At a Glance
A Tiny, Nonsectarian Elementary Where Every Child Gets Immense Individual Attention
Families seeking an intimate, progressive elementary experience where their child will receive nearly individual attention. Ideal for parents who prioritize social-emotional development over academic pressure, and who want a diverse(ish) community in a convenient Manhattan location. Best fit for younger children in pre-K through early elementary, and for families who value depth of relationships over breadth of programs.
- Extraordinarily low 3.3:1 student-teacher ratio — nearly one-on-one attention
- Tiny community of under 80 students — everyone knows everyone
- Progressive, child-centered philosophy focused on social-emotional development
- Relatively diverse student body for a Manhattan private school
- Nonsectarian — no religious affiliation
- Very small enrollment (79 total) means limited peer group and social dynamics
- Tuition for private elementary in Manhattan is substantial — expect significant annual cost
- White majority (61%) despite decent diversity index — may feel less diverse in practice
- No middle school — families need to plan for transition after 5th grade
- Small size may not suit children who thrive in larger peer environments
A nonsectarian progressive elementary school with an extraordinarily low 3.3:1 student-teacher ratio — this is as intimate as schooling gets, with 24 teachers for fewer than 80 students.
With only 79 students across pre-K through 5th grade, this is a tightly knit community where families and faculty know one another. The small scale means strong bonds but also means your child will be in a very small peer group.
Corlears sits in Chelsea, a neighborhood that has evolved dramatically in recent years with the rise of Hudson Yards. It's an urban, upscale area with new developments, good transit access, and plenty of family-friendly amenities — though it's more polished and less village-y than classic Chelsea.
Highly walkable — the school is well-served by multiple subway lines and sits in a neighborhood where most families can walk or take short commutes. The area is safe and pedestrian-friendly.
Notable Programs
What Parents Are Saying
Highly positive - parents praise intimate community, excellent teachers, strong academic curriculum, social justice focus, diverse community, and joy for learning; Niche rating 4.63/5 with A+ grade; described as magical, nurturing environment
Synthesized from public parent reviews · Apr 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is CORLEARS SCHOOL a good school?
- Published quality ratings aren't available for CORLEARS SCHOOL yet on Motley. It's a private school serving grades Pre-K to 5 in Chelsea-Hudson Yards.
- What grades does CORLEARS SCHOOL serve?
- CORLEARS SCHOOL serves grades Pre-K to 5.
- How do students get into CORLEARS SCHOOL?
- CORLEARS SCHOOL runs its own private admissions process — typically an application, a visit, and sometimes testing.
- Is CORLEARS SCHOOL public, charter, or private?
- CORLEARS SCHOOL is a private school.
- What neighborhood is CORLEARS SCHOOL in?
- CORLEARS SCHOOL is in Chelsea-Hudson Yards, Manhattan.
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