Chelsea Day School
Written by: Rebecca Karr – Communications Director
In bustling Midtown Manhattan, set right above Fifth Avenue, lies a haven for young children – Chelsea Day School. For over four decades, the school has been a beacon of progressive education, guided by the visionary leadership of its founder and Director, Jean Rosenberg.
"In 1981, on a September morning, Chelsea Day School opened its doors for the first time," reminisces Jean, reflecting on the school's humble beginnings. "Our focus has always been on each child's individual needs and development."
As Chelsea Day School evolved and grew, so did its need for more space. "The growth of our school has brought us through four spaces. We started in the basement of the YMCA, then we moved onto the carriage house, then into an abandoned warehouse and made that our own, and finally our location here at 32nd street," Jean recalls. Its current home is a bright and lofty space designed intentionally to meet the needs of the children and teachers.
However, amidst this growth, Jean proudly declares, "Our core philosophy is the same, but our practice has evolved." This evolution includes embracing concepts like emergent curriculum and drawing inspiration from the Reggio Emilia approach. The school prioritizes meaningful connections and hands-on learning experiences. "Of course, technology has changed us as a society, but I'm really proud to say we’ve prioritized hands-on learning."
For Jean, the true measure of success lies in the impact Chelsea Day School has on its families. "Listen to your kids," she advises parents, "acknowledge them and slow down. Each child is perfect. Receive them and help them unfold in their own image," Jean reflects. It's a sentiment that is reflected in every interaction at the school.
"They're not giving you a hard time; they're having a hard time," she adds, a timeless mantra that parents have echoed for decades.
"They're not giving you a hard time; they're having a hard time," she adds, a timeless mantra that parents have echoed for decades. Shazia Choudri, an alumni parent who is now part of the school's administration team shares: "I first met Jean at a CDS open house, 9 months pregnant and out of breath having walked up the stairs (no elevator then), I was greeted by Jean's warm embrace. I knew I had stumbled upon a person who knew the true essence of raising a child. I went on to grow up as a parent under Jean's guidance. Jean became a mentor, a friend and a colleague with an incredible ability to sift through the noise and get to what really matters. She just knows what to do! My children are thriving as a result of a CDS start, a true gift given to so many of us."
Looking back on her 43 years as Director, Jean cherishes the growth of the school from a simple idea to its current stature. "Overarching in all of this is the realization that what I believed in really works," she reflects. The success owes much to Jean's trust in her teachers. "It is critical to the operation of the program that teachers have that freedom. I don't need to micromanage." Pat Feiger, a teacher at Chelsea Day School for 23 years, fondly recalls how Jean did just that. "I always think about how Jean found ME. I was a high school teacher and a mom at Chelsea Day School, contributing as a class parent. Jean saw the best of me and my potential. I owe Jean for showing that choice for me, so that I could become an early childhood educator. She saw in me what I didn't see in myself. She said to me: 'You have a gift that you don't know you have' and that's when I fell in love with Jean more than I already had. She chooses to see your talents."
Teachers at Chelsea Day don't follow a set curriculum. Instead, they listen to the children and follow their lead. The curriculum becomes emergent, with teachers working together with children as partners. Precious pieces of conversation transform into a pedagogically rich curriculum. In one instance, this meant an immersive study of sharks or the building of a subway (including working turnstiles) out of cardboard boxes. Another year, a child's interest in birds went on to the full creation of an animal hospital with "x-ray machines." From this approach, lessons in science, math, literacy, and critical thinking naturally emerge. According to Jean, a box is never just a box.
When asked, "What's changed at Chelsea Day?" Jean remarks: "We've grown up - we're a professional institution and are accredited by several organizations that reflect that. Chelsea Day School is no longer just my idea, although it's at the core of what we do." Professional affiliations within the educational community have played a vital role in Chelsea Day School's growth and collaboration with colleagues. The school proudly holds memberships in esteemed organizations such as NYSAIS (New York State Association of Independent Schools), ISAAGNY (The Independent Schools Admissions Association of Greater New York), and the Parents League of New York.
While many things have changed, certain cherished traditions remain the same. The beloved end-of-the-year 'Watermelon Party' continues to be a favorite celebration for all. Children and their families gather together to mark the conclusion of the school year by singing songs, and of course, eating watermelon. The tradition began at the 15th Street School, the school that endowed Jean with the funds to found Chelsea Day School. "They never had a graduation, but they always had a watermelon party. Graduation means the completion of a course of study. We haven't done that. We've prepared them for the challenge of an academic experience."
Yet, the journey hasn't been without its challenges. "We have the introduction of technology and competition with now many other preschools, helicopter parenting, gentle parenting, all sorts of new types of parenting, and of course Covid," Jean reflects. "We've learned how to live with these challenges. You have to receive them and navigate them. There's also being sure that we address diversity and inclusion with the thoughtfulness and care it deserves," she adds.
Looking ahead, Jean offers sage advice to future leaders and educators in progressive education. "Lead with kindness, listen, and learn," she urges. "Remain a lifelong learner and cherish the power of community. Connect with your families." For 43 years, Jean has stood at the door for arrival and dismissal. She says: 'Standing at the door, beyond safety reasons, is my way of making contact with parents. Having a chance to chat with all of the kids and say 'good morning, and have a great day.' It really sets the tone."
Central to Chelsea Day School's mission is its commitment to providing Tuition Assistance to families in need. "We want and dream of a diverse community," emphasizes Jean. "Economic diversity is a part of that. When children see something different it broadens their horizons, their experiences, their speech, their worldview," she explains. "We are a community of kindness and respect, and tuition assistance changes lives for everybody. We also have to be sure that we are expanding families' comfort in learning and loving those different from you. Actions always speak louder than words. Who is at your dinner table?"
"It's not like I set out to create this big wonder, I've just always wanted to do what I thought was right for kids," Jean reflects. As Chelsea Day School celebrates 43 years of excellence, her vision continues to inspire generations of educators and families alike. With her unwavering dedication, she has created a legacy that endures in the hearts of all who pass through Chelsea Day School's doors.
Please join us on May 31st for a grand celebration of Jean Rosenberg, her many years of service, and the impact she has had on so many of us. Buy tickets and donate directly to the Jean Rosenberg Legacy Fund HERE.