DC1 started in K but attended a Jewish preschool.
DC2 started in pre-K because DC1 was already going. Not sure what DC3 will do yet bc DC3 also attends Jewish preschool but definitely will start in K if not in pre-k.

We started DC1 in K for a few reasons. I wanted DC1 to have Jewish friends because there are not so many at our FCPS ES. Second, I did a poll & most of my friends were starting their kids in K

I think the earlier you start the more it is just part of your family's routine.

3rd to 4th grade is the latest. We started in 4th and the welcome was warm and enthusiastic. Plus DC actually was motivated at that point.

Anonymous wrote:Kindergarten. By 2nd grade the rest of the kids will know the letters and basic reading in Hebrew; and your child might feel behind.

That must vary by synagogue. We've belonged to two reform synagogues and at neither were kids reading and writing Hebrew by 2nd grade.

Kindergarten. By 2nd grade the rest of the kids will know the letters and basic reading in Hebrew; and your child might feel behind.

Kindergarten. It would be heard to pick up and learn in the middle without have basic knowledge of traditions before.

Also consider Jewish summer camp and year round family activities. I think if a kid is 9 and hasn't been given previous exposure it's going to be much harder to get them involved if you start then.

Rodef shalom PP here. I also want to add, that if you have multiple kids and are shopping around, to note that committing to religious school means that you will be schlepling to wherever you belong multiple times a week in the coming years. Once in 4th grade kids go twice a week and that is a 2-3 year timeframe that it goes on, plus occasional services as they go closer to their mitzvahs. Also you need to join the synagogue to attend religious school. I have 2 children there and it's been a nice community. Tons of arlington and fairfax/McLean kids attend and they have a list of what kids attend which secular school so you can connect with a smaller community of people you will see a lot. They also have a wonderful day camp that is very popular and offers a kind of "sleepaway" experience in a day camp setting (color wars, kids assigned to a bunk, Jewish activities for Shabbat, etc).

If you are secular you should check out Machar

Anonymous wrote:Check out Gesher day school.
A lot better socially than having to go to a Sunday School that is in addition to"regular" school, and instead of fun activities like soccer, etc.

A non-practicing secular Jew is not likely going to be interested in day school.

Check out Gesher day school.
A lot better socially than having to go to a Sunday School that is in addition to"regular" school, and instead of fun activities like soccer, etc.

My DS just started in Kindergarten (not in the DC area). I think it's a great starting point.

Thank you! We have not yet gone in person, but Rodef Shalom is at the top of our list for places to check out. I appreciate the feedback all around.

If you are in McLean and are reform I'd recommend checking out rodef shalom. It's a very large community with tons of kids. I'd enroll before 3rd because twice a week begins in 4th and if you are basically secular your kid should have some background prior to that. We've really enjoyed going there!
My kids also attend camp harlam and that has made a great impact on their Jewish identity as well.

We are new to the Mclean area, NY transplants where it felt very easy to be a secular, non-practicing Jew. Here, we feel like we need more community to provide our child a sense of religious identity. What is the right age to start Hebrew school? DH didn't start until age 9, but his sister attended from Kindergarten. I never attended. We are fine with waiting, but don't want DC to have a harder time meeting and fitting in with other kids if we suddenly decide to enroll her in 3rd grade. Can someone give us a lay of the land? Thank you.