We had a wonderful experience at Temple Etz Chaim (TEC). I'd like to start by saying that no…read moredaycare or preschool is perfect--every school will have occasional challenges. What sets TEC apart is how well it is managed. They have been educating young children for many years, and that experience is evident in every aspect of the program.
The campus is spacious, with multiple playgrounds that the children rotate through, giving them plenty of variety and opportunities for outdoor play. The school also offers several on-campus extracurricular activities that families can enroll in, and music class is included with tuition. My daughters participated in dance, gymnastics, and soccer, and absolutely loved every one of them. They were constantly engaged, excited to go to school, and never bored.
Academically, I was incredibly impressed. My girls learned so much--from the alphabet, colors, shapes, and animals to songs, early math concepts, and social skills. They came home almost every day with art projects and classroom activities, so I always knew what they were learning and felt confident they were spending their days engaged in meaningful, enriching activities.
As a mixed-faith family, we also appreciated that our children learned about Israel and Jewish traditions. It was incorporated thoughtfully into the curriculum without overshadowing everything else. I would estimate it made up about 10-20% of what they learned, which felt like a great balance for our family.
The teachers truly made the experience exceptional. Ms. Jennifer, Ms. Maddie, Ms. Jamie, Ms. Fabi, Ms. Rachel, and Ms. Alyssa genuinely cared about the children and created warm, nurturing classrooms where the kids could thrive. Their dedication was obvious every day.
The administration deserves recognition as well. Ms. Debbie, Ms. Keri, and Ms. Jessica consistently went above and beyond to keep the school running smoothly. They were always responsive, professional, and willing to help whenever we had a question or request. Their hard work does not go unnoticed, and I know many parents appreciate everything they do behind the scenes.
Like any school, there were a few areas that could be improved. The no meat or chicken policy made packing lunches more challenging than I would have liked, and there was some teacher turnover during our time there. However, teacher turnover is something we've encountered at other schools as well, so I don't believe that's unique to TEC.
I was also excited to hear that the school is reducing class sizes to 12 students starting this year. I think that is a fantastic change that will make an already strong program even better.
Overall, TEC provided our daughters with a safe, loving, stimulating, and educational environment. They formed wonderful friendships, gained confidence, and developed a genuine love of learning. We are incredibly grateful for our time there and would happily recommend Temple Etz Chaim to other families looking for a high-quality preschool.