Rooted in Jewish education, for children of all faiths, cultures, and backgrounds, six weeks to five years old. We cultivate academic readiness, confidence, self-regulation, creativity, and a genuine love of learning. Our highly skilled educators and dedicated staff deliver attentive, nurturing care that supports each child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. The result is a premier early childhood experience that empowers children to thrive.

JDN offers more than the typical preschool experience. Our staff use Conscious Discipline, an evidence-based approach that helps children learn important social and emotional skills in a positive, supportive environment. This curriculum teaches both adults and children how to stay calm, handle big feelings, solve problems, and build healthy relationships. Conscious Discipline gives our teachers tools and shared language to guide children through everyday challenges. Through consistent routines, classroom rituals, and caring interactions, teachers help children feel connected, safe, and confident. These everyday moments become opportunities for children to learn cooperation, empathy, self-control, and kindness.

For those children in need of something extra, our director, Suzanne Appel, 
LISW-S, ECMHC, OIMHP-3, provides early childhood mental health services for children and families. This includes assessments, referrals, counseling, and support when needed. The director also coaches and trains our teachers to ensure they are fully prepared to help children grow socially and emotionally.

Together, this approach creates a nurturing, skill-building environment where children learn to understand themselves, work well with others, and thrive.

The JDN experience is delivered in a warm, inclusive, and academically rich environment.

• JDN’s teaching team brings a rich blend of academic credentials and hands-on expertise in early childhood education.
• Educators hold specialized degrees and advanced training, ensuring the highest level of instructional quality.
• Staff members who speak Russian and Spanish, allowing us to support children who are learning English as a second language and to foster strong communication with multilingual families.
• Intentionally low classroom ratios create an environment where each child receives individualized attention, feels secure, and builds meaningful connections with teachers and peers.
• Diverse school community enriches our classrooms, helping children develop self-awareness, empathy, respect, and an appreciation for people and cultures beyond their own.
• Although JDN is a Jewish school, it is not a religious school. Serving a diverse population, we leave religious instruction to parents and instead teach about Jewish holidays, traditions and values. To show respect and appreciation for all cultures in our school population, we encourage children to share their families’ special traditions. Both Jewish and national holidays are discussed in terms of reflecting the events and values they represent.