Your Guide to Cresthill Academy

What is Cresthill Academy?

Cresthill Academy is a premier early childhood education center providing high-quality childcare and educational programs for children ages six months to six years at East Hanover, Lyndhurst, Harrison, Paramus, and select locations in Hoboken.

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.

Learning Through Play

At Cresthill Academy, we see play as the most important work of early childhood. It’s not just a break from learning—it is learning. Our classrooms are intentionally designed as dynamic environments where children are encouraged to explore, question, and discover at their own pace. Through carefully guided, hands-on activities, children naturally engage with foundational concepts that are part of our EsteamED® curriculum. Building with blocks becomes an early lesson in engineering, while collaborative art projects help develop social skills and empathy. This purposeful approach to play ensures that your child is not just having fun, but is also building the critical thinking, problem-solving, and emotional skills necessary for a lifetime of success.

Age-Specific Programs for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers

Cresthill Academy serves children from infancy through pre-kindergarten (six months to six years old).

Flexible Full-Time and Part-Time Care

We understand that every family’s schedule is unique. Modern work and life commitments require a childcare solution that can adapt without compromising on quality or consistency for your child. That’s why we offer both full-time and part-time enrollment options to fit your family’s specific needs. Whether you require care five days a week or are looking for a more customized schedule, our programs are designed to provide a stable, nurturing, and enriching environment for your child. This flexibility allows you to create a routine that works for everyone while ensuring your child receives the full benefits of our curriculum and community.

Our New Jersey Locations

Finding the right childcare center often comes down to finding the right fit and the right location. A convenient commute can make all the difference in your family’s daily rhythm. Cresthill Academy has several schools across Northern New Jersey, each one designed to be a warm, welcoming, and secure environment for our students. While every location shares our core educational philosophy and commitment to excellence, each has unique features that serve its local community. We invite you to explore the center closest to you and see how we integrate our innovative approach to early education into the neighborhood.

Hoboken South, Uptown, and Downtown

For families in the vibrant Hoboken community, we offer three distinct locations: Hoboken South, Hoboken Uptown, and Hoboken Downtown. Each school provides the same high-quality care and EsteamED® curriculum that families expect from Cresthill Academy, ensuring a consistent and exceptional experience no matter which center you choose. Our Hoboken locations are thoughtfully designed to serve the needs of local families, providing a safe and stimulating environment where infants, toddlers, and preschoolers can thrive. We are proud to be an integral part of this dynamic community, offering a trusted educational home for its youngest members.

Choosing a Hoboken Location for Your Commute

We know that a smooth morning drop-off and evening pick-up are essential for busy parents. If you live in North Hoboken or commute from Weehawken, our Hoboken Uptown location may be the most convenient option for your daily route. This location is also particularly well-suited for active children, as it features an expansive outdoor play area where students have ample space to run, play, and explore. For those closer to the Hoboken PATH station or the southern part of the city, our Hoboken Downtown and Hoboken South locations offer equally outstanding programs and easy accessibility. Newport, Jersey City is a delightful 10 minute walk along the waterfront to the South location.

Harrison

Our Harrison school offers a nurturing and engaging environment where children are encouraged to explore their curiosity. This location is a wonderful choice for families seeking a program that blends structured learning with hands-on discovery. At our Harrison location, we focus on creating a strong foundation for lifelong learning, supported by our dedicated educators and our comprehensive curriculum. The center is designed to feel like a second home, providing a secure and inspiring space for children to grow socially, emotionally, and intellectually within a close-knit community.

East Hanover

Nestled in a welcoming suburban community, our East Hanover location provides a serene and spacious setting for early childhood education. This center is ideal for families looking for a program that combines a rigorous academic foundation with plenty of room for imaginative play. The East Hanover school features bright, airy classrooms and beautiful outdoor spaces that encourage children to connect with nature. Our experienced team is committed to partnering with parents to support each child’s individual development in a warm and caring atmosphere.

Lyndhurst

Cresthill Academy in Lyndhurst is a cornerstone of the local community, offering a trusted and high-quality early education program for families in the area. This location is known for its warm, inviting atmosphere and its strong sense of community among parents, children, and staff. At our Lyndhurst center, we emphasize a balanced approach to learning, where academic readiness is cultivated alongside social skills and creative expression. It’s a place where children build confidence, form friendships, and develop a genuine love for learning.

Paramus

Our Paramus location offers a dynamic and enriching learning environment conveniently situated for families in and around the area. This school is designed to spark curiosity and foster a deep love of learning from the very beginning. The Paramus center provides our full suite of programs for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, all centered around our EsteamED® curriculum. With a focus on individualized attention and hands-on activities, our educators create a supportive atmosphere where every child is empowered to reach their full potential and build a strong foundation for future success.

Our Hours: A Schedule Designed for Working Families

Cresthill Academy typically operates Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM, with some locations offering extended hours or additional programs.

Hoboken Location Hours

We understand that a family’s schedule, especially in a bustling city, requires flexibility. To support the demands of your career and commute, we offer accommodating hours across our three convenient locations in Hoboken. Our Hoboken South and Hoboken Uptown centers provide extended care, open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, giving you peace of mind during long workdays. The Hoboken Downtown center operates from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM, also offering a full day of enriching care. These hours are intentionally structured to provide a reliable and consistent schedule, allowing your family to transition smoothly between home, school, and work. We aim to be a steadfast partner in your child’s daily routine.

What Will Your Child Learn With Our Intentional Curriculum?

Cresthill Academy offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes language and literacy development including ASL, math, science, social studies, art, music, and physical education, tailored to each age group.  We are proud to offer bilingual Mandarin classrooms at Hoboken Uptown and Hoboken South and bilingual Spanish classrooms at Hoboken Downtown.

The EsteamED Curriculum®

At the heart of our educational philosophy is our proprietary EsteamED Curriculum®. We developed this framework because we believe early education should do more than just build academic skills; it should nurture the whole child. This approach integrates essential life skills with foundational learning, creating a rich, multi-faceted experience for your child every day. It’s an intentional, research-based curriculum designed to prepare children to be thoughtful, capable, and engaged members of society. Our goal is to provide a well-rounded education that sparks curiosity and builds a genuine love for learning from the very beginning, which is a core part of what makes our approach unique.

Empathy, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math, Entrepreneurship, and Diplomacy

The EsteamED® framework is comprehensive, weaving together key areas of development. While it includes a strong focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM), it goes further by integrating Empathy, Entrepreneurship, and Diplomacy. We teach empathy to help children understand and share the feelings of others, building a foundation for strong social-emotional skills. Entrepreneurship encourages problem-solving and creative thinking, while diplomacy teaches negotiation and communication. By combining these elements, we help children develop into well-rounded individuals who can think critically, collaborate effectively, and approach challenges with confidence and compassion.

Developing Confident and Kind Learners

The ultimate goal of our curriculum is to develop confident and kind learners. We create a nurturing and supportive environment where children feel safe to explore, ask questions, and make mistakes. Our educators tailor activities to meet the individual needs and interests of each child, ensuring they feel seen and valued. This personalized approach helps children build self-assurance as they master new skills at their own pace. By focusing equally on character and academics, we guide children in our preschool programs to grow not only in knowledge but also in kindness, respect, and resilience.

Daily Language Immersion

We believe that introducing new languages at a young age supports cognitive development and fosters a broader worldview. That’s why daily language immersion is a fundamental part of the Cresthill Academy experience. Rather than treating language as a separate subject, we integrate it naturally into daily routines, conversations, and activities. This immersive method helps children absorb new sounds and words effortlessly, much like they learn their primary language. From the earliest stages in our infant classrooms, children are exposed to multiple languages, which enhances their communication skills and cultural awareness from day one.

Mandarin, Spanish, and American Sign Language (ASL)

Our programs incorporate Mandarin, Spanish, and American Sign Language (ASL) to enrich your child’s learning. ASL is particularly valuable for infants and toddlers, as it gives them a way to communicate their needs and feelings before they can speak, reducing frustration. As children grow, they are introduced to spoken languages that prepare them for a globalized world. We are proud to offer bilingual classrooms, with Mandarin available at our Hoboken Uptown and Hoboken South locations and Spanish at our Hoboken Downtown location. This commitment to bilingual education provides a powerful advantage for lifelong learning.

Our Approach to Healthy, Organic Meals and Nutrition

At Cresthill Academy, we take a well-rounded approach to child care and development. Not only do we understand the importance of engaging and teaching children using a variety of pedagogical methods, we also focus on the health and wellbeing of the children who attend our daycare centers. Every day, our children eat organic meals that are catered by Purely Plated Organic. The team comprises knowledgeable chefs who prepare organic meals from scratch each day to ensure children receive the most nutritional value out of each meal. What’s more, we are able to offer fully prepared heat-and-serve meal kits and single-serving portions to our busy families, which can be ordered online.

Organic and GMO-Free Food

We believe that a foundation for learning is built on more than just classroom activities; it includes the wholesome, nutritious food that fuels a child’s body and mind. That’s why our commitment to your child’s well-being extends to the kitchen. Every meal and snack served at Cresthill Academy is organic, GMO-free, and prepared from scratch daily by our partners at Purely Plated Organic. This focus on clean, high-quality ingredients ensures your child receives the best possible nutrition to support their growth, energy levels, and ability to engage in our curriculum. This thoughtful approach to nutrition is a core part of how we care for the whole child, helping to establish healthy eating habits that can last a lifetime.

Meet Our Passionate and Highly-Qualified Educators

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.

Experienced and Long-Tenured Teachers

A consistent, nurturing presence is one of the most important factors in a young child’s development. We believe that the quality of our programs is a direct reflection of our teaching staff, which is why we are so proud that many of our educators have built long-term careers with us. This stability creates a secure, familiar, and trusting environment where children feel safe to explore, learn, and form meaningful bonds. Our teachers are not just caregivers; they are dedicated professionals with degrees in early childhood education and related fields. This unique combination of experience, advanced qualifications, and long-term commitment is a core part of what makes our community special and allows us to build strong partnerships with the families we serve.

How to Join Our Community: The Enrollment Process

Enrollment availability varies by location, and some locations may have a waiting list. It’s recommended to contact the specific location for current enrollment availability and procedures as we utilize a rolling enrollment process.

Beyond the Classroom: A Look at Our 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.

Afterschool and Summer Camp Programs

We understand that the need for reliable, enriching care doesn’t stop at the end of the school day or when summer arrives. Cresthill Academy offers afterschool and summer camp programs to provide a seamless continuation of your child’s learning and development in an environment they already know and trust. These programs are filled with engaging, age-appropriate activities that extend our educational philosophy beyond the typical school year. Instead of you having to find separate solutions for breaks and afternoons, your child can continue to thrive with their friends and trusted educators, making transitions smooth and stress-free for the whole family.

Our Facilities and Playgrounds

A child’s environment is a critical component of their early learning experience. We believe that physical spaces should be as intentionally designed as our curriculum. Every one of our centers is built to be a safe, welcoming, and stimulating place where children feel secure and inspired to explore, play, and learn. From the layout of our classrooms to our dedicated play areas, every detail is considered to support the developmental needs of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. We’ve created a setting where children can build confidence, develop new skills, and cultivate a genuine love for learning through interaction with their surroundings.

Private Indoor Playgrounds

Consistent physical activity is essential for healthy development, but the weather doesn’t always cooperate. That’s why each of our locations features a private indoor playground. This ensures that children have a safe and spacious area for active play every single day, whether it’s raining, snowing, or simply too hot outside. These spaces are designed to help children develop gross motor skills, coordination, and social skills as they climb, run, and play together. For parents, it provides peace of mind knowing their child’s need for movement and fun is always met in a clean, secure, and climate-controlled setting, making this part of our difference.

Unique Outdoor Play Spaces in Hoboken

In a bustling urban environment, finding safe and accessible outdoor space for children can be a challenge. We are proud that our Hoboken Uptown location features unique outdoor play spaces, a true rarity for childcare centers in the area. These areas allow children to enjoy the benefits of fresh air and natural light while engaging in active play. Outdoor experiences are vital for sensory development and offer a different kind of learning environment where children can connect with nature. This commitment to providing dedicated outdoor areas reflects our understanding of what families in the community value and what children need to thrive.

How We Prioritize Your Child’s Safety and Security

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. If you’d like to see any other questions answered on this Cresthill Academy FAQ, let us know!

Understanding Early Childhood Education in Hoboken

Choosing the right early education path for your child is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make as a parent. In Hoboken, families have several options, and understanding the local landscape is the first step toward making a choice that feels right for you. The city has a unique public preschool system, and knowing how it works can provide helpful context as you compare different philosophies, curriculums, and environments. This information is designed to help you see the full picture, so you can confidently select a program that aligns with your family’s specific needs and values.

At Cresthill Academy, we believe an informed parent is an empowered parent. Whether you are just beginning your search or narrowing down your choices, our goal is to be a resource for your family. We encourage parents to explore all avenues, ask thoughtful questions, and find a community where their child will not just grow, but truly thrive. The journey begins with understanding what makes the educational environment in Hoboken distinct, including its approach to public preschool education for three- and four-year-olds.

Hoboken’s Free Universal Preschool Program

As you research your options, you will likely come across Hoboken’s free universal preschool program. This is a full-day program available to all resident children who are three or four years old. It’s a wonderful initiative funded by the state of New Jersey, not local taxes, which makes it accessible to many families throughout the community. The program is a collaboration between the public school district and private provider schools, creating a network of classrooms across the city. Understanding this public option is a key piece of the puzzle when evaluating the best fit for your child’s foundational years of learning.

While this program provides a valuable service, many families also seek out private programs that offer care for infants and toddlers or provide a specialized curriculum. For instance, our preschool program at Cresthill Academy is built around our proprietary EsteamED® curriculum, which integrates subjects like technology, entrepreneurship, and diplomacy alongside core academics. It’s about finding the environment and educational philosophy that resonates most with your vision for your child’s development.

How “Former Abbott District” Status Funds Local Preschool

The funding for Hoboken’s public preschool is directly tied to its designation as a “Former Abbott district.” This classification means the state provides significant financial support to ensure children in the community have access to high-quality early education. Historically, these funds were directed toward districts in lower-income areas to create educational equity. Today, this status allows Hoboken to offer its universal preschool program to all residents, creating a strong educational foundation for children across the city. This state-level investment underscores a shared belief in the importance of a child’s first school experiences.

The New Jersey School Funding Reform Act of 2008

The policy that formally established this system is the New Jersey School Funding Reform Act of 2008. This legislation mandates that high-quality preschool programs be available to eligible three- and four-year-olds in specific districts. According to the Hoboken Public School District, this act is central to its ability to provide comprehensive early childhood education. It reflects a statewide commitment to preparing young learners for future academic success. As a parent, knowing about this framework can help you appreciate the high standards for early education that exist throughout New Jersey, in both public and private settings.