About the Preschool
2025-26 Preschool enrollment will begin in mid-January, and 2025 Summer Camp enrollment will begin in February. Check back or click below to be notified when enrollment opens.
Click here to read the December 12, 2024, Washington Jewish Week cover story about our Preschool's beloved Interim Director.
Welcome
Established in 2001, we have been offering a high quality, play-based, Jewish preschool environment for children of all backgrounds for over 20 years. Our dedicated and tenured staff fosters learning through action and creativity. We help children build respect, accountability, knowledge and community through exploration and discovery.
Lessons are child-centered and allow children to choose activities that interest them while providing opportunities for cognitive, social, emotional and physical growth. We understand that children develop at their own individual pace, and we support each child’s personal developmental needs.
Etz Hayim Preschool offers a half-day and full-day program for children 18 months to 5 years old. Our school year curriculum runs from the end of August until mid June. We transition into a summer camp format with weekly sessions, allowing families to sign up children only for the weeks they need in June, July, and August.
It is our goal to make learning developmentally appropriate and fun so that children’s love of learning will grow with them through the years. We welcome you to contact us to learn more and schedule a tour.
Email: preschool@etzhayim.net
Phone: (703) 979-4466
Preschool Philosophy
Etz Hayim provides a safe, nurturing, developmentally appropriate play-based preschool environment with caring and experienced teachers to help your child grow and flourish.
Curriculum
The curriculum is designed to provide a Jewish atmosphere throughout the program with the weekly observance of Shabbat, the celebration of Jewish holidays and the introduction of Hebrew through songs, stories, and conversation. Children learn through hands-on exploration during free-play and during structured learning times. As they become ready, children develop at their own individual pace and are encouraged to try a variety of activities. The preschool day is designed to give your child free-play time as well as structured, learning experiences.
Etz Hayim Preschool offers a play-based curriculum through a Jewish lens. Play offers the greatest opportunity for learning at this age. Lessons are child-centered and allow children to choose activities of interest to them while providing opportunities for cognitive, social, emotional and physical growth.
Some examples of themes that are introduced throughout the year are self-identity, family concepts, the natural world, transportation, health and safety, math concepts, holidays, and American celebrations, etc.
Hours
We offer full-day and part-day programs for ages 18 months to 5 years.
Full-Day Program
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday - Friday
Half-Day Program
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Monday - Friday
3 or 5 Days
(Extended options: 8:00 – 9:30 AM or lunch bunch 12:30 – 1:15 PM)
*beginning in August 2024. Summer 2024: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Additional Information
Etz Hayim Preschool is a member of the Department of Jewish Life and Learning through the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. Our teachers are affiliated with the National Association of the Education of Young Children. Etz Hayim Preschool is monitored by the Commonwealth of Virginia and is exempt from regulation at the local level under the auspices of a religious institution pursuant to Section 63.2-1716 of the Code of Virginia. The preschool operates under the auspices of is a program of Congregation Etz Hayim and is insured by the congregation.