Close icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. It indicates a way to close an interaction, or dismiss a notification. The Washington Market School is located in Lower Manhattan. Courtesy of Julian Wright This story is available exclusively to Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. The private preschool landscape in New York City is arguably the most competitive in the nation. Education consultants Wendy Levey and Cindy Chanin selected the 12 most prestigious in the city. Picks include West Side Montessori School, First Presbyterian Church School, and St. Ann's School. New York City has arguably one of the most competitive landscapes for private preschools in the nation. Manhattan-based educational consultant Wendy Levey told Insider that a lot of this has to do with what comes after preschool: "In order to get into private school kindergarten in NYC, children must have preschool experience so that they have social skills, pre-reading and math skills, and have the ability to share, be independent, and to be active learners," she said.