Nursery School

Nursery School

Nurturing children’s natural curiosity within a warm, collaborative community—where relationships flourish, ideas are explored, and learning grows through joyful discovery.

Welcome to the Temple Shaaray Tefila Nursery School!

At Temple Shaaray Tefila Nursery School, we create a warm and engaging environment where young children can explore, grow, and form lasting friendships. Rooted in the belief that children are capable, curious learners, our approach nurtures self-expression, communication, critical thinking, and joyful discovery. Through hands-on experiences and meaningful Jewish learning, we lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning and a strong connection to Jewish values and traditions. From the very beginning, families become part of a welcoming and vibrant community—one that supports, celebrates, and grows together.

Learn more about us below.

Bridge Classes

Boker

Children turning two years old between 7/1/2025 and 9/30/2025)

Mon/Wed/Fri two hours in the morning Sept-Dec; three hours in the morning Jan-June

For children turning two years old after October 1, 2025, please visit our Parenting Program page for class options and applications.

Nursery Classes

Children must be two years old by June 30, 2025

Two-Day Twos
Tuesday/Thursday, Three hours in the morning

Three-Day Twos
Monday/Wednesday/Friday, Three hours in the morning

Five-Day Twos
Monday-Friday, Three hours in the morning

Younger Threes
Monday-Friday, Three 1/2 hours in the morning

Older Threes
Monday-Friday:
4 1/4 hours in the morning M-Th; Three 1/2 hours in the morning on Fridays

Fours/Fives (Pre-k)
Monday-Friday:
5 1/2 hours M-Th; Three 1/2 hours in the morning on Fridays

***We have staggered arrival and dismissal but will maintain the number of hours scheduled and contracted for our classes.***

For more information regarding our After School Program for the 2025-2026 school year, please email Marissa Shatzkamer at mshatzkamer@tstnyc.org. More details regarding the After School Program schedule and fees will be available in the summer.

The Nursery School teaching staff is comprised of 35 teachers, including specialists for music, movement, and Hebrew, as well as a social worker.

All of our classrooms have three teachers with at least one head teacher and two assistant teachers. Our head teachers all have Master’s Degrees in early childhood education, as do some of our assistant teachers. Several of our head teachers have combined degrees in early childhood and special education. We also have staff members who serve as support staff or floater teachers to assist with daily operations and cover teacher absences.

The Nursery School also benefits from the close connection with the Temple. The rabbis and cantors join us throughout the year to lead the children in songs and stories, especially in conjunction with Shabbat and the holidays.

Thank you for your interest in Temple Shaaray Tefila Nursery School. Our online application for the 2026-2027 school year will be available beginning on September 2 through November 1, 2025. After November 1, 2025 you may request an application for admission. If you have any questions about our admissions process, please email Ethel Alhale.

Priority is given to:

Siblings of children currently enrolled in the Nursery School;
Current temple members in good standing (within this group, priority is given according to the length of your membership);
New temple memberships will be honored and considered through November 1, 2025;
Siblings of children previously enrolled in our school.

Acceptance letters will be emailed to all families in late February, 2026.

Every year, most of our spaces are filled with current members and siblings. While we can never predict in advance how many spaces we can offer non-members, each year we do offer spots to non-members through a random selection. We would like to accommodate everyone, and we will do our best to do so.

**Please note that our admissions process is not first come, first served. Provided that the application for admission is completed and submitted between September 2 and November 1, the timing will have no bearing on your position in our admissions process.**

2026-2027 Early Childhood Application (the application will be available beginning on September 2, 2025)

Once we’ve received your application, we will email you with options for group tours.

Important Dates for the 2025-2026 NS School Year

Student Medical Form

Tuition Schedule

Parent Handbook

Questions?

Please do not hesitate to call us in the Nursery School office at (212) 535-2146. We look forward to getting to know you and developing relationships with each of you during the year.

Exmissions - we're here to guide and support you every step of the way.

The exmissions process is a partnership between Sue and you, our Nursery School parents. The spring before your child enters Pre-K, you’ll attend a group meeting outlining the Kindergarten admissions process. Sue then follows up by scheduling individual meetings to discuss goals for your school search. Together, you’ll compile a list of appropriate schools and are encouraged to attend spring tours. In the fall, you’ll reconnect with Sue to share ideas and check in on your final school list. Sue’s door is always open, and she is here for you every step of the way.

At Temple Shaaray Tefila Nursery School, we understand that this process is not one-size-fits-all, tailoring our approach to your family’s needs. We share a common goal, and together we’ll find a school that’s a fit for your child and you.

See which schools our graduates have attended over the last five years.

Abraham Heschel School
Allen Stevenson
Bank Street
Basis
Birch Wathen-Lenox
Brearley
Browning
Buckley
Caedmon
Chapin
Collegiate
Columbia Grammar
Dalton
Ethical Culture
Fieldston
Friends Seminary
Hewitt
Horace Mann
Leffell
Lycee Francais
Nightingale
Park East Day
Ramaz
Riverdale
Rodeph Sholom
Spence
Stephen Gaynor
Town
Trevor Day
Trinity