New Jewish Preschool Opening in Swampscott

A new Jewish preschool opening on the North Shore will show kids they can be engaged, creative and curious all at the same time.

The Aleph Academy, set to open in September and run through June, will offer an excellent education with a focus on Judaic studies. It will be housed at the Chabad of the North Shore’s headquarters in Swampscott.

“Children learn through play and exploration,” says Mrs. Aliza Friedman, Co-Founder and Director. “We have integrated Jewish concepts and pride within our extraordinary curriculum. ”

Activities offered will include preschool concepts and readiness skills, creative arts and music as well as Jewish holiday celebration and stories. Children will also participate in a vast variety of specialty instruction including yoga, swimming and weekly cooking experiences. Having access to a Synagogue as well as close proximity to many local community settings including the beach, post office and library, provides dynamic spaces in which to  teach that aren't readily available elsewhere.

The school will offer three, four and five day-a-week programming. It will run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. With a small teacher to child ratio, the program is designed to enable individualized education. This teaching platform allows children to learn and grow at their own pace. 

“We believe that at an early age physical awareness has an important role in a child’s self-confidence,” says Co-Founder and Director Mrs. Joie Reimer-Spritz. “Physical movement not only benefits a healthy body but also helps children develop social, emotional and cognitive skills.”

“Our vision is to create a classroom that will serve as the ‘third teacher’” she continues. “A classroom filled with opportunities for self motivated learning, exciting discoveries and age appropriate environments. We've created an enriching curriculum that loosely follows the Reggio Emilia philosophy.” “While integrating the joy of Judaism and important values of Jewish culture” adds Aliza. 

Friedman, who has seven years of experience teaching preschool, graduated from Machon Shoshana Teaching Seminary in Jerusalem, Israel.

“We want it to be a safe and nurturing environment, a place where children feel confident to try new things and express themselves” she said. “Our philosophy is that an active child is a healthy child and a healthy child is a happy child.”

Reimer-Spritz, who graduated from the George Washington University with a Master’s in Early Child Education, said, “I believe in and practice a holistic approach to teaching, honoring the mind, body, spirit and wellbeing of each student.”

“We are committed to raising the bar and setting a new standard of excellence in early childhood education here on the North Shore,” says Friedman. “We can’t wait to get started.”

The Aleph Academy will be hosting an Open House Sunday May 4th at 10:30am. The new school is located at 44 Burrill St in Swampscott.

Registration for fall 2014 is now open, you can visit www.thealephacademy.com for more information.