RXR announced today that Ivy Primary Prep has signed a lease to open a new 8,800-square-foot early education center at Radio Lofts, one of two newly opened rental buildings within the three-building Hudson House Collection in Jersey City’s SoHo West neighborhood.
The new location will significantly expand Ivy Prep’s presence in the neighborhood, where its existing school has reached its 60-child capacity and will remain open. Expected to begin welcoming students in spring 2027, the Hudson House location will accommodate approximately 150 children ranging in age from three months through five-years-old.
The school will occupy two distinct areas. A 2,800-square-foot section is expected to focus primarily on infant and toddler care, while a separate 6,000-square-foot portion will offer classrooms for older children and a children’s sports and activity area. Ivy Prep is also exploring individualized sports instruction and after-school programming that could include basketball and soccer.
“We opened our first center in this neighborhood in 2021 and quickly discovered how much demand there is for a highly personalized early education experience that combines strong academics with a genuine sense of community,” said Mary Christian, owner and director of Ivy Primary Prep. “Radio Lofts gives us the space to serve many more families while remaining in the neighborhood we consider home. With Hudson House’s larger residences and family-friendly amenities, as well as Coles Street Park directly across the street, it felt like a natural fit for our next chapter.”
Ivy Prep distinguishes itself from traditional daycare and preschool programs through its emphasis on early academics, small classes and individualized instruction. Its curriculum balances structured learning with guided activities and play-based experiences designed to support children academically, socially and emotionally.
The school maintains lower student-to-teacher ratios than required by the state, including a five-to-one ratio in its preschool classrooms and ratios as low as three-to-one for infant care. Preschool students also learn from dedicated subject teachers specializing in areas such as mathematics, literacy and science. Parents of infants have access to secure classroom cameras that allow them to check in throughout the day.
“Ivy Prep is an ideal addition to Hudson House and the growing mix of services available to our residents and the surrounding neighborhood,” said Whitney Arcaro, executive vice president, RXR. “Mary has created a highly regarded early education program with deep roots in this community, and the new Hudson House location will allow the school to meet the growing demand from families throughout Jersey City.”
Christian founded Ivy Prep in 2021 after her own experience searching for an early education program for her young son. A 15-year Jersey City resident who has lived in SoHo West since opening the school, she saw an opportunity to create a program that placed equal importance on academics, personal attention and support for parents.
That commitment extends beyond the classroom through seasonal celebrations, parent gatherings, field trips and other events that bring Ivy families together. Christian said this aspect of the program is particularly meaningful in Jersey City, where many young parents have moved from elsewhere and may not have family nearby or an established circle of local friends. Ivy Prep’s events give them an opportunity to meet other parents and develop the sense of community they may be missing.
The new location will provide convenient access for Hudson House residents, including those whose children already attend Ivy Prep, allowing parents to handle drop-off and pickup without leaving the community. The school also draws students from throughout Jersey City, including the Heights and Journal Square, as well as New York City and communities beyond the immediate area.
Ivy Prep joins recently announced Hudson House tenants Dogdrop and CULTR Athletic Club, further expanding the community’s retail and service lineup.
