Facilities

Our classrooms are spacious and airy, designed to reflect our early childhood philosophy. Our 10-acre grounds surrounded by forest offer multiple areas for optimal outdoor learning. Children are given ample time for exploration of the natural world. Connecting children with nature is a core value at Barnert. We know that nurturing that connection at an early age enables children to become environmental stewards, while fulfilling the Jewish value of tikkun olam, repairing the world.

Curriculum

At Barnert, play is education. In our thoughtfully created environment, our children learn to think deeply and to play with purpose, which leads to a strong sense of self. Their confidence levels are high as risk-taking is supported and encouraged. Based on the most current research in early childhood education, our curriculum is cutting-edge while simultaneously maintaining core principles in child development. Every child’s needs are honored, valued, and regularly assessed to provide optimal growth potential.

Values and Judaism

Throughout the day, we are faced with many choices. Both parents and children must make decisions that impact themselves and others. Jewish values are taught as our internal GPS, guiding us toward making good decisions. Whether you and your children are Jewish, interfaith, or of another faith, whether you believe in God or not, the values we teach our children will become the basis for them to become positive forces. These values include:

• Tikun Olam: Repair of the world
• Gemilut Chasadim: Acts of kindness
• Tzedakah – Charity
• Derech Eretz  – The right path
• Bikor Cholim  – Visiting the sick
• Baal Tashchit  – Not destroying the world
• Tzaar Balei Chayim – Not causing suffering to animals

Jewish holidays are joyful and give us many opportunities to celebrate our heritage with music, art and food. Friday begins Shabbat, the weekly reminder to use the Sabbath as a time to disconnect and reconnect. Every Friday fills the building with the delicious smell of children’s individual challah baking, while the whole school comes together to sing joyful Shabbat songs. It is in these times that we are a community of diverse people with a deep desire to see the best in each other and in the world.

Quick Facts

• Entering our 35th year of successful Jewish early childhood education.
• Beautiful 10 acres of park-like grounds including forest areas for exploration, large multi-sensory playground, working garden, and mud-kitchen.
• Weekly curriculum specials include Hebrew,  yoga, and music.
• Work closely with top Occupational, Physical and Speech therapists to bring best practices from their fields into our work.
• Low child to teacher ratio and personalized attention.
• Strong parent involvement includes many opportunities for working parents.
• Half-day: 9 AM – 12:30 PM; Full-day: until 3 PM; Extended-day: 8 AM – 5:00 PM.
• We infuse our spaces (inside and outside) with sensory experiences recognizing the importance of fulfilling sensory needs for all children.
• Open to families of all faiths and cultural backgrounds.
• Creative programming for children infants through transitional kindergarten.
• Warm, loving atmosphere.
• Strong security provided with a full-time security guard and full security services.