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

Playschool is a warm and inclusive preschool and early childhood education program in Philadelphia 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 provide children with opportunities to learn, play, socialize, and grow in our indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the Paula Kline Learning Center, our historic synagogue building, and the natural environment of our beautiful Society Hill neighborhood in Philadelphia.

Meet some of our Playschool families!

Applying for the 2026-2027 School Year

The application for the 2026-2027 school year (September 2026-May 2027) is available here. We encourage all families to apply as early as possible, because classes fill up quickly. To schedule a tour of Playschool or get more information about enrolling, please email Megan Nachod, our Director of Early Childhood Education, or call her at 215-922-6590 x4.

For Families with Children Enrolled:

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.

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-K 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.

The Playschool Curriculum

Our curriculum integrates age-appropriate early learning focused on literacy and language acquisition, early math skills, and scientific exploration with play-based learning, social-emotional development, and opportunities for early socialization indoors and outside in our large courtyard and at local parks throughout Society Hill. Children also participate in thematic art projects, circle time, singing, and age-appropriate exploration of Jewish values, holidays, and customs.

Our schedule includes weekly Tkiya music classes with a children’s music educator 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 around Philadelphia, including visits to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Academy of Natural Sciences, and local 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.

Playschool Summer Camp

Registration for Playschool Summer Camp opens in February, and summer camp runs from early June through mid-August. Our summer camp blends hands-on exploration, music and movement, art projects, indoor and outdoor play, and water thrills in our splash zones! Each week features a different fun theme.

Registration is flexible, and children can 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.

Children do not need to attend Playschool during the year to attend Summer Camp.