Gan Keshet Preschool

Gan Keshet Preschool

Gan Keshet Preschool is a nature-based program steeped in Jewish values and tradition, for children ages 2–5 years old. We 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. 

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. 

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.

Applications open November 1 and close February 28 for priority consideration. After February 28 applicants are automatically waitlisted. We admit children between the ages of two and five years as of September 1 of the enrollment year. 

Gan Keshet will give priority to applicants as follows:

1. Siblings of current Gan Keshet students
2. Children of current CBI members
3. Children of Gan Keshet alumni families and children of Gan Keshet alumni
4. Siblings of current Lander-Grinspoon Academy students

After these applications, priority will be given to families needing a more robust schedule.

Tuition & Financial Assistance
Tuition rates are based on the student's schedule. View the 2025–26 Tuition Rates.

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 to apply.