Our History

  • In 1976, Park East was founded by Rabbi Arthur Schneier as a nursery school.

    In 1981, it merged with East Side Hebrew Institute, once a major institution on the Lower East Side of Manhattan; the integrated school was called Park East Day School, which in 1990 was renamed in honor of Rabbi Schneier.

    Today the Rabbi Arthur Schneier Park East Day School is a place where students follow a rich and rigorous dual curriculum of Judaic and General Studies. A dynamic arts program extends the varied, joyous atmosphere of the school day. Torah values and ethics, Jewish traditions and history are taught in keeping with a favorite motto of Rabbi Schneier’s: L’Dor V’Dor, “from generation to generation.”

    Our ambition at Park East is not merely to fill children’s minds but to teach how to use them: to think critically and discerningly, to be receptive to difficult and challenging ideas, to observe the world with alertness and curiosity, and to keep their brains—and hearts—open wide.

  • breaking ground on the Sam & Esther Misnkoff Cultural Center - Park East Day Schol