Head of School Letter

Dear Families,

It is with great pleasure that I write to you as the Head of School at The Art Farm Preschool. As the founder of The Art Farm NYC, I have had the privilege of witnessing our program grow over the past two decades. This journey has been incredibly rewarding, deepening my passion for early childhood education and reinforcing my commitment to connecting city families and children with nature through hands-on experiences in today's technological world.

One of the greatest joys of my role is witnessing the boundless curiosity and enthusiasm of young children as they embark on their educational journey. Every day, I am inspired by their growth, creativity, and the unique perspectives they bring into the classroom. This position allows me to foster an environment where children are encouraged to explore, imagine, and express themselves, laying the foundation for lifelong learning.

As the Head of School, I am dedicated to not only nurturing the development of our students and upholding our philosophy but also creating a vibrant and supportive community for parents, teachers, and staff.

Another key part of my role is assisting families with ongoing school decisions. In a city as culturally rich and diverse as ours, I understand the challenges parents face in identifying the best educational environments for their children. My goal is to provide clear, compassionate, and informed support, ensuring families feel confident in their decisions and excited about their children's future. By staying informed and working closely with ongoing schools, we strive to offer personalized guidance tailored to each family's unique needs and aspirations.

Thank you for your continued support and the trust you place in me and our school as we work together to create a nurturing and inspiring space for our young learners. I look forward to the opportunity to meet you and your family. Together, we will provide an exceptional preschool experience that is warm, educational, exploratory, memorable and fun!

Warm regards,

Valentina Hantke

What Our Families Say

WE COULD NOT HAVE ASKED FOR A BETTER PRESCHOOL EXPERIENCE

“My son attended Art Farm for both the 2s and 3s. We could not have asked for a better preschool experience. He was part of the wrap around program and attended during the summer as well. The staff and teachers are wonderful, the projects are adorable and the animals make this place truly magical. He was always well-cared for and loved his time there.

-Lauren & Zack Stone

AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE AT ART FARM FOR BOTH PRESCHOOL & CAMP!

"We absolutely LOVE Art Farm!!! I honestly can talk about how much we appreciate Art Farm for hours. Our son has had an amazing experience at Art Farm for both preschool and camp. The staff is so nurturing, the facility is amazing and the programs are so unique and creative. We are so happy that our son has found a home at Art Farm! At Art Farm, we know that he is safe, stimulated and loved."

-M.G.

A WONDERFULLY RUN ORGANIZATION!

My daughter has been frequenting the Art Farm since she was an infant. We always wanted to instill a love for animals and found this to be such a wonderful space to do it in. Art Farm has incredible teachers, animal handlers and general staff. There has not been a single bad interaction in all the classes, playtimes and special events that we’ve attended. At 2.5, my daughter knows the animals by name and always asks to go to the farm. A wonderfully run organization! We feel so lucky to live so close to enjoy it often.

-Roman S.

ART FARM WILL OFFER YOUR CHILD A WONDERFUL AND EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE!

"We did the 2yr program for our daughter and loved the experience that Art Farm offered her. It was a small group of children that enjoyed a large and bright classroom. The team and staff were always responsive and caring especially in their interaction with the children. The daily interactions with various animals has resulted in a child that is extremely comfortable and respectful of animals. Art Farm will offer your child a wonderful and educational experience!"