Alpha New York is open and enrolling.
Join us for an info session at our 180 Maiden Lane location, in Lower Manhattan’s Financial District, just steps from the East River waterfront and the iconic South Street Seaport. It’s one block from the Imagination Playground, with Battery Park and the Brooklyn Bridge a short walk away. See firsthand why Alpha is ranked among the best private schools thanks to its groundbreaking learning model.
When choosing a school, nothing matters more than hearing from families just like yours.
These New York City parents share how their children gained confidence, learned faster, and rediscovered their love of school.
In one evening, you’ll see how Alpha kids learn twice as fast, meet guides, and talk with parents whose kids are already thriving. Walk away knowing whether Alpha is the right fit for your child.
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Alpha New York
Dr. Tasha Arnold is a dynamic educational leader with extensive experience in American and international schools across the US, Europe, and Asia. She has spent her career transforming schools, implementing innovative learning models, and fostering personalized educational experiences that empower students to reach their highest potential. She has taught at the Elementary, Middle, and High School levels, specializing in IB/AP Sciences and Learning Support across various curriculums (USA, UK, IB, and AP).
I joined Alpha because I believe in redefining education. Personalization, hands-on learning, and skill development are the pillars of a truly impactful education. Alpha’s approach aligns with my vision of ensuring every child thrives academically, socially, and emotionally in a way that is uniquely suited to them.
Liam Stanton spent a decade teaching in Colombia, China, and Silicon Valley before joining Alpha. He holds a master’s from Harvard in Learning Design, Innovation & Technology, where he focused on the impact of Al in education, and now designs immersive, real-world learning experiences for students.
I hold students to high standards while tailoring each step to match their starting point and build them up. I connect social-emotional skills to what matters most to them, so they understand how those tools improve their learning and their lives.
Emily Lopez is the Director of Experiential Learning at Alpha and is stepping into the role of Middle School Guide in New York City. She began her work at Alpha as an L1 Guide and has since led the design of high-impact, real-world learning programs, drawing on a background in international education and teen mentorship in Spain and Honduras. She is passionate about helping students build independence, confidence, and ownership of their learning through hands-on, high-expectation experiences.
I leverage my energy and humor to build strong individual relationships where students feel truly seen and cared for. I thrive in coaching every student to believe in themselves and achieve excellence.
Jenna Petrungaro is a Guide at Alpha New York City with six years of experience as a secondary math teacher in public schools. She was born and raised on Long Island and is passionate about helping students build confidence, independence, and genuine joy in learning. Outside of school, Jenna is training for the 2026 NYC Marathon and loves exploring new food spots around the city.
A mentor’s role isn’t to give answers, but to create the conditions where the learner discovers them, and in doing so, discovers their own potential.
Nathan Witkin is an educator, writer, and researcher with a background in academic philosophy and competitive high school debate. He previously worked as a teaching assistant at Tufts University while completing his master’s in philosophy, and has coached debate for the Dalton School and the Bronx High School of Science. He is excited to awaken students’ passions at Alpha, and to push them toward new heights in their academics and beyond.
A mentor’s role isn’t to give answers, but to create the conditions where the learner discovers them, and in doing so, discovers their own potential.
Parthvi Harde has a background working in early-stage startups, where she focused on building programs, collaborating across teams, and navigating fast-moving, ambiguous environments. She’s spent over 4 years being a management consultant to scaling startups in the marketing and climate tech fields. She now brings that real-world experience into her work at Alpha, helping students connect learning to problem-solving, creativity, and ownership. Her approach emphasizes curiosity, clear thinking, and collaboration.
A mentor’s role isn’t to give answers, but to create the conditions where the learner discovers them, and in doing so, discovers their own potential.
Jenna is an experienced educator and reading specialist with a master’s degree in education and reading and is a proud Penn State graduate. She is trained in Orton-Gillingham–aligned literacy instruction and has years of experience supporting young learners as they build strong foundational reading skills through evidence-based practices that prioritize confidence, connection, and growth. For the remainder of the school year, Jenna will serve as the Reading Specialist at Alpha’s New York campus. She is passionate about partnering with families to support children’s literacy development. Outside of school, Jenna enjoys yoga, spending time with her family, and hanging out with her dog, Ollie.
A mentor’s role isn’t to give answers, but to create the conditions where the learner discovers them, and in doing so, discovers their own potential.
Julianne is a dedicated education professional with a background in student leadership, academic support, and community engagement. She has worked across higher education and student services, designing and supporting initiatives that foster student success and community connection. With an educational background in Marine Biology and a passion for student success, Julianne brings an organized, thoughtful, and student-centered approach to her role as Campus Coordinator. Outside of work, Julianne enjoys crocheting, practicing yoga, and spending time outdoors.
A mentor’s role isn’t to give answers, but to create the conditions where the learner discovers them, and in doing so, discovers their own potential.
Nancy Torvund is a Penn alum, lifelong learner, and Mensa member with a deeply personal relationship to education. A grade-skipper who began college just after turning seventeen, she understands what it means for students to outpace traditional systems. She started her educational career as a public-school teacher in Norway, later serving as a regional teachers’ union leader before leaving when meaningful change proved structurally out of reach. She went on to build an online learning system at a private school, becoming a shareholder and board member overseeing admissions and strategic development. After long believing a return to the U.S. would require something extraordinary, she found that in Alpha, where she brings a global and personal perspective to helping students find environments where they can thrive.
A mentor’s role isn’t to give answers, but to create the conditions where the learner discovers them, and in doing so, discovers their own potential.
Looking for more stories to view and share?
Alpha serves families across Lower Manhattan, including the Financial District, Tribeca, Battery Park City, the Lower East Side, and Greenwich Village, as well as nearby Chelsea. Thanks to easy ferry access, we also welcome families from Brooklyn neighborhoods such as Brooklyn Heights and Park Slope. In addition, we support families from surrounding areas and boroughs, offering a convenient and innovative option for those seeking personalized education in New York City. If you live near ZIP codes 10005, 10006, 10007, 10038, 10002, 10003, 10011, or 11201, Alpha is here for you.
We chose 180 Maiden Lane because it offers the perfect mix of accessibility and community. It’s close to families in Lower Manhattan and easily reached by ferry for Brooklyn parents. Just as importantly, our partnership with the building’s developer—who shared our enthusiasm for bringing a groundbreaking, personalized education model to New York—made this the ideal home for Alpha’s first NYC campus.
Every school day includes around 60 minutes of unstructured play, weather permitting. Students often head to nearby play spaces like the Imagination Playground, just one block from our campus, for active outdoor play. In addition, we offer a movement-based workshop twice a week—usually on Tuesdays and Thursdays—ensuring kids stay active, energized, and connected to their environment.
Each Alpha student follows a customized learning path supported by adaptive apps that adjust in real time to their progress. Students master core subjects at their own pace—no gaps, no burnout, no unnecessary repetition. Beyond academics, Guides work one-on-one with students to set goals and choose workshops based on their interests—from creative storytelling to robotics—so each learner thrives in a way that fits them perfectly.
Yes, Alpha is opening its doors on September 3, 2025, serving grades K–8. Located at 180 Maiden Lane in Lower Manhattan, we’re ideally positioned for families in the Financial District, Tribeca, Battery Park City, and Chelsea, with convenient ferry access for Brooklyn neighborhoods like Brooklyn Heights and Park Slope. We’re thrilled to bring Alpha’s personalized learning model to New York City and are excited to welcome our first cohort of students.
The daily schedule at Alpha runs from 8:15 AM to 4:00 PM. Students arrive for morning drop-off at 8:15–8:30 AM, and the day finishes with afternoon pick-up between 3:30–4:00 PM.
You can find more information on what an Alpha day looks like in the Info Packet linked above.
The New York Times – The Ezra Klein Show: We Have to Really Rethink the Purpose of Education
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CBS News: Inside the $40,000 a year school where AI shapes every lesson, without teachers
ABC News: Exploring the world of AI education
NewsNation: A look inside how one Texas private school uses AI to teach
