Elements, the Nature Preschool, New York

Elements Preschool has been a Godsend to my family. While another comment here harps challenges I can truthfully say Elements has provided safe and loving care to the children regardless. My son has blossomed at Elements and he wouldn’t be where he is without them. We had been at another school in the area and the difference is night and day. The outdoor area is a big plus, but many of the teachers are loving, gentle and nurturing which makes all the difference in the world at this age. We love Elements and wish the teachers a wonderful new school year.

Elements has a serious management problem. We had our child enrolled in the 1s group and summer school in 2025, and the past few months were a rollercoaster of weekly staff changes, being understaffed and poor organization. It ended with the Department of Health shutting the school down after an unannounced inspection—literally from one day to the next. Do yourself a favor: check the inspection reports and violations on the NYC Health website. They speak for themselves. We still love the concept and the outdoor space, and we hope management can turn this sinking ship back into what it once was.

Elements has a serious management problem. It's not what it used to be. We had our child enrolled in the 1s group and summer school in 2025, and the past few months were a rollercoaster of weekly staff changes and poor organization. It ended with the Department of Health shutting the school down after an unannounced inspection--literally from one day to the next. Do yourself a favor: check the inspection reports and violations on the NYC Health website. They speak for themselves. We still love the concept and the outdoor space, and we hope management can turn this sinking ship back into what it once was.

Elements has been a wonderful gift for my son who started a pre-K program there this year. It was the first time he separated, and their gentle, child-led approach made the process not only smooth but so enjoyable. The nature-learning philosophy is truly unique allowing children to understand themselves, their bodies, and the world in the context of our natural environment. If only all schools followed this simple, practical and beautiful pathway to learning. The teachers are excellent (in particular Liz Swift, one of the most talented and compassionate educators I've encountered), experts in their fields, and the school is a nurturing community - this place is truly a gem. All I can say is thank you, thank you, thank you for this gift of an experience.

Wonderful philosophy, dedicated teachers, friendly and knowledgeable administration. Beautiful, unique outdoor play area. As a former employee, I am happy to give this school two thumbs up!

Our son Paulo has been attending Elements for the past two years (we'll soon have to say goodbye, so sad!) and it's been such a wonderful experience. His teachers Elizabeth Swift and Samantha Lewis are fantastic early childhood educators who are both intellectually rigorous and kind and compassionate. Although even now at four years old, it's still a challenge getting out the door every day, Paulo comes home happy and proud of his incredible variety of accomplishments. One day they are making clay cups and sculptures, the next mud painting and outdoor collages, then dying t-shirts with vegetables. The kids also plant and tend a garden every season in the big, beautiful backyard, practice yoga every week and cook amazing meals and the most delicious bread! I have learned so much that's helped me become a better parent from Elements--the daily routines they establish and maintain, songs to sing while cleaning up, tricks for getting dressed, to always "stop, look and listen" when you hear a grown-up ask and so much more! We'll miss the school very much next year, I can't recommend Elements too highly!

Our 2 1/2 year old, who has going to Elements since she was about 4 months old, absolutely loves it! She rarely wants to leave when it's time to pick her up, and is always excited to go in the morning. She has learned so much there, and it's so fun to see her practice what she's learning whether it's singing, counting, or recognizing letters. Our second daughter just started there too in the baby room. Her teacher is absolutely wonderful with her. It's our daughters' second home and extended family!

Worst daycare I ever dealt with. Limited staff, infants are place with toddlers for coverage. My daughter got a cut and bruise on her face, I NEVER RCVD A CALL. Shilba is never there (owner) and hard to get in contact with. Infant room the teacher sometimes has five infants by herself. All toddlers are placed in one room due to lack of coverage.

Elements is a wonderful place! My daughters (ages 3 and 5) attended this summer. The teachers are absolutely wonderful! They get to know the children so well and really care about each of them. The preschool is incredibly lucky to have the attached outdoor space. It's truly amazing. You don't have to worry about your child leaving the space to go to the playground when they have one in their backyard. This summer my girls learned to plant strawberries and blueberries, plant flowers and learn how to care for them. As the previous poster wrote, dirt was for play. They have a wonderful tire swing and a great space for outdoor artwork. In fact today, my children asked to go back! I highly recommend Elements and was so happy my girls were able to attend this summer.