Our Mission Statement
The Riverside Church Weekday School is a progressive, play-based early childhood program serving children ages two through five. Rooted in a tradition of joyful learning since 1930, we ensure that every child feels safe, accepted, and deeply known by combining thoughtfully designed classrooms, engaging play-based learning, and meaningful relationships with peers and teachers. Guided by the spirit of The Riverside Church, our mission is to nurture is to nurture an awareness of diversity, mutual respect, compassion, empathy and community.
We believe children learn best through hands-on exploration, imaginative play, and authentic experiences. By partnering with families and building on each child’s unique interests and strengths, we create a dynamic learning community where children are encouraged to wonder, take risks, and grow into thoughtful, caring citizens. Every day, children explore, create, and thrive in ways that are meaningful and joyful, guided by the values of curiosity, empathy, and community.
Our Philosophy
Founded in 1930 as part of The Riverside Church’s mission to serve families in the community, The Weekday School has evolved into a progressive, play-based early childhood program welcoming children and families of all backgrounds. Our non-denominational curriculum honors the social, emotional, intellectual, physical, and creative growth of every child. Rooted in the belief that learning is built through connection and experience, our approach emphasizes relationships, imagination, and joyful discovery.
Children as Capable and Curious Learners – At The Weekday School, we see children as capable, curious, and full of potential. Through open-ended play, collaborative exploration, and project-based learning, children construct understanding, develop empathy, and learn to express themselves in meaningful ways. Our educators draw inspiration from leading early childhood philosophies and research, carefully designing experiences that encourage questioning, critical thinking, experimentation, and reflection.
Inspired Learning Experiences – Learning at Weekday is dynamic and deeply personal. Topics of study grow from children’s interests and lived experiences, allowing them to see themselves in their work. Our classrooms, filled with natural light and offering views of the Hudson River and Harlem skyline, provide a one-of-a-kind learning environment where children engage in hands-on exploration, imaginative play, and collaborative projects that grow from their own ideas. Specialized indoor spaces, including an art studio, library, and music and dance rooms, provide opportunities for creative expression, skill-building, and exploration in multiple modalities.
Dedicated, Reflective Educators – Our educators are lifelong learners who engage in ongoing professional development to stay informed on the latest research and innovations in early childhood education. This dedication ensures that classrooms remain vibrant, responsive, and inclusive spaces where every child feels supported, celebrated, and inspired to grow.
Families as Partners in Learning – We celebrate the diverse cultures, faiths, and family structures that make up our community, inviting our families to share their traditions, stories, and talents in the classroom. An active Parents Association, family events, and open communication, including weekly ClassDojo posts, monthly newsletters, and year-end portfolios, ensure that our families feel connected, informed, and part of a collaborative learning community. Together, our families and educators create a circle of trust that supports each child’s journey and affirms that every child deserves to feel safe, accepted, and loved.
Message from Our Head of School
Ms. Daina has been working in early childhood development for over twenty-five years. For twenty years, she ran successful practice in Speech-Language Pathology with a focus on preschoolers with special needs. She has been part of the Weekday School leadership since 2019. She holds a Masters in Education from the University of Georgia and a Masters in School Building Leadership from Manhattan College.
“There is no doubt in my mind that the Weekday School is not only an exceptional school but is an exceptional community. Founded in 1930 upon the strong belief by Mrs. Florence Fosdick that children should not just have a “Sunday School but a Weekday School” that is purposely and thoughtfully organized for families in the Western Harlem and the surrounding neighborhoods.
The Weekday School is a small, private, progressive play-based preschool and kindergarten that welcome children from 2 years up until they are 5 years old. We are located in the Martin Luther King Jr Tower of the historic Riverside Church. While we are an auxiliary program, we believe strongly in the tenets of the Church’s social services program and work closely with the Food Pantry among other ministries. We believe all are welcome and open our doors to families of all religions, income and family structure.
We also believe that childhood, especially early childhood, is a precious time for children and their families. As an educator for over 25 years, I have seen the shift in early childhood development. While the developmental milestones remain steadfast, the outside world is shifting and the effect on our youngest learners is astounding. It is now, more than ever, important to go outside and play. Drink clean water. Eat fruits and vegetables. Get messy. Get loud. Get quiet. Listen to music. Learn to dance. Read a book. Paint a picture. Bounce a ball. Take a nap. Sit with a friend.
We do this together. Not just as students, but with teachers, staff, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends and neighbors. We cannot live a full life in isolation, we need to do it together, side by side.”