Kol Shalom Pre-School offers a nurturing and engaging environment that fosters children’s independence, creativity, and a love of learning. The program draws inspiration from Montessori, Waldorf, and Forest School philosophies, integrating hands-on, nature-based experiences with a strong focus on social-emotional growth and Jewish values. This blend empowers children to become confident, compassionate, and curious learners.
Our educational foundation emphasizes holistic development and child-led learning. Montessori principles guide self-directed exploration in thoughtfully prepared classrooms with hands-on materials. Waldorf practices introduce rhythm, imagination, storytelling, and natural elements. Positive Discipline and mindfulness foster emotional regulation, empathy, and respectful communication. Forest School adds outdoor learning, ecological awareness, and healthy risk-taking to round out the experience.
The Hebrew Emergent Program immerses children in Hebrew through daily conversation, music, thematic units, and storytime. Native Hebrew-speaking educators create a natural language-learning environment rooted in joyful play, cultural exploration, and family engagement. As children grow, the program includes deeper linguistic understanding, Israeli culture, and holiday traditions, building a strong Jewish identity.
Daily life at Kol Shalom is structured yet flexible, designed to support developmental milestones across all domains. The day includes meaningful transitions, morning tefillah, nature walks, healthy meals, and activities like art, cooking, yoga, and music. Classrooms and outdoor spaces are carefully designed to promote independence, creativity, and exploration. The curriculum aligns with Maryland Early Learning Standards, ensuring children leave with strong academic, social, and cultural foundations.