Adat Ari El Schools551

From early childhood to young adulthood, the Adat Ari El synagogue presents a rich array of schools that blend Jewish tradition with secular education. As popular as these schools are, parents should be aware that synagogue membership is usually required to enroll. The Rose Engel Early Childhood Center, directed by Judy Kapler, offers full and half-day programs for 2 1/2 to 5 year olds. Monday through Friday, the full day runs from 9am (extended care starts as early as 8am) to 5:30pm. On Fridays, school closes at 4:30pm. The half day goes from 9am till noon. Accredited by the National Association of Education for Young Children and the Bureau of Jewish Education, the preschool fosters creativity and learning in a no-pressure environment. Children's achievements are celebrated in the classroom with kid-created art on the walls and quotes from the minds of students. The curriculum also features music, cooking, and Jewish-holiday projects. Active parent involvement is encouraged in the preschool as well as the center's other programs, including parent and infant/toddler classes, parenting workshops (held with adults only), and special Shabbat and holiday services. Tuition costs are generally $6965 for a full day and full week and $4550 for a half-day and full week. This information changes from year to year, so check back with us for updates. The school fills up quickly, so tour the facilities as early as a year in advance of enrolling. To contact the center directly, call 818.766.6379. Headed by Principal Lana Marcus, the Day School covers kindergarten though 6th grade with general and Judaic studies. In addition to modern classrooms, the school provides a science and computer lab, an art studio, and a technology-enhanced library. A medium-sized grassy play area augments the music, dance, and physical education programs. A daily hot lunch is also an option. Regular school hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:15am-3:20pm (on Fridays, the day ends at 3pm). The term runs from September to June. Jewish and secular holidays (except St. Valentine's Day and Hallowe'en) are observed. Tuition costs are $9850 for members of Adat Ari El and $11,205 for members of other synagogues. This information changes from year to year, so check back with us for updates. Also, extended day care is available from 7:30am till school opens and is free of charge. After-school care runs to 6pm (4:30 on holidays, Fridays, and certain other days). The cost is $140 per month for the full week. More information is available by calling the school directly at 818.766.9426, ext. 215. Aside from the hybrid Jewish-secular education programs, Adat Ari El has a religious school that educates students in grades K-7. The school, directed by Cheryl Hersh, teaches Hebrew language, holiday celebration, and Jewish art and music. The school days and hours are Tue 4pm-6pm and Sun 9am-12pm, with an optional Thu 4pm-6pm. Tuition ranges from $500 to $1000. Days and tuition vary, depending on grade and number of days. Kids in grades 8-12 can enroll in a high-school program through the religious school. It's held on Monday nights from 6pm-8:30pm and costs about $500. Call the religious school at 818.766-9426, Ext. 242 for more information.