Chinese Language Preschool to Open Second NYC Site in FiDi

Ya Ya Mandarin Immersion Preschool, which offers all-Mandarin educational programs for young children, will open its second Manhattan preschool in the Financial District.

The preschool has signed a 10-year lease for 4,640 square feet at 9-15 Dutch Street, a six-story commercial and residential building owned by Time Equities, according to broker RTL. Ya Ya will likely replace preschool Downtown Little School, which closed in the space in 2024.

The deal, which had an asking rent of $50 per square foot, represents Ya Ya’s second spot in Manhattan, following its first location at 291 Broadway in Tribeca. The preschool was founded in 2008 with the goal to teach toddlers Mandarin through music and activities.

RTL’s Thomas Galo, who represented the tenant alongside Matthew Knispel, said the Financial District is “a wonderful place” for the preschool’s new location.

“More families are choosing to call Lower Manhattan home, and they’re looking for exceptional schools close by,” Galo said in a statement. “Ya Ya offers something truly special, and it will be a fantastic addition to the community.”

A spokesperson for Ya Ya added that the new Dutch Street spot allows it to “bring its programs to more Downtown families.”

There were no landlord brokers in this deal. A spokesperson for Time Equities did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

It’s also unclear when the preschool will move into its new location between Fulton and John streets, but it will join an array of retail tenants on the block, including 7th Street Burger, Apollo Bagels and gym F45 Training.

Isabelle Durso can be reached at idurso@commercialobserver.com.