Gan Keshet Preschool is a nature-based program steeped in Jewish values and tradition
Gan Keshet Preschool embrace a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach rooted in the belief that children are naturally curious, competent, and full of potential. Our program fosters a joyful, exploratory, and child-centered learning environment.
Our program place a heavy emphasis on cultivating a deep, personal, and educational relationship with the natural world. In addition to our outdoor play space, our campus houses an outdoor classroom and Abundance Farm, giving students the opportunity to play and learn in nature in a multitude of ways.
Gan Keshet is an inclusive and diverse community that is open to CBI members and non-members. We are proud to be a home for gender-questioning, gender non-conforming, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender-expansive youth, families, caregivers, and staff.
Gan Keshet BY THE NUMBERS
Our Philosophy
Child-Driven Learning
We believe that children learn best when their interests and questions guide the learning process. Through open-ended projects and hands-on activities, children are encouraged to explore topics they are passionate about, while teachers act as collaborators and facilitators.
The Environment as the Third Teacher
Our classrooms are thoughtfully designed to inspire creativity and curiosity. With natural light, open spaces, and a variety of materials, we create environments where children feel empowered to explore, experiment, and engage in meaningful play.
Collaboration and Communication
Learning is a social process. Our children work together, share ideas, and learn from one another in both large group and small group settings. Teachers document the children’s learning through photos, notes, and discussions, creating a continuous feedback loop that informs the direction of our curriculum.
Family Partnership
Families are essential partners in the educational journey. Through ongoing communication, parent involvement opportunities, and a strong sense of community, we work together to nurture each child’s growth and development.
Exploration Through the Arts
Art, music, and creative expression are central to our approach. Children are encouraged to express themselves in many ways, including through drawing, sculpture, drama, and storytelling. These forms of expression support cognitive, social, and emotional development.
Celebration of Jewish Traditions
Our school community is immersed in core Jewish values including Tzedakah (charity), Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), Kavod (respect), and Shalom (peace). Gan Keshet celebrates the rhythm of the Jewish year through explorations of Jewish holidays, customs, and Hebrew language. Shabbat is observed each Friday with challah, grape juice, singing, and a candle lighting ceremony.
Emphasis on Nature
Our program place a heavy emphasis on cultivating a deep, personal, and educational relationship with the natural world.
All Are Welcome Here
We are proud to be a home for gender-questioning, gender non-conforming, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender-expansive youth, families, caregivers, and staff. We not only accept, but uplift and celebrate gender diversity, with affirming practices that center the individual's experience of themselves in community and honors each person's ability to articulate who they are throughout different phases of life.
Program Details
Gan Keshet is a school year program that runs September through mid-June. Our day is divided into three parts: morning program, afternoon program, and extended day. All students enroll in morning program (4 or 5 days) and families may add any number of afternoons to their schedule. On any day that a students is enrolled in the afternoon program they may also add extended day (no extended day on Friday).This schedule structure provides flexible options for families while ensuring age-appropriate programs and developmentally suitable activities for each child.
Apply
We admit children between the ages of two and five years as of September 1 of the enrollment year. Families are welcome and encouraged to visit Gan Keshet to see our classrooms and get a better sense of our learning community. To arrange a tour, please email Kate Holdsworth, Preschool Director, at gan.keshet@cbinorthampton.org.
Admissions Timeline
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November 1: Applications open
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February 15: Applications due
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February 20: Financial Aid Applications Dues
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Early March: Application decisions
Applications received after the February 15 deadline will be waitlisted.
Application Considerations
Admissions decisions are made based on a holistic decision which includes the schedule you select on your application. The following groups receive additional consideration for the spaces we have available. Please note we have a limited number of spaces for children seeking part-time care. Most spaces in our program are filled with children with schedules of four to five full (8:15-3) days.
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Siblings of current Gan Keshet students
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Children of current CBI members
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Children of Gan Keshet alumni families and children of Gan Keshet alumni
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Siblings of current Lander-Grinspoon Academy students
Tuition & Financial Assistance
Tuition rates are based on the student's schedule. The 2026–27 rates will be posted here soon.
Gan Keshet offers a limited number of need-based scholarships each school year through Congregation B'nai Israel's Leonard & Bernice Alberts' Preschool Scholarship Fund. Families can indicate their intention to apply for scholarship when they apply.
The Harold Grinspoon Foundation generously offers the Right Start grant, a tuition subsidy for children in Western Massachusetts and Southern Vermont to attend Jewish Preschool. Learn more about eligibility guidelines and apply.