Motley
Private schoolP
PrivatePrivate

CORLEARS SCHOOL

324 WEST 15 STREET

At a Glance

A Tiny, Nonsectarian Elementary Where Every Child Gets Immense Individual Attention

Best suited for

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.

What stands out
  • 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
Things to consider
  • 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
IdentityCorlears Operates On A Progressive Educational Philosophy That Prioritizes The Whole Child: Social-Emotional Growth, Creativity, And Intrinsic Motivation Over Standardized Testing. The Approach Is Individualized — Teachers Tailor Experiences To Each Child'S Developmental Pace And Interests. There'S No Religious Affiliation, Keeping The Focus Secular And Inclusive.

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.

CommunityModerate

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.

NeighborhoodChelsea-Hudson Yards

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

Toddler programNursery programPreK programRising Leaders Core Values ScholarshipCorlears Plus after-school programming

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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