Welcome to Playschool! An Inclusive, Play-Based Preschool in Society Hill

Playschool is a warm and inclusive early childcare center for children ages 18 months-5 years old that embraces diversity in religion, ethnicity, race, and family structure. Our philosophy is child-centered and play-based. We believe that children learn through play in a safe and nurturing environment. We respect children as individuals and respond to their needs with compassion and dedication.

Through planning and observation, our teachers and environment provide stimulating experiences designed to enrich the whole child, including social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and creative development.
We relish the opportunities for children to grow, socialize, and flourish in our indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the Paula Kline Learning Center, our historic synagogue building, and the natural environment in the beautiful Society Hill setting.

Applying for the 2025-2026 School Year

The application for the 2025-2026 school year (September 2025-May 2026) is available now!
We encourage all families to apply as early as possible, because classes fill up quickly. Current Playschool families and Society Hill Synagogue members are guaranteed admission for their child(ren) if they register by December 2. After that date, admission will be offered to families on a first-applied, first-served basis.
To schedule a tour of Playschool or get more information about enrolling, please email Megan Nachod, Playschool Director, or call her at 215-922-6590 x4.
Click here to Register!

Do you still want to join us for the 2024-2025 School Year?

The online application for the 2024-2025 school year (September 2024-May 2025) is available now, there are only two spots remaining!

Registering Your Child for Playschool Summer Camp

Our camp blends hands-on exploration, music and movement, art projects, outdoor play, and water thrills in our splash zones. Registration is flexible, and children may attend 5 days per week for the full summer session or for selected weeks, or the same 3 or 4 days per week for the full summer session or for selected weeks. Summer camp registration will open in the spring. 

Playschool Teachers

Our teachers are enthusiastic, experienced early childhood educators who love what they do and bring a wide range of skills and artistic talents to the classroom.
Almost every staff member has earned their B.A., including all of our lead teachers, and several hold Master’s degrees. Continuing professional development is a priority at our school. 
Click here to meet our staff.

The Playschool Curriculum

Our curriculum integrates age-appropriate academics focused on literacy and language acquisition, early math skills, and scientific exploration with free play and early socialization activities indoors and outside in our large courtyard and at local parks, thematic art projects, circle time and singing, and a celebration of Jewish values, holidays, and customs.
Our schedule includes weekly ZoomDance classes tied to seasonal themes and beloved stories, Monday morning Havdalah with Rabbi Nathan Kamesar (who is also a Playschool parent), and a Friday morning Shabbat celebration with singing, dancing, and delicious challah.
Our older students also participate in trips to the PhiladelphiaMuseum of Art, the Academy of Natural Sciences, and theatre companies for live shows.
By the end of their time at Playschool, children are well prepared for elementary school. They successfully manage the adventures and challenges of kindergarten and beyond because of the strong foundation they gained here with us.

A Close Community

Playschool’s reputation as a wonderful “first school experience” has made our program popular throughout the city for students of all religious and ethnic backgrounds; indeed, we treasure the diversity of our student population!
In addition to our rich academic curriculum and social-emotional learning, we educate our Playschoolers about Jewish values, holidays, and customs.
The strong friendships formed at Playschool lead to deep bonds between children and families.

Flexible Enrollment Options

The Playschool year spans September through May, and children ages 18 months to 4 years old may attend 3, 4, or 5 days, while Pre-Kindergarten (4-5 years old) class enrollment requires 5-day attendance. We offer daily early care at 7:45 am, classes from 8:30 am-12:30 pm (8:30 am-2:00 pm for Pre-Kindergarten students), afternoon arts until 3:00 pm, and extended care until 6:00 pm. Starting in February every year, families are invited to enroll their children in our fun-filled summer camp, which runs from June through August.