about

our founder

Krystal Wright (formerly Astwood) is the Founder of the Reggio Emilia Montessori Center (REMC). Krystal is originally from Guyana in South America, and currently lives in Brooklyn where her formal work in schools began. She has a BA in Philosophy from Boston College, a Master of Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a Master of Science in Teaching Urban Students with Disabilities from LIU - Brooklyn.

Mrs. Wright holds an NY State Professional Teaching Certificate and has worked in private, public and charter schools for over 10 years. Krystal has experience teaching K-8th Grade in NYC public schools in Brooklyn and the Bronx, and, just prior to founding REMC, served as the Director of Special Education and Assistant Principal of Curriculum & Instruction at a Pre-K - 5th grade public Montessori school for 5 years.

Krystal’s work in early childhood education is supported and inspired by her family - husband, daughter and fur baby Callie.

recognitions

REM Center Receives Emerging Non-Profit Award

The Mayor’s Office hosted the first Excellence in Human Service Delivery Awards at Gracie Mansion on Aug. 19 2025.

The award process drew more than 100 nominations, with city agency employees nominating nonprofit providers with active contracts and nonprofits nominating city staff who support them. A selection committee of nonprofit leaders and city employees reviewed applications, interviewed finalists, and made the final decisions.

REM Center was one of four nonprofit organizations honored for their impact across the five boroughs.

-Gabriele Holtermann, AMNY, 08/20/2025

Our Bronx HYPE Family Enrichment Center Receives Proclamation From NYC ACS

Deputy Mayor Miles-Gustave, NYC ACS Commissioner, and the Mayor’s Office of Nonprofit Services visits Bronx HYPE during non-profit week. Our Family Enrichment Center (FEC) was recognized during Nonprofit Week. FECs are warm, welcoming, home-like spaces where neighbors are able to connect, support one another and find resources.

View our weekly programming at bronxhype.org.

reviews

  • "Our daughter has been at Blue Playhouse since she was two years old. She's heading off to kindergarten soon, shaped by this extraordinary place. We've been so lucky to be part of the community of this school. It's been a luxury never to have to worry about her safety, or wonder if our she's being cared for and loved. She's learned the beginnings of writing and reading there. The teachers have adapted to her evolving needs. Could not recommend a school, or really anything, more highly."

    Dan B.
    Brooklyn, NY

  • "We have had such a wonderful experience at the Reggio Emilia Montessori Center - the Blue Playhouse! There has been constant quality support for our young daughter's education. The lessons are fun and multi-dimensional, incorporating critical thinking, reading, writing, art, play and socialization. The teachers and staff are loving and give great attention to all the students. In addition, the parent community is warm and supportive. It has been a real blessing starting our daughter's education journey here."

    Mike B.
    Brooklyn, NY

  • "The best 3k--staff is dedicated, smart, and loving. They built the most supportive classroom community and my child learned and grew so much."

    Susan D.
    Brooklyn, NY

  • “Both of my kids attended the Reggio Emilia Montessori Center AKA "Blue Playhouse" for their 2s and 3s years. We have been lucky to be part of such a wonderful school. The teachers have been extraordinarily gifted with little kids, attentive, warm, patient, and genuinely engaged with the kids, providing structure and fun that has given my kids a wonderful first school experience."

    Claire C.
    New York, NY

  • "We love the Reggio Emilia Montessori Center/Blue Playhouse. This is our daughter's second year there. Her teachers are warm, thoughtful, and communicative. They pay a lot of attention to socio-emotional development, along with language and early math skills. We highly recommend it, and will miss them all when our daughter graduates!"

    Laura E.
    New York, NY

  • "Ms. Stephanie who runs the school is so thoughtful and organized, and helps parents and kids navigate all the big steps of early childhood with grace and kindness. and Both my kids LOVE their teachers and talk about them fondly years after attending, and made enduring friendships with the other kids. They developed great basic learning and social skills, creativity and problem solving skills, and the 2's teachers were even instrumental in respectful potty training!"

    Claire C.
    New York, NY

  • "I love them My son is safe, the space is clean and friendly, open and airy. The kids are having the time of their life and learning a bunch. My son came home reading to me just yesterday, after day 3! I love this school and highly recommend it. Ms. Kristina is kind and patient and she takes her time teaching the kids skills. I love Ms. Kristina. Oh, and they are excellent at answering any and all questions no matter how big or small the concern may be. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!"

    Amy F.
    Brooklyn, NY

  • "I am very happy with how far my son has come. The teachers and their approach are unique and special and after 1 year I still feel like they care like the first day."

    Valeria D.
    New York, NY

  • "Such a wonderful community of people and an amazing program for kids. You can tell through every interaction that the staff and teachers really care deeply about the kids and believe in the work that they are doing. My son And daughter both thrived at Blue Playhouse and both loved being at school. They were celebrated for being individuals and handled with patience and compassion in all situations. My kids were always full of new ideas and genuinely excited about learning new things. I highly recommend this sweet school!"

    Luca G.
    New York, NY