The New York City Montessori Charter School (NYCMCS) was chartered in December of 2010 and opened in September 2011. It is the first and only Montessori charter school in New York State and the only Pre-k through 5th grade Montessori public school in New York City. Our mission is to empower children to be critical thinkers and creative problem solvers with strong social skills so that they can succeed in their world and continue to learn in their pursuit of higher education as they prepare for careers in the 21st Century. The school’s curriculum is based on an alignment of the Montessori approach with the Common Core Standards. Its educational program is based on the belief that children learn best within an environment that supports and respects each individual’s unique development.