Simcha TK/K Classroom

Children in Simcha’s Transitional Kinder/Kindergarten class are encouraged to design, create, inspire and support each other’s learning journey. Each day is filled with opportunities to play, experiment, problem solve and learn!

With our low teacher-child ratios, we are able to meet the children where they are developmentally to best support their individual growth throughout the year.

We follow the common core standards for language arts, social studies, science and math. Currently we are investigating gardening, the wood working, and social justice! 

We notice math around us all day long. Daily math concepts are introduced during our morning meeting. Presenting numbers and mathematical concepts in systematic and engaging ways that encourage students inquiry, discussion and reasoning about numbers. This information is then reinforced with hands-on small group games and activities. 

Language Arts is based in SOR: the Science of Reading, and SWI: Structured Word Inquiry. We use the Heggerty Phonemic Awareness Scope & Sequence (systematic and explicit phonemic instruction) to guide our reading and writing component. Books are read aloud throughout the day that support our ongoing investigations. 

Makerspace materials are available in both our inside and outside classrooms - providing rich opportunities for investigation, collaboration and critical thinking. 

Outside time is often spent gardening, fort-building, creating art, large motor play, manipulating water and mud, and other science explorations.  Our days begin and end with community building, the joy of Jewish traditions, and social emotional learning based on kindness.

My son Jack attended Jan's class as a 5 year old - he turned 5 in August and technically could have started kindergarten at public school, but we felt Jack needed more time to be emotionally and socially ready for public school. I am so thankful we made that choice! Jack absolutely loved Jan's class - and it gave him more time to be a kid, to kick his shoes off, get his hands dirty, move his body and PLAY - which is so important for children. Jan provided so much more hands-on experiential learning - through art projects, gardening, science experiments - she even set up a woodworking station - and Jack LOVED woodworking.  Jan really encouraged him, and took an interest in nurturing his interests - she really cared deeply about him as a person and was invested in his development. Invaluable skills, attention, and experiences he would not have received elsewhere. He also learned all of the academic fundamentals he needed to learn - and benefitted from being with kids of mixed ages. He learned how to sit and pay attention when needed, how to be cooperative in groups, and follow the rules to engage in games. When he started kindergarten he felt confident in everything he knew, and was ahead of the curve in terms of reading, writing, and math. He was actually a little disappointed they weren't doing math yet when he started Kinder! He was also leaps and bounds ahead in terms of emotional regulation. I think the hardest thing about entering public school after Jan's class was the fact that he had to keep his shoes on at public school, and couldn't jump in puddles or play in the mud on rainy days. 

Now that Jack is in public school, I am so grateful for our time at Simcha. He had a lot more freedom to be a kid, and as someone with a lot of natural curiosity and energy - it was the perfect place for him to get a solid foundation to thrive. We plan on doing the same with our youngest!

I am delighted to share the positive experience we had with Simcha and express how truly exceptional it is as a place to attend kindergarten. A couple years before, when my child began attending preschool, it became abundantly clear that Simcha is dedicated to providing an unparalleled educational experience filled with love, warmth, and a deep commitment to each child's growth and development.

Simcha stands out for its nurturing environment, where every child is treated with utmost care and respect. The faculty and staff are not only highly qualified professionals but also compassionate individuals who genuinely care about the well-being of each student. They go above and beyond to create a safe and inclusive atmosphere where children feel valued and encouraged to express their unique personalities.

The curriculum at Simcha is designed to foster a love of learning while catering to the individual needs of each child. The teachers use innovative and engaging teaching methods that make education a joyful experience. They skillfully blend play, exploration, and structured lessons to stimulate intellectual curiosity and cultivate a solid foundation for future academic endeavors.

Simcha is also committed to the holistic development of the surrounding community. Alongside the outstanding academic curriculum, the school offers a wide range of opportunities that allow the families to connect and participate in building a supportive community. The temple is a center of progressive movements surrounding civic engagement, LGBTQ+ rights, and creating a safe and inclusive community for all.

What sets Simcha apart is that they place a strong emphasis on building character and fostering positive values. Through regular community service projects and acts of kindness, the school instills a sense of empathy, compassion, and social responsibility in its students. This focus on character education helps shape not only well-rounded individuals but also future leaders who are equipped to make a positive impact on the world.

Furthermore, the facilities at Simcha are exceptional, providing a stimulating and conducive learning environment. The classrooms are thoughtfully designed, equipped with age-appropriate resources, and adorned with colorful displays that spark creativity. The outdoor play areas are safe, inviting, and stimulating allowing children to discover the benefits of play, nature, friendship, problem solving, while they develop their gross motor skills.

As a parent, witnessing the growth and development of my child at Simcha was truly gratifying. The teachers and staff maintain open lines of communication, ensuring that there is a positive dialogue about their child's progress, milestones, and areas for improvement. The school's dedication to fostering a strong parent-school partnership creates a sense of belonging and reinforces the notion that we are all part of one big Simcha family.

In conclusion, Simcha provides an exceptional, nurturing, stimulating, and holistic kindergarten experience. It is a place where children are not only academically enriched but also encouraged to develop their character, talents, and social skills. I am grateful to Simcha for laying the foundation of a lifelong love for learning in my child and for creating an environment that celebrates each child's unique journey. I wholeheartedly recommend Simcha to any parent seeking a remarkable kindergarten experience for their child.