Decades of Educational Excellence
Cresthill Academy is dedicated to providing high-quality early childhood education in New Jersey. Our philosophy centers on play-based, child-focused learning that supports each child’s developmental, emotional, and academic growth during their most formative years.
Since 2010, Cresthill Academy has been Northern New Jersey’s premier early childhood education destination. With seven convenient locations: East Hanover, Harrison, Hoboken, Paramus, and Lyndhurst, we serve families with comprehensive programs from infancy through kindergarten, plus before/after school care and summer camps.
On-Site Enrichment Activities
Our professional partnerships bring dance, sports, music, and art instruction directly to your child during school hours, eliminating weekend class schedules entirely. Children participate in expertly designed 10-12 week programs within small, supportive groups in their classroom environment.
Our approach provides your child with access to quality instruction while preserving precious weekend hours for family bonding, relaxation, and creating lasting memories.
Our experienced educators create a nurturing environment where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to explore. Through a balanced approach to early childhood education, Cresthill Academy helps families build strong foundations for future academic success.
Find a Location
Cresthill Academy serves families in northern New Jersey with multiple convenient locations across East Hanover, Harrison, Hoboken (Uptown, South, and Downtown), Paramus, and Lyndhurst.
Our Difference
Cresthill Academy has redefined what early childhood education can be. We’re not just a daycare, we’re the foundation where tomorrow’s innovators, leaders, and global citizens begin their extraordinary journey.
The Cresthill Difference
We’re pioneers in early childhood education, combining cutting-edge technology with time-honored teaching methods. Our proprietary EsteamED curriculum, SMART Board interactive learning, and multilingual approach create educational experiences that prepare children not just for kindergarten, but for leadership in tomorrow’s world.
Commitment to Wellness
We believe exceptional education begins with exceptional nutrition. Our organic/GMO-free meal program features freshly prepared meals crafted by our dedicated Cresthill Chef for all children on table food, giving your child the wholesome foundation needed to thrive.
The Visionary Leadership Behind Cresthill Academy
Cresthill Academy was founded on the principle that early childhood education should be as innovative as it is nurturing. Our leadership team recognized a significant gap in the New Jersey childcare landscape: a lack of programs that combined the rigor of global language immersion with the warmth of a family-centered environment. By integrating the best practices of Montessori-inspired inquiry and play-based exploration, our founders sought to create a “second home” where children aren’t just supervised, but truly inspired. This vision led to the development of our signature curriculum, which prioritizes holistic development—from the organic, non-GMO meals we serve to the advanced technology we use in our preschool classrooms.
Our leadership remains deeply involved in the daily operations of each campus, ensuring that the original mission of “Excellence in Early Education” is upheld at every level. We believe that by investing in high-caliber educators and providing them with continuous professional development, we directly enhance the experience of every child in our care. This top-down commitment to quality is what allows us to maintain our status as a leader in the field. Our founders often remark that Cresthill isn’t just a school; it’s a community designed to support the modern parent. Whether it’s through our transparent communication apps or our unique enrichment offerings, every decision made by our leadership is filtered through a single question: “How does this benefit the child and their family?” This unwavering focus on the “whole child” continues to drive our expansion and our dedication to raising the next generation of global citizens.
FAQs
Does Cresthill Academy offer any extracurricular activities or enrichment programs?
Yes, Cresthill Academy offers a variety of enrichment programs such as foreign language instruction, music and movement classes, yoga, and gardening, depending on the location. We also partner with local vendors to bring soccer, dance, karate and more so children can take these classes while at Cresthill Academy and allowing for extra family bonding time on the weekend instead of running to multiple different classes. Additional fees apply for vendor provided classes.
What safety and security measures are in place at Cresthill Academy?
Cresthill Academy prioritizes the safety and security of all children and staff. Security measures may include controlled access entry systems, surveillance cameras, regular safety drills, and background checks for all staff members.
We were one of the first schools in New Jersey to install the AirScrubber in all classrooms in addition to localized air purifiers in each classroom.
What educational philosophy does Cresthill Academy follow?
Cresthill Academy follows a individualized child-centered approach inspired by Developement-Interaction Approach, Waldorf and, Montessori focusing on the individual child’s interests, strengths, and developmental needs in a supportive interactive and hands on environment.
What qualifications do the teachers at Cresthill Academy have?
Teachers at Cresthill Academy are highly qualified and experienced early childhood educators with degrees in early childhood education or related fields, as well as CPR and first aid certification.
What makes your curriculum different from traditional daycare programs?
Our curriculum blends Montessori-inspired exploration with play-based learning to support independence, creativity, and problem-solving. Children learn through hands-on experiences and guided instruction, building strong academic and social foundations. We also integrate technology and language learning in age-appropriate ways to prepare children for a connected, modern world.
How do you support early learning and development?
We focus on the whole child by combining cognitive, social, and emotional development into daily activities. Our classrooms encourage curiosity, collaboration, and confidence. Through structured play, children build early literacy, critical thinking, and communication skills while progressing at their own pace in a supportive, engaging environment.
How do you keep children safe throughout the day?
We maintain a secure, closely monitored campus with strict safety protocols. All staff are background-checked, and classrooms follow consistent supervision standards. Our systems are designed to create a safe, structured environment where children can explore and learn while families feel confident in their child’s daily care.
What kind of meals do you provide?
We provide fresh, organic or GMO-free meals and snacks prepared daily on-site. Our meals are designed to support growing bodies and active minds, offering balanced nutrition that fuels learning and play. Children enjoy food that is both healthy and appealing, making mealtimes a positive part of their day.
Why is nutrition a priority at your school?
Proper nutrition directly impacts a child’s energy, focus, and development. We prioritize high-quality ingredients to ensure children receive the nutrients they need to thrive. By integrating healthy meals into the school day, we support both immediate well-being and long-term healthy habits.