These centers, which serve children up to age 5, vary in their programming, hours, age range of students, and tuition. Unless noted, the programs have both part-time and full-day enrollment options. Information on availability of summer programming is included below.
Centers offer optional early notification of admissions decisions to applicant families who are current or prospective Columbia University faculty, staff, or students. If interested, parents should ask each center director for information. Centers cannot require parents to opt for early notification but will ask for interest in writing.
Tompkins Hall Early Childhood Center at Columbia University
A play-based program for infants, toddlers, and
preschoolers affording children opportunities
to develop peer relationships, play creatively
and integrate into a group experience
21 Claremont Ave
Tel: 212-854-9601
Starting Age: 3 months - 5 years
8:30-5:30
Financial Aid: Yes
Summer Program: Yes
Affiliated Early Learning Centers
The University has worked with several local, independently-operated Early Learning Centers for many years and highly values these important members of our community. While we work closely together to support families, Columbia plays no role in their governance and does not operate, manage, or supervise the Centers.
Arts-oriented and play-based learning
90 LaSalle Street
Tel: 212-663-9318
Starting Age: 6 months - 5 years
8:30-3:30
Financial Aid: Yes
Summer Program: Yes
Progressive, play-based learning
404 West 116th Street
Tel: 212-666-4796
Starting Age: 2 - 5 years
9:00 - 3:15
Financial Aid: Yes
Summer Program: Yes
Reggio Emilia approach to curriculum
560 West 113th Street
Tel: 212-749-3271
Starting Age: 17 months - 5 years
8:00-5:45
Financial Aid: Yes
Summer Program: Yes
**Opening July 2026**
"Whole child" care and educational philosophy
560 Riverside Drive
Starting Age: 2 - 5 years old
8:00 - 6:00
Financial Aid: Yes
Summer Program: Yes
Play-based learning with developmental curriculum
135 Route 9W
Palisades, NY 10964
Tel: 845-580-1479
Starting Age: 6 weeks to 5 years
8:00 - 6:00
Financial Aid: Yes
Summer Program: Yes
Play-based learning with developmental curriculum
60 Haven Avenue
Tel: 212-304-7040
Starting Age: 2 - 5 years
8:00-6:00
Financial Aid: Yes
Summer Program: Yes
Montessori certified program fostering
life-long learning
435 Central Park West
Tel: 212-678-6072
Starting Age: 3 months - 5 years
8:00-6:00
Financial Aid: Yes
Summer Program: Yes
Montessori certified program fostering
life-long learning
202 Riverside Drive
Tel: 212-665-1600
Starting Age: 3 months - 5 years
8:00-6:00
Financial Aid: Yes
Summer Program: Yes
Early Learning Programs at Affiliated Institutions
The following programs are at Barnard or Teachers College and serve Columbia and the community.
A first school experience for parents
and toddlers in a Barnard College lab
environment researching early
development and parenting
3009 Broadway
Tel: 212-854-8275
Starting Age: 19 months - 2 years, 10 months
9:30-11:45, 1:30-3:45
Financial Aid: Yes
Summer Program: N/A
309 Main Hall
525 West 120th Street
Tel: 212-678-3403
Starting Age: 3 - 5 years
3's/4's class: 8:45-3:00
4's/5's class: 8:45-3:00
Financial Aid: Yes
10 percent tuition discount for current Columbia families
A Teachers College research practicum
site promoting growth and development
of infants, toddlers and preschoolers
and their families
525 West 120th Street
Thorndike Hall
Tel: 212-678-3013
Starting Age: 2 months - 5 years
8:45-5:00
Financial Aid: Yes
Summer Program: Yes