Mission

All our knowledge begins with the senses, proceeds then to the understanding, and ends with reason - Immanuel Kant

Pusteblume provides each child with language immersion education in a nurturing, safe and supportive environment that promotes self-discipline, motivation, confidence, respect, creativity and excellence in learning by following a curriculum based on inquiry and play.

By partnering with parents and the community, we strive to develop our children’s self-sufficiency and to help them succeed and contribute responsibly in the global community. 

In this spirit, Pusteblume prepares students to be world citizens and lifelong learners.

About

In 2008, two parents, Lauren and Ralf Oberbannscheidt, realized that Manhattan had no German immersion preschool and very few Spanish immersion preschools. They teamed up with another parent, Carola Grundmann-Quintero, and in 2012 the three succeeded in opening the first of its kind, licensed, non-profit, independent preschool.

Pusteblume International Preschool opened its doors in a sun-filled space on West 14th Street. The beautifully appointed facility features a large playroom that allows children to move freely on days when the weather does not play nice.

Pusteblume was created with both parents and child in mind and provides flexibility for working parents as well as for parents who stay home with their children, but want them to interact with others in a language immersion environment on some days.

Pusteblume is committed to fostering and nurturing your child’s creativity, independence and self-sufficiency. We believe that learning is best achieved in a warm and positive environment where children develop their abilities through a combination of play and and academic instruction. We apply the most recent research-based methods in early childhood education to foster curiosity, develop trust and nurture independence.

Pusteblume International Preschool is directed by Friends of the German International School of New York, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation.