When an opening becomes available, the most eligible candidate is contacted. The selection process carefully considers a number of criteria, such as sibling priority, gender, age, diversity, and special needs. For many years the school was housed in an unused greenhouse. In the early 1950s the school moved into its present location near the Columbia University campus. An optional six-week summer camp takes place in June and July.
Financial aid is available.
Greenhouse is committed to diversity, embracing an ethnically, racially, and economically diverse group of families and staff. The school s philosophy emphasizes the exploration of materials in a play-centered environment. The program is carefully planned and based on develop-mentally appropriate activities for the whole child, fostering emotional, social, physical, and intellectual growth. An experienced and skilled teacher and one or two assisting staff teach each class. There are five classrooms, and the class size ranges from ten students in the 2s classes to twenty-one children in the 4 5s class.