Esther B. Feldman Preschool/Kindergarten

Entrust your child to the very best!

Begun in 1956, Congregation Anshei Israel's Preschool/Kindergarten and its teachers are the recipients of numerous education awards. The school has twice received the "Solomon Schechter Award for Excellence" from the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and two teachers have been selected as "Educator of the Year" from the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona.

As of 2013, Lynne Falkow-Strauss, our Preschool/Kindergarten Director, has been with the school for 41 years and, with an extremely low turn-over rate, some of our teachers have been with us for more than 20 years!

We're very proud of the relationships built due to the low student-to-teacher ratio. Our programs are designed to enhance the physical, social, emotional and religious growth of ALL children ages six months through six years. In addition to a rich and meaningful age-appropriate Judaic and secular education, we offer programs in music, art, science enrichment, Spanish, beginning computers, and library.

Stressing parent involvement, the school has a thriving Parent Action Committee and offers parenting classes taught by Rabbi Robert Eisen and Rabbi Ben Herman.

A Parent’s Testimonial:
As an educator, I know how challenging it can be to provide high-quality academic instruction while balancing the individual needs of each student in a program. Anshei Israel’s Preschool/Kindergarten does an excellent job of combining the early- childhood needs of students and the educational demands of kindergarten. Your kindergarten teacher, Ronnie Miller, is exemplary. She developed curriculum and executed lessons on a whole new level of excellence, while supporting the children’s social and emotional growth, and helping each become independent and self-confident. Her classroom was loving and warm, and felt like a second home.
My daughter will be entering 1st Grade this fall and is more than prepared to do so. While I am sad that her kindergarten year has come to an end, I am positive that the foundation she received in Anshei Israel’s program will serve her well. Thank you!   ~ Kendra Citron

Our programs include: 

Parent-Tot Class, Thursdays, 9:00 – 11:00am
Open to the public, this FREE weekly class for children 3- to 24-months in age and their parent(s) is fun and educational. We sing songs, make art projects, read stories, have a snack, and share parenting advice with each other. Occasional guest speakers will help us tackle specific issues.  For more information, contact Lynne Falkow-Strauss.

18-Month-Olds
A class to assist the toddler in understanding his or her expanding world and to begin to lay a sound foundation for a positive emotional Jewish identity. The child is provided a rich environment in which he or she can explore freely.

2- & 2-1/2-Year-Olds
Due to the development that takes place between the ages of two and two-and-a-half, we offer programs for each age. Centered on a child attaining a positive self-image while he or she learns a new sense of independence, the program allows the child to discover the joys of cooperative play and the satisfaction of completing tasks.

3-Year-Olds
Ready for new challenges, the child is provided classroom activities that strengthen and sharpen both motor and social skills. Hands-on introductions to art, music, science, math, and geography encourage curiosity and are designed to stimulate growth.

4-Year-Olds
Cognitive skills are further developed through individual and group experiences that encourage a child's natural curiosity. Stimulating activities nurture later proficiency. The child learns to explore his or her environment and to recognize the larger world around them. A growing knowledge of the beautiful traditions of Judaism further enhances the child's love of learning.

Kindergartners
A comprehensive, full-day program and an introduction to the exciting world of elementary school in which the child's curiosity about the world grows. Basic concepts in reading, writing, math, science, and art help the child build confidence in his or her ability to learn and develop self-esteem through greater independence. Visits by specialists and field trips are included. Jewish traditions and history are introduced through music, art and a beginning Hebrew vocabulary program.

 REGISTER for Preschool or Kindergarten 2013-14!     Special Needs Form

Scholarships are available for Kindergarten students. Families requesting financial assistance may apply on-line with(Financial Aid for School Tuition) by clicking on the logo at right. Funding for financial assistance is primarily provided by JETCO (Jewish Education Tax Credit Organization). Confidential applications are reviewed by an impartial committee. Tuition and financial aid information is always kept strictly confidential. The FAST application fee is $38. The application fee is non-refundable and payable by MasterCard, Visa or American Express. For a hard copy of the 2013-14 Application Form, click here.

Proudly teaching children from generation to generation.
For more information about CAI's award-winning Preschool/Kindergarten, space availability,
or to schedule a personalized visit, please contact Lynne Falkow-Strauss.