Since 2018, Little Learners NYC (at 201 West 81st Street) has been helping Upper West Side families raise confident, curious learners through personalized, play-based tutoring. Now, the beloved educational services company is expanding its offerings with a brand-new program designed specifically for preschool-aged children.
Introducing the Little Learners NYC Friendship Club — a six-day-a-week drop-off program blending structured activities with joyful, hands-on play.
Running Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., the Friendship Club welcomes children ages 2.5 to 5.5 for two hours of themed exploration, cooperative games, sensory stations, and creative projects — all guided by experienced early childhood educators.
Each week focuses on a different theme, like animals, construction, or seasons, and activities are designed to build essential developmental and early academic skills. Verbal development, turn-taking, independence, and early math and literacy are all nurtured in a warm, low-ratio setting that gives every child individual attention.
Unlike a typical open play space, the Friendship Club is rooted in educational purpose. “We wanted to create a drop-off option that’s both reliable for parents and developmentally meaningful for kids,” say founders Cortney Bowen and Donna Sheynfeld, both veteran educators and moms. “This is a place where children can build confidence through play while being gently guided by caring teachers.”
Donna Sheynfeld
Cortney Bowen
The Friendship Club is also here to support families on days when school is closed. Parents can count on this as a trusted childcare option, giving children a safe, engaging space to play, explore, and connect while caregivers manage their day with peace of mind.
Bowen and Sheynfeld founded Little Learners NYC after decades in NYC’s top classrooms, admissions offices, and teacher training programs. Their mission has always been clear: help children love learning by making it joyful, interactive, and tailored to the individual.
That same mission now extends beyond tutoring and into the world of educational games. Little Learners NYC recently launched a line of literacy and math games for children in Pre-K through 2nd grade — all based on the same playful methods used in their sessions. Available on Amazon, the games allow families to bring learning home in a fun, screen-free way.
Whether through tutoring, test prep, or the new Friendship Club, Little Learners NYC is committed to sparking excitement in every child they meet.
To learn more or enroll in the Friendship Club, click here.
