University Synagogue Preschool

We feel so lucky to have found University Synagogue Preschool—it has been nothing short of life-changing for our family. We gladly drive over 45 minutes each way because the care, warmth, and education our girls receive here are worth every mile. From the very first tour, we knew this was the place where they would thrive, and every day since has confirmed it. The school is truly unique. It’s warm, inclusive, and welcoming to all families—not all children here are Jewish—and yet there is such a beautiful sense of community. The teachers have an incredible ability to meet children on their level, making learning joyful, meaningful, and fun. Our oldest entered kindergarten more than ready, and both of our girls are thriving academically, socially, and emotionally. Much of what makes USP so special comes from the leadership of Andrea and Jordanna. As directors, they go above and beyond to support families, communicate openly, and create a nurturing environment where children feel loved, safe, and inspired every day. Our girls wake up excited for school and run in with smiles, which says it all. We are endlessly grateful for USP and the gift it has been to our family. Choosing this preschool has truly been one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.

USP has been our kids' home away from home for the last few years and we are so grateful to all of the teachers and staff for making it feel like you're leaving your kids with extended family! We tried a couple of different pre-schools and I can wholeheartedly say that USP is the most child-centered environment and truly adapts to meet each child's needs. For example, my son stopped napping a littler after he turned 2 years old and instead of forcing him to sit quietly while everyone else napped (like so many other schools do), he joined enrichment classes during that time. He got to learn, it avoided unnecessary struggle, and he absolutely loves going to school. They give the kids plenty of outdoor time, they do activities which I would never think to do at home, and bring in gym coaches, art, music, dance, fun science experiments. Everything they do is with the kids in mind while also being so extremely responsive, supportive, and accommodating for the parents. Thank you for all you do for our family!

This place is the real deal and you won’t have any regrets enrolling your child here. My daughter just finished her second year and we are so sad to go because it really has felt like we’ve been part of a family during our time here. From day one, we have felt welcome and supported. I initially had my hesitations because we are not Jewish or religious at all but it has never been an issue at USP. I initially found USP through Yelp looking for new childcare options after my daughter told me the home daycare she was previously attending was locking her in the toy closet for being a “bad kid”. USP was the only place that didn’t have a single bad review which said a lot to calm my fears given the situation we were coming from. There are many bigger, reputable preschools in the area but most of them had bad reviews about incidents of neglect so it was easy to call up USP first because of their rave reviews. I set up a visit with my daughter and she immediately fell in love with the playground outside. It truly is a little haven for preschool-aged kids with a play structure, tricycle area, huge sandbox, garden, and play houses with working doorbells. I also immediately felt the warmth and positive energy of the preschool director, who I can’t say enough good things about, because she is just an incredible human being and has been such a light when our family was struggling post-COVID. The teachers are also all amazing, and collectively so patient and caring with the children. There was never an inkling of pretense, and you a can tell they all genuinely love their jobs and adore little kids. I openly shared the situation we were coming from and were met with so much love and understanding and willingness to support my daughter however she needed. It was a no brainer to enroll here and we were able to qualify for a small scholarship to cover part of the costs. My daughter has flourished during her time at USP. My eldest never did preschool and I can see the huge difference between him and my daughter as far as preparedness for PreK. She is incredibly independent and has been learning how to navigate social situations as well as follow basic routines and classroom rules. Whatever hesitance she felt after being in a bad home daycare situation was long forgotten after only a few months and she has never brought it up again. For this, I will forever be grateful to USP. They have helped to reshape my daughter’s perspective on school and adults outside of the family, and changed it from a nightmare into something loving, positive and happy. I have honestly never seen a group of kids radiate happiness like the students at USP. It is clear they are a reflection of their environment and the care that is put into teaching and taking care of them every day. We did the all day program so my daughter was able to experience the wonderful array of enrichment activities consisting of science, music, art, physical fitness and movement, jiujitsu and dance. I love that this is a play-based school and the kids are given the space to explore and grow how they choose. We also went through the process of potty training at USP, and the help and support made such a big difference in my daughter’s success. If you are not Jewish, I want to reassure you that you are welcome here. The curriculum doesn’t focus heavily on religion and the director makes every effort to be inclusive. Many families did class presentations about traditions from their culture like Nowruz and Lunar New Year, and my daughter has learned so much. I honestly can’t say enough good things about this place and I know if you just go to see and experience it for yourself, you will understand. The shorter summer sessions are a great opportunity to “test the waters” if you want to check it out before committing. Just know the class sizes are smaller so they tend to fill up quick. Don’t wait too long to get on the waitlist!

Family. That's the best way to describe University Synagogue Pre-School. Both of our kids are attending this wonderful school and for the past couple of years it has been an extension of our family. The teachers are experienced and exceptional, the principal is devoted and knowledgeable about child development (and parental development!) and the educational and enrichment activities are well thought out. If you are contemplating the choice of a preschool, strongly consider University Synagogue Pre-School. We sincerely offer our highest recommendation.