Gan Viewbook

A Joyful Place to Begin

“We were looking for a preschool.

We found a whole community.”

—Gan Parent

Welcome to Schechter's Gan Choosing a preschool is one of life’s big moments.

At Schechter, that moment becomes something even more meaningful: a doorway into a joyful, inclusive Jewish community.

Joining the Schechter community offers families an unparalleled opportunity to be part of something extraordinary. As the largest Jewish day school in the Boston area, enrolling almost 500 students 12 months through Grade 8, Schechter is flourishing. We occupy a unique, essential place in the Boston Jewish landscape as the ways in which we live, learn and be together are ever evolving.

3

Our Approach to Learning Every day is full of discovery—and full of heart.

At the Gan (12 months through Pre-Kindergarten), we see every child as curious, capable and full of potential, and each day is designed to nurture that spark. Classrooms are alive with laughter, questions, messy art projects, Jewish holidays, Hebrew language, and the kinds of “aha!” moments that inspire a lifelong love of learning. Our teachers create playful and rich learning environments in which kids can explore their interests, feel a sense of belonging, and grow as individuals within a vibrant Jewish preschool community.

Exploration Hands-on, child-centered experiences invite big questions, creativity, and wonder. From sensory bins to building challenges, every activity fuels discovery.

Belonging Strong relationships with teachers and friends help kids feel grounded and known. We model kindness, embrace differences and celebrate each child's voice.

Growth From learning to share to counting and literacy, our curriculum supports each child’s development at just the right pace, with joyful Jewish values at the heart of it all.

4

The Educators Who Bring Our Gan to Life Our faculty bring Hebrew, science, music, stories, and life experiences into the room, turning each day into a chance to grow together.

Many have spent their careers in early childhood education, while others bring insights from different professions. What they share is a deep respect for children’s curiosity and growth. Many of our teachers are native Hebrew speakers, weaving authentic language and culture into daily routines. Our educators are also learners themselves, engaging in ongoing professional development and constantly exploring new ideas to keep our classrooms fresh, happy and inspiring.

“We love that our daughter is making real lifelong friends, and it’s clear the Gan gives her the space to grow into herself and feel part of a community.”

- Gan Parent

5

School Hours Drop-off 7:30-8:30 a.m. (Monday - Friday)

Core Program

8 a.m.-3 p.m. (Monday - Thursday) 8 a.m.-2 p.m. (Friday)

Afterschool

until 6 p.m. (Monday-Thursday) or 3:30 or 4:30 p.m. on Friday, based on Shabbat candlelighting

Every day at Schechter is a mix of joy, play, and meaningful learning.

Our schedule is intentionally designed with flexibility and breathing room, giving children time to dive deeply into play and learning. Fewer transitions mean less stress for children and a calmer classroom, allowing them to stay engaged, build richer play, and explore their ideas more fully. Each day includes immersive Hebrew, outdoor exploration, and plenty of free-choice time, balanced with weekly experiences like our Shabbat singalong (parents welcome!), science, gym, music, and more.

6

Sample Schedule Morning 8:00–9:00 a.m. – Morning Welcome & Play Children ease into the day through play.

9:00–9:20 a.m. – Morning Meeting A short gathering to greet friends, share ideas, and set the tone for the day.

9:20–10:30 a.m. – Center Time & Project Work Open-ended exploration at learning centers (blocks, art, dramatic play, sensory). Teachers weave in small-group projects and observations.

Snack is offered during this block.

10:30–11:00 a.m. – Hebrew (Play-Based & Immersive) Songs, stories, and games bring Hebrew to life in a joyful, natural way.

11:00–12:00 p.m. – Playground & Outdoor Exploration Active movement, nature exploration, and time to stretch and play.

12:00–12:30 p.m. – Lunch A relaxed meal with conversation, independence-building, and community.

Afternoon 12:30–1:30 p.m. – Rest Time (varies slightly by age group) A quiet, calm period for napping or restful activities like books or drawing.

1:30–2:30 p.m. – Center Time / Specials Continued exploration with weekly specials like science, gym, music, or art woven in—keeping transitions minimal.

2:30–3:00 p.m. – Closing Circle & Reflection Children share something from their day, sing a song, or mark the week’s rhythm (like Shabbat on Fridays).

3:00–3:30 p.m. – Dismissal or Extended Day Children transition home or into extended care smoothly.

7

“It’s been incredible to watch our daughter blossom each day at the Gan. She’s building confidence, making meaningful friendships, and exploring the world around her all while being enveloped by this nurturing preschool community.”

- Gan Parent

FAQ Do you offer vacation and summer programs?

Yes! We offer vacation programs in both December and February.

We offer an 8-week summer program.

Can we plan for a different afternoon schedule for different days of the week?

Yes! Our program is designed with flexibility for families in mind. You can make different plans for each day of week or call us ahead of time to arrange for an occasional drop-in.

Do you provide any food?

Families can choose to register (free of charge!) for our certified kosher lunch program. Families can also bring nut-free, dairy/pareve food from home for lunch and snack. Food from home does not need to be certified kosher.

What is the student/teacher ratio?

The ratio varies based on the ages of the children. As an example, in our toddler classes, there are 9 students with 2-3 teachers at all times.

Do you offer financial aid?

Yes! Visit ssdsboston.org/tuition to view our tuition and to apply for financial aid.

I’d love to move forward! What are the next steps?

Visit our website or scan the QR code below to begin your online application.

What supplies do we need to bring?

We will share a list of supplies before the school year begins such as extra changes of clothing, diapers/wipes, etc. We provide a rest mat for each child; families send in a sheet and blanket each week.

Begin Your Online Application

10

Community Being part of a community is a deeply powerful, essential feeling.

It isn’t just having everyone know your name (although it IS that!), but also the knowledge that you are part of something, part of a group of people who “do life” together.

Schechter is where your whole family will develop friends who will take you through joyous milestones, swoop in to support you in loss and sickness, meet you on a sunny afternoon at the park. Each child and parent and family is complex and unique while overlapping with so many others, in so many ways. Different and similar as we may be, we have each other’s backs.

Throughout the year, we also sponsor learning opportunities for grandparents, alumni networking panels, family hikes and community service days, social gatherings and so much more. Parents are also encouraged to bring their own ideas to the community.

Our strong social infrastructure creates connection at every level, including: • Sunday Soccer, run by parents (and cheered on by siblings) • Shabbat Across Schechter, bringing candles, challah, and conversation into homes • STEM Jam and Holiday Programs for young families to explore and celebrate together • A vibrant Parent Association, deeply connected with staff and teachers

11

Future Plans: 2026 and beyond A cornerstone of our program, the Gan has reached capacity with waitlists for toddler classes every year.

It is clear that Schechter provides the loving and vibrant foundation for learning and community that so many young Jewish families seek.

As we double the size of our early childhood program, we will be able to open our doors to more families than ever before.

At the same time, our oldest students will have the physical space and state-of-the-art equipment to build robots, craft pottery and push boundaries in our new STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) center on the Wells Avenue Campus.

Fall 2025 Construction is underway on the first floor classroom wing of the Stein Circle Campus

Summer 2026 The Gan will be fully relocated to the Stein Circle Campus

12

Fall 2026 Grand opening of the expanded Gan on the first floor of the

Construction begins on the Wells Avenue Campus STEAM Center

Stein Circle Campus

Fall 2027 Grand opening of the STEAM Center

13

Reserved for Kids: Doodles and Scribbles Only

Turn these scribbles into silly monsters. We made the first one.

14

This page is all yours: scribble, doodle, or draw what makes you happy.

15

60 Stein Circle, Newton, MA — 617.630.4609 — ssdsboston.org