Gan Teva at Ner Shalom Outdoor Preschool

Through our outdoor, play-based program, students enjoy learning the foundations of reading, math, science, art, culture, and more in every activity. By encountering these core competencies during play, children build stronger connections between academic concepts and their real world applications, and develop a love for learning and exploration.

Our program celebrates the Jewish tradition as one of many traditions that embodies themes of warmth, joy, and togetherness. We hold strong beliefs about the importance of developmentally appropriate cultural and social education and strive to empower each of our students to share aspects of their own cultures, values, and experiences. In doing so, we foster in each child excitement of discovery, appreciation of diversity, and understanding of others, so that each member of our community can feel empowered to reach their full potential. 

Whether it be with peers, adults, or creatures in an environment, preschoolers benefit from connection.

Our family of non-human residents stretches this to its full extent, giving students the opportunity to learn the joy and fulfillment in supporting and caring for the vulnerable. Every day, we observe creatures of all kinds at all points of their life cycle. We valuable lessons of science, ecology, and environmental stewardship.

The world is filled with confusing, different, and sometimes scary things.  By learning about the creatures and environment around us, we encourage our students to engage in curiosity over fear.  Over time, we build a practice of pursuing appreciation and understanding of all living things--even the ones that give us the heebie-jeebies.  This skill develops into a sense of radical love and empathy that student can carry throughout their lives.

At Gan Teva, we believe that every child has something unique and meaningful to offer.

Each individual, no matter their skills, abilities, or level of experience plays a role in shaping our space and changing the world.

We hope to inspire each of our students to look inward, outward, and onward. Developing a sense of competency and a drive to find solutions when presented with a challenge is among our core markers of ‘success’.