ROOTED IN NATURE, GUIDED BY PLAY
Celebrating Serving the Rockland and Bergen Community since 2001.
Two acres of wooded property just minutes off the Garden State Parkway.
Testimonial from Kate Ayzenberg
Our family was introduced to Peace Through Play in 2015 by an acquaintance whose child attended the school. We were looking for a preschool for our oldest son who was curious, shy, empathetic, and kind – and we wanted to ensure we found somewhere that would nurture those qualities in a gentle and loving way. He was our first, and since he didn’t go to daycare from an early age, it was an adjustment for us as parents too: it was so important to us to feel a deep trust for the people in whose care we would leave him. Thank goodness we found Peace Through Play because they checked every single box and then some. The teachers are warm, gentle, and loving toward our children but it is evident that all of them challenge themselves intellectually outside of the classroom and bring that knowledge to our children’s level in creative ways that interest them. Students work and play together collaboratively and are given room to independently develop relationships with one another, with peaceful conflict resolution modeled as needed.
One of the absolute best qualities of PTP is their outdoor play area and how they utilize it throughout the seasons to encourage exploration and activity within the children. I love that my kids come home exhausted after a long day of outdoor play on nice days, and even my older children beg to visit the playground when picking up the younger one(s) for a quick run through.
Since finding PTP in 2015 and sending our first child there, we have enrolled all four of our children, sometimes two at once, when the time came for them to begin preschool. Our youngest is entering her second year there now and we have chosen this school over our town’s fully-funded UPK program because we believe so deeply in the value of what they are giving our young children. At the same time, we lament the fact that this type of play-based education is not more widely available in our area. I will add that during the years our children have attended, the school’s leadership has changed hands once due to retirement, but our high regard for them has not wavered and we are so grateful for the wonderful people who give their time and energy to creating such a fantastic environment.
What parents and community are saying...
Testimonial from Jessica and Sean
Peace Through Play is a rare gem! Alan, Elisa, and all of the wonderful teachers at Peace Through Play have created a truly special environment for the kids where they are surrounded by kindness, patience, and nurturing. The teachers and staff are fully invested in each child's wellbeing; they play close attention to each child's unique needs, preferences and temperament, never missing a beat.
Whenever I hear the way that staff members speak to the children, it is just so refreshing and comforting. Every single interaction with each child is grounded in intention, purpose, and kindness. The way that the staff develop such mindfulness and self-awareness in young kids is incredible.
Since starting with Peace Through Play, Ryan's school-related stresses have melted away and his imagination has soared. He genuinely LOVES going to school, and is excited to share with us every day about the friendships he's made and the fun activities that he's done at school.
Simply put, Peace Through Play is the "village" that every parent needs in the journey of raising kind, thoughtful, happy humans.
Testimonial from the Hernandez Family
This place is an absolute dream come true for kids! Every staff member I met was super friendly, professional, and approachable. The administration was amazing and easy to reach. The teachers and assistant teachers are patient, kind, and very communicative with parents. My son absolutely adored being there and was heartbroken that he couldn’t keep going for pre-K4. The curriculum is child based and was tailored to my son’s needs. Peace Through Play allowed him to be himself while growing and learning. The rooms are spotless and filled with toys and activities perfect for their age. My son was incredibly happy and carefree at Peace Through Play.
Testimonial from Nicole
Peace Through Play is more than a nursery school; it is a second home for our daughter. The teachers are all so loving and patient, and I never worried about leaving my child in their care. I appreciated that my daughter was outside in all weather, learning to get along with others, and enjoying a play-based experience. I recommend Peace Through Play whole-heartedly for anyone looking for a safe and nurturing environment for their little one.