At a Glance
A century-old progressive school where children learn by doing — through blocks, jobs, and real-world problem-solving
Families seeking a progressive, hands-on elementary education in a tight-knit community. This school works especially well for children who thrive through experiential learning, collaborative projects, and creative play. Parents who value social-emotional development, social justice education, and preparing children to be thoughtful democratic citizens will feel at home here. The school attracts intellectually curious families who trust the process of learning through doing.
- Blocks Program — using the original unit blocks invented by founder Caroline Pratt, a hallmark of the school since 1914
- Jobs Program — starting in 3rd grade, students take on real responsibilities (like preparing snack, caring for classroom pets, or managing materials) that build responsibility and community
- Social studies as the curricular heart — children learn about how societies work through hands-on projects and real-world investigation
- Debate program — builds critical thinking and articulation skills
- Team sports integrated into physical education
- Small class sizes allow for personalized attention and strong teacher-student relationships
- Tuition ranges from $36,950 to $64,950 for 2025-26 — significant investment, though consistent with Manhattan private schools
- Only goes through 5th grade — families will need to plan for middle school transition
- Selective — application deadline is December 9, and demand is strong given the school's reputation
- Progressive philosophy isn't for everyone — families seeking traditional academics or highly structured instruction may feel the approach is too loose
- Located in a high-cost neighborhood — though that also means you're in a very desirable area for families
A small, progressive elementary school with a nearly 110-year history of hands-on, social-emotional learning. This is a place where play is serious work and children are treated as capable thinkers from a young age.
Parents consistently describe City & Country as a transformative experience. Reviews highlight warm, inclusive community bonds, exceptional teachers who truly know each child, and graduates who are confident, curious, and well-adjusted. The emphasis on social-emotional development and treating children with respect shows up repeatedly in parent feedback.
City & Country sits in the West Village, a historic, tree-lined neighborhood known for its village atmosphere, family-friendly streets, and strong sense of community. It's one of Manhattan's most desirable areas for families, with a family density score of 93 out of 100 — meaning you'll see lots of kids around.
Highly walkable neighborhood with easy access to subway lines. Families in the West Village can often walk to school, and the neighborhood's low-key streets make it manageable for young children.
Notable Programs
What Parents Are Saying
Overwhelmingly positive reviews praising warm, inclusive community and exceptional teachers. Parents highlight hands-on experiential learning, emphasis on creativity, critical thinking, and social-emotional development. Multiple reviews describe school as transformative with children who are happy, well-adjusted, and confident. One negative review from an alum regarding administration.
Synthesized from public parent reviews · Apr 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is CITY & COUNTRY SCHOOL a good school?
- Published quality ratings aren't available for CITY & COUNTRY SCHOOL yet on Motley. It's a private school serving grades Pre-K to 5 in West Village.
- What grades does CITY & COUNTRY SCHOOL serve?
- CITY & COUNTRY SCHOOL serves grades Pre-K to 5.
- How do students get into CITY & COUNTRY SCHOOL?
- CITY & COUNTRY SCHOOL runs its own private admissions process — typically an application, a visit, and sometimes testing.
- Is CITY & COUNTRY SCHOOL public, charter, or private?
- CITY & COUNTRY SCHOOL is a private school.
- What neighborhood is CITY & COUNTRY SCHOOL in?
- CITY & COUNTRY SCHOOL is in West Village, Manhattan.
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