Thoughts on DC JCC preschool?

[Anonymous]

Haven't seen any recents posts on the DC JCC preschool. I'd love to hear from current parents on whether you are happy with the school.

[Anonymous]

I am a current parent and I am very happy with the preschool. I understand that last year there was a great deal of turmoil and disorganization, but all of that is gone, and they are running a tight ship.

My daughter is in the oldest class-- pre-k. They have two wonderful teachers. Parents get an email at the end of every day with a detailed description of what the classes did that day. My daughter's class is always doing something that I find interesting and creative. The children are all well-behaved. I went on a field trip with them and couldn't believe how effortlessly the teachers kept order without being oppressive. This is a huge difference from the last preschool, which had some hitters, biters, and name-callers, and teachers who seemed not to notice or intervene.

They have access to Stead Park, which was just re-done. Really nice play facility. Also, since it's in the JCC, they have the gym for more physical play in the afternoons and when the weather is bad.

Some parents criticize DC JCC for not being rigorous or academic. I find that they give the kids plenty to think about. I also think that play is how tiny kids learn best, and that there's plenty of time for "academics" from K-grad school.

[Anonymous]

I am a parent of a 3 year old and am also very pleased. My child's teachers are very good -- one really great -- and he is thriving and happy at the school. His day is sufficiently balanced between structured activities and free play and the class is always focused on themes or projects that provide a framework and direction for activities. The kids get physical activity twice a day either at the newly renovated Stead Park and its adjacent field or in the gym, dance studio or "motion commotion room" (lots of mats and soft climbing items). My child's class has had at least 5 field trips during the year so far with a great deal of parent involvement. The kids have weekly show and tell as a class and each Friday all the classes come together as a school community to celebrate Shabbat in addition to all the birthdays from the week. There is a weekly music class and lots of arts and crafts projects. The snacks that the school provides are healthy and varied. There has also been a lot of formal dialogue this year between the parents, teachers and administration. Monthly parent meetings are held and each class has parent representatives to bring any questions/concerns to the administration. This has truly improve communication throughout the school.

Just an additional note -- next year they are going to be wrapping a family fitness center membership into the monthly preschool tuition. So families of preschoolers will have access to the JCC's gym, pool, and discounts on classes etc.

[Anonymous]

I just went to the website, and it sounds like a great program. But I am not Jewish and really know nothing about the Jewish faith. Is there a great emphasis on Judaism? What's the mix in terms of Jewish/non-Jewish families?

[Anonymous]

The preschool community is very diverse and very inclusive. I don't know the percentage of students that are Jewish, but there is certainly a significant percent that is not.

The school celebrates the shabbat each friday and meets as a school to say the sabbath prayers and to sing and dance. The children learn about the Jewish Holidays and learn holiday songs in music class. The JCC facility is a kosher facility and as such children are required to only bring dairy lunches. The school is also closed on all the Jewish holidays and that can be quite a large number of days out of school beyond the regular federal holidays.

My family is Jewish so I can't speak to how non-Jewish families feel about the programming. Perhaps others can provide their perspective.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:[snip!] What's the mix in terms of Jewish/non-Jewish families?

At an open house, Sarah said that the student body is ~60% Jewish.