Carousel of Languages
About
Carousel of Languages on the Upper East Side
Running since 2000, Carousel of Languages is one of New York City's premier early-childhood foreign-language programs, built specifically for infants, toddlers, and young children rather than retrofitted from an adult curriculum. Classes are small and multi-sensory, introducing a new language during the early-childhood window when kids absorb accent and grammar most naturally.
Language Programs
Carousel teaches ten languages for ages roughly six months to eight years, all with native-speaking instructors, through songs, games, movement, and play:
- Spanish, French, Italian, Mandarin, and Hebrew
- Hindi, Russian, Greek, Turkish, and English
- Full immersion at a child's pace (teachers speak only the target language)
- Familiar routines, stories, and crafts so acquisition feels like play
- Siblings can often study different languages under one roof
What's Included
- Operating since 2000 (more than two decades on the Upper East Side)
- Native-speaking instructors
- Dedicated Carousel-designed classrooms inside Playgarden Prep at 1366 Madison Avenue at 96th Street (from 2025-2026)
- Hourly classes weekdays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Experience
The approach is full immersion at a child's pace: teachers lead the class through familiar routines so language acquisition feels like play instead of study. Parents can choose the language that fits their family's heritage or goals, making Carousel a well-established option for families starting a child early on a second or third language.