyond simply teaching the alphabet and numbers; it uses music, movement, and drama to help children develop critical skills and a well-rounded understanding of the world. As one parent noted, their child's experience in the "Music in Motion classes" has been one of "joy, creativity, and sense of community," highlighting the unique benefits of this integrated approach.

The school's community and culture are also major reasons for its appeal. It is not just a place to drop off your child; it is a community where families are welcomed and valued. The staff, including the "talented and experienced artist" Dorota Xeller, are celebrated for their ability to engage with the youngest students and make them feel at home. This feeling of being part of a larger, supportive family is what keeps students and families coming back year after year. The school's commitment to being a safe and inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community further solidifies its reputation as a forward-thinking and accepting institution. Moreover, the seamless transition from the preschool program to other offerings at NMS, such as youth dance and music classes, provides a continuous and stable path for a child’s artistic journey. This continuity offers a significant advantage for families who value a long-term commitment to arts education. Ultimately, choosing the NMS Preschool means choosing an environment that prioritizes a child’s creative, emotional, and intellectual growth in a truly supportive and vibrant community.

Neighborhood Music School

100 Audubon St, New Haven, CT 06510, USA