✦ Celebrating 30 Years ✦
Garden House School of New York · 1996 – 2026
For thirty years, Garden House School has cultivated curious minds, kind hearts, and a deep love of learning in the heart of New York City. We are grateful to every child, family, and educator who has been part of our story.
A nursery school had called the classrooms of Central Presbyterian Church home for over 30 years. When Jill Oddy came to New York in search of a school, LEFC was ready for a new chapter.
Owner of the renowned Garden House School in London, Jill arrives to study at Columbia University, falls in love with the city, and resolves to open a Garden House School here. Chaz Foley — a former London GHS teacher then at LEFC — introduces Jill to Heather Rodts, Director of LEFC, and a vision begins to take shape.
Heather joins as Garden House School's first Director. Chaz — who lived in London for 12 years and taught at GHS London — takes on the role of Director, working with 49 families. Jill brings Juliet Frances from the London school to serve as Co-Director. Together they begin adapting the Reading Program for American students, building reputation and enrollment through the Parents League of New York and local school networks.
The Board of Regents approves the name change from Learning Environments for Children to Garden House School of New York. Founding parents Keith and Marisa Crawford, Lisa Keyko, and Roz Barber shape the school's image: Keith designs the furniture and banners, Marisa creates the distinctive uniform, Lisa designs the logo, and Roz co-founds the Parents Association. Geraldine Gore launches the Garden House Times newsletter. The school opens with 49 students.
GHS hires founding parent Keith Crawford, architect, to redesign the tired old classrooms in the church. Keith designs charming furniture for the rooms, opens up the spaces, and transforms the school into something truly special.
Rooted in Jill Oddy's philosophy of early literacy, Chaz and Juliet spearhead the creation of the Little Readers Early Reading Program, with illustrations by British artist Pete Rozycki. By 2002, the program grows to include an alphabet border, two workbooks, and three companion books. In 2015, GHS develops a Little Readers app.
GHS opens a second school at Sutton Place, which becomes the Head Office. Architect Keith Crawford designs the blueprint. The school gains a firm foothold across the city.
Natalie brings a deep alignment with GHS's philosophy — having received a British education in Grenada herself. With a BA in Psychology and an MS in Education from Brooklyn College, her love of children, families, and early academics is evident in every interaction with the GHS community.
Carrying on the tradition of the London school, GHS begins adorning its walls with works by renowned British and American artists — including Julian Lethbridge, Jason Oddy, Emily Mason, John Ferren, and Robert Eadie, alongside Colonial American portraits and Early American quilts. In 2001, Garden House London celebrates its 50th anniversary with a garden party at Ranelagh Gardens, Royal Hospital Chelsea. New York marks the occasion by renovating the rooftop garden at Park Avenue, and opens its first Kindergarten with 4 children at Sutton Place.
Natalie is promoted to Co-Director alongside Mary Cantwell, who was drawn to Garden House by the school's focus on academics and its Early Reading and Writing Program. Mary holds a Master's in Early Childhood Education from Mercy College. Four key hires deepen the administrative team: Lesley Gould (Assistant Director, formerly a London teacher), Lisa Keyko (Director of Development, a founding parent and logo designer), Elmar Wald (ballet, bookkeeping, and IT), and Grace Ball (consultant for ongoing school placements, 2002–2008).
With continued success, the Board authorizes a major redevelopment of the 6th and 7th floors at Park Avenue — new bathrooms, an accessible lavatory, and redesigned classrooms to accommodate the expanded Kindergarten program.
At pupil capacity and facing an insecure lease at the Church, GHS engages real estate firm Grubb & Ellis to find a permanent home. They quickly identify the perfect property: a combination of three townhouses on East 63rd Street, just around the corner.
Garden House USA opens a school in Briarcliff Manor, NY, in the Parish House of the Briarcliff Congregational Church. Starting with just 3 children, the Westchester campus grows to nearly 40 students.
After eight years in California, Chaz returns to New York and takes on the role of Director of Admissions — rekindling relationships with directors at ongoing schools and guiding around 80 families per year through the placement process.
GHS purchases its permanent home at 37 East 63rd Street. Architect Keith Crawford designs the space from raw condition to suit the school's exact needs. The gut renovation spans two years — involving city officials and even Mayor Bloomberg — and is mentioned in the New York Times. The result: a unique and beautiful school built to last.
After years of planning and two years of construction, Garden House moves out of Central Presbyterian Church and into the beautifully designed space at 37 East 63rd Street. A joyful new chapter begins.
GHS opens its Art Gallery at 37 East 63rd Street, debuting with the watercolors of British artist Martin Millard. Subsequent exhibitions feature sculptor Emil Alzamora (2014) and architect Keith Crawford (2015). Parents are invited to a private view each year, and artists present their work to Senior and Kindergarten children.
GHS is now firmly established in New York City, its philosophy and reputation matured over three decades. Early graduates are young adults, with many returning to the city to build their careers — signs of a Garden House legacy taking shape. We celebrate three decades of exceptional early education — and look ahead with joy to the next generation of children whose minds and hearts will flourish within these walls.
A nursery school had called the classrooms of Central Presbyterian Church home for over 30 years. When Jill Oddy came to New York in search of a school, LEFC was ready for a new chapter.
Add more of your favorite photos from the past 30 years — classrooms, performances, graduations, park days.
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