Chabad Montessori Opens in LA

The young and growing Los Angeles Jewish community is buzzing about a new alternative to the traditional pre-school.

Chabad Sola opened a new Montessori inspired preschool less than three years ago with one class in a “play and learn” setting. Since then, The Jewish Montessori has grown to three Montessori classrooms with children from all types of Jewish backgrounds.

The school uses classical Montessori methods blended with the warmth and joy of Yiddishkeit. Stery Zajac, the Director of The Jewish Montessori explains further, “We take a holistic approach to education. We use the Montessori method to create an environment which promotes independence, self-discipline and child-centered learning. We guide our students to follow their particular interests and curiosities, enabling him to achieve academic excellence without imposed pressure or external expectations. We also encourage each child to express their thoughts and feelings, and help them problem solve through their own critical thinking. We believe instilling these tools in early childhood will help them thrive throughout their lives.”

The Jewish Montessori also understands the importance of bringing yiddishkeit to life through hands on projects and experiences, and the teachers are constantly innovating new and exciting ways to intertwine Jewish and secular studies together.

“For example,” says Zajac, “on Pesach we reenacted Yetzias Mitzrayim and Kriyas Yam Suf and discussed topics such as what it would be like to live in the desert, and what type of plants and animals live in the ocean.”

“My 2 year old daughter loves to go to school,” describes Dahlia Greenbaum, a mother at the Jewish Montessori Preschool, “which I think is every parent’s dream. But The Jewish Montessori provides much more than just a fun environment to keep my daughter happy. The staff create a loving, safe and individually guided experience for her to explore her interests, learn to problem solve with her peers, and master new skills at her own pace. I feel so grateful to be a part of this school family!”

Says Dara Yungman, mom of twin boys Erez and Oren, “I love everything about the Jewish Montessori school (and I mean everything from the teachers to the other parents in the school to the sweet challah that is baked every Friday). It has far surpassed my husband and my expectations for our twin two year olds!”

But this progressive way of teaching is not without its challenges, as the unique combination of Montessori training and the warmth and love of yiddishkeit is hard to find in a teacher. The school is looking for another teacher to join the team for next year, and is currently receiving applications. This is a great opportunity for someone starting out in a traditional preschool but who is looking for a more progressive and holistic approach to education, as the school offers teacher training and staff development. For more information about The Jewish Montessori Preschool, contact Stery Zajac at steryzajac@gmail.com .