FAQs

  • Mi Casita embraces the Reggio Philosophy. This philosophy was founded by Loris Malguzzi and the parents of a town in Reggio Emilia, Italy at the end of World War II. At the heart of this approach is the belief that children are capable of constructing their own learning and expressing their ideas (the hundred languages of children).

    The five core elements of a Reggio-Inspired School are:

    1. Through their innate curiosity, children are capable of constructing their own learning. This is where the provocations, or what we call interactive installations, come into play. Children engage with materials that provoke inquiry.

    2. Teachers and parents are co-learners and researchers.

    3. The classroom is the “third teacher” (preceded by the parents and the classroom teacher). This is where the work with natural and upcycled materials come into play.

    4. Children’s learning is documented.

    5. Teachers understand the many ways (hundred languages) that children learn and express their ideas.

  • Our model of bilingual education is ideal for both native and non-native speakers. We practice what we have coined “mindful immersion. “ This means that we value a connection first and know that language will come. If a new language is the barrier to connection, then we are careful to bridge a child’s prior experiences with those in school. With that in mind, at Mi Casita, our goal is that children spend the majority of their day immersed in Spanish.

  • YES! Giving your child the opportunity to learn the opportunity to learn a second (or third) language is the greatest gift. Countless studies show that children who learn another language have improved social and cognitive skills. In addition, they benefit from higher critical thinking, concentration, and problem solving know-how. Even more important, children who know more than one language foster a strong sense of compassion, empathy, creativity, and confidence!

  • No, adding another language will not confuse your child. In fact, it will enhance their native language skills as they become more aware of language acquisition on their own. Children will begin to analyze language critically as they make connections between their native language, the second language and the objects they interact with dailly. That being said, children can experience language delays not directly related to bilingual instruction. Our staff will work closely with families to address any significant concerns and ensure that children receive the proper support and intervention.

  • All children must be at least 24 moths and have all the prerequisite vaccines, in accordance with the Department of Health regulations, by their first day of school.

  • Fill out an Application online. Reduced application fee upon special request. Only after you have attended a tour do you pay the application fee.

  • Once we have your application, you will receive an email outlining availability and next steps. Once we have received your application, you will receive information about setting up a tour.

  • Mi Casita is open Monday- Friday 8am- 6pm.

    Our school day goes from 9am-3:30pm.

    2 days/wk Th, F

    3 days/wk M, T, W

    4 days/wk M - Th

    5 days/wk M-F

    Extended Day runs from 3:30pm-4:30pm or 3:30pm to 6pm

    Early Arrival runs from 8:00AM 9:00AM

  • Our tuition rates can be found on the admissions page

  • Please read about our Fairness Funding Program.

  • YES! It is Mi Casita’s commitment to serve all children! Whether your child currently receives, or has received services in public or private settings, or if you or we suspect your child could benefit from additional supports, Mi Casita will work closely with you. This includes but is not limited to speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, etc, as well as special instruction.

  • We accept children on a rolling basis as long as your child is two and spots are available. The more flexible your schedule, the more likely a spot might become available.

  • We prioritize accommodating siblings, but immediate acceptance is not guaranteed. Additional siblings attending Mi Casita during the same period are afforded a 5% discount and do no pay an additional administrative fee.

  • Piedra (Rock room) 2ish

    FOCUS: 24 - 30 months. Rock Room RATIO: 10 amigos max, with 2 primary maestres.

    Papel (Paper room) 3ish

    FOCUS: 30 - 42 months. RATIO: 15 amigos max, with 2 primary maestres, P/T support staff.

    Tijeras (Scissors Room)- 4ish

    FOCUS: 42 - 60 months. RATIO: 13 amigues max with 2 primary maestres.

    Mi Casita reserves the right to switch children mid-year in conversation with the child’s family.

  • Piedra 2 teacher to 10 students

    Papel 2 teachers to 15 (with an additional support as needed)

    Tijeras 2 teacher for 10

    There are always additional floating teachers, support teachers, and the directors ready to provide support as needed.

  • We are guided by the the New York City Department of Education calendar as a guideline, observing breaks and Federal holidays. The school makes determinations if we should close at other times in extreme weather situations. Please check the school calendar for this year. During longer breaks or certain holidays we offer camp.

  • No, children do not need to be potty trained to attend Mi Casita.

  • In alignment with our Guiding Principles, we believe that humans are doing their best given their needs being met or unmet. This means when there is conflict, we look to understand what are the underlying needs. A typical example is children biting. We see biting as a form of communication to meet a need. Given this approach, we teach the child other forms of communication that allow them to meet their need and reinforce that success by celebrating it.

    Overall, by focusing on meeting needs we build children’s capacity to communicate, feel successful, and respect each other’s boundaries. In this way, we model the type of restorative practices and approaches we wish to see in our world.