Who We Are
Our Mission
Rooted in Belonging. Inspired by Curiosity.
At Har Shalom Preschool, we are a Jewish, Montessori-inspired community that welcomes and celebrates families of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We create a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to explore, question, and discover the world around them.
Our mission is to honor the joy of childhood while cultivating strong social-emotional and academic foundations. Through meaningful relationships and responsive teaching, we support children in growing into confident, compassionate, and curious learners – ready to thrive in their next steps in a diverse world.
Our Philosophy
Honoring Each Child’s Unique Path
We believe every child learns in their own way and at their own pace. Our approach centers the individual child, encouraging independence, curiosity, and self-directed learning.
To support a wide range of learners, we thoughtfully integrate additional research-informed approaches, including play-based learning, STEM exploration, and elements of Reggio Emilia. This blended philosophy creates multiple pathways for engagement, creativity, and discovery.
Our multi-age classrooms foster connection and collaboration, offering opportunities for children to learn with and from one another. Through this environment, children develop communication skills, confidence, empathy, and the ability to think critically and solve problems together.
Our Philosophy
Honoring Each Child’s Unique Path
We believe every child learns in their own way and at their own pace. Our approach centers the individual child, encouraging independence, curiosity, and self-directed learning.
To support a wide range of learners, we thoughtfully integrate additional research-informed approaches, including play-based learning, STEM exploration, and elements of Reggio Emilia. This blended philosophy creates multiple pathways for engagement, creativity, and discovery.
Our multi-age classrooms foster connection and collaboration, offering opportunities for children to learn with and from one another. Through this environment, children develop communication skills, confidence, empathy, and the ability to think critically and solve problems together.
Our Program
Learning Through Connection, Exploration, and Care
Our classroom is intentionally designed to be warm, inviting, and non-competitive spaces where children feel a deep sense of belonging. With guidance from caring and respectful educators, children engage in hands-on learning that supports both intellectual growth and social-emotional development.
We place a strong emphasis on whole-child wellness, including movement, outdoor exploration, and nutrition. Children spend time each day on our natural playground, engaging their imagination, building physical skills, and connecting with nature in all seasons.
Healthy, nourishing snacks are prepared with care, using thoughtfully sourced ingredients. We value food as part of the learning experience – supporting children’s understanding of where food comes from and how it supports their growing bodies.
Academics
Building Foundations for Lifelong Learning
Our individualized approach allows children to follow their natural interests while building essential academic skills. Educators guide and support each child’s development, recognizing key moments of readiness and growth.
As children prepare to transition to elementary school, we intentionally support the development of skills aligned with a variety of learning environments. This ensures children leave Har Shalom with both the confidence and foundational knowledge to thrive in diverse academic settings.
Social-Emotional Learning
Growing Kind, Confident, and Connected Humans
Social-emotional development is at the heart of everything we do. From the very first day, children are supported in building skills such as communication, self-regulation, empathy, and collaboration.
Inspired by Montessori principles – including practices like the Peace Rose – we provide children with tools to navigate relationships and express themselves with care and confidence.
Our multi-age environment and Kind Leader & Mentor opportunities encourage children to learn from one another, practice leadership, and build meaningful connections. Educators thoughtfully adapt the curriculum to meet the evolving needs of each group, ensuring every child is supported in building a strong foundation for both school and life.