Early Childhood

WTA’s Early Childhood utilizes the Montessori method, in which children are viewed as capable and natural learners. In our dual-language classrooms, English and Hebrew speaking teachers offer self-directed choices of learning experiences constructed to foster independence, focus, and concentration, as well as respect for materials and the environment. Jewish life and practice is integrated within each of the five curricular areas, and Montessori activities are often themed according to the weekly parsha or upcoming chagim.

Montessori Curricular Areas

  • Practical Life

    These activities teach children responsibility and build confidence as they learn to take care of themselves and their environment through skills like washing dishes, brushing, cutting, pouring, folding, and mixing.

  • Sensorial

    Sensorial activities ask children to use their senses to perceive, classify, distinguish, and organize their surroundings. These skills are needed for math, geometry, and language.

  • Language

    Children build early reading and writing skills by identifying letters, practicing letter sounds, and decoding word formation.

  • Math

    Foundational math skills are built early, with even the youngest learners matching and exploring shapes, while older students move on to counting, quantities, and basic arithmetic.

  • Geography

    Geography skills like map exploration and direction open the door to location-based learning, for example, units about animals and their habitats.

  • Botany

    Students learn about the natural world, including key characteristics of the seasons, as well as where things come from and how they grow. This is supported by our on-campus garden.

Early Childhood FAQs

  • Our infant room is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, providing a nurturing environment all day long. For children aged 18 months through Kindergarten, school hours are 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, including age-appropriate rest time to keep little learners refreshed. Need extra time? We offer convenient early care starting at 7:30 AM and aftercare until 5:00 PM for busy families, available for an additional fee.

  • For the 2025–26 school year, busing services will be available starting at age 2. Our hot lunch program is open to children beginning at 18 months. After school extracurriculars—called chugim—vary by semester and are typically offered for Pre-K and older students, providing fun and enriching opportunities to explore new interests beyond the classroom.

  • We support toilet training in our 2s program and continue on an individual basis in the 3s. To help ensure a smooth transition, children are expected to be fully toilet trained before entering Pre-K.

  • Our Hebrew-speaking teachers primarily use Hebrew, but they warmly support your child by using English whenever needed. We create a caring, encouraging environment where children feel comfortable and confident as they gradually build their Hebrew skills.