Kaplan Preschool
Open houses at 9:30am on November 13, November 18 and December 7. See the dates, book a visit or call 201-653-8666
Kaplan Preschool

Where your child feels happy, safe and known.

Warm teachers who know every child. Jewish values, open to every family. Outside play in our spacious backyard every day. Creative and fun programming all day from 8:00 to 6:00, with full and part time options.

Ages 2 to 5Open 8am to 6pm
Children sitting together for music time with a guitar
Licensed by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families Every teacher attended university for early childhood education or a related field Part of the United Synagogue of Hoboken since 2000 Every Kaplan family has the option to be a member of USH at no additional cost

Coming up

Every Friday morningTot ShabbatA 45-minute music program for children under 3 and their grown-ups, every Friday through June 4. Open to everyone.Join us
November 13, November 18, December 7, 9:30amOpen housesBring your little one, meet the teachers and see where the day happens.See the details

Care that fits your child.

Our classes are small, so teachers have time for each child. They notice what your child needs, and the day can change to fit them.

Meet our classes Children walking along blue balance blocks in the backyard with their teacher
Small classes

9 to 15 children in a room, always with at least two teachers. Teachers have time for every child, from the slow goodbye to the big question to the hard day.

A flexible start

Flexibility is a core value at Kaplan. Begin with two mornings a week, and add time when your child is ready.

At their own pace

Toilet training, naps and goodbyes happen when your child is ready, and we work on them together with you.

Room to change

Need aftercare from January, or one more morning? You can add time during the year.

What families notice at Kaplan

Spend a morning with us and this is what you will see.

Teachers who know every child

Every teacher attended university for early childhood education or a related field. Your child is guided by people who truly care.

You see every day

Daily photos and notes in the Remini app, a Friday class newsletter, and a real conversation at pickup. Nothing is hidden. We're in this together.

Outside every day

Rain, snow or sun, in our enclosed outdoor spaces. Kids are meant to move, explore and get messy.

Jewish values, open to all

Kindness, community, respect and joy, shared in a supportive community. Families of any religion, or no religion, are welcome here.

A school run with families

Families help shape the school, and the office is flexible, supportive and easy to reach.

Today in our classrooms

Learning happens naturally here.

Art, music, math, science, language and building, through learning centers where each child explores at their own pace.

See our whole day
Two children with their backpacks, ready for the day
Morning arrival
Wooden peg dolls and stones set up for play
Choice time
A city of wooden blocks and flowers the children built
Building
Toy cars with letters for a word game
Letters and words
A child exploring wood slices and natural materials
Exploring
Children covering the challah before Shabbat
Shabbat
A teacher and baby with the lulav in the sukkah

You're not just enrolled. You belong.

Children make best friends. Parents become class parents, volunteer at events and meet each other at the Hanukkah party and the Purim carnival. Since 2000, Kaplan has been where young families in Hoboken find their community.

Jewish life at Kaplan
First time in a Jewish preschool?You may qualify for a Jewish Right Start grant of $1,000 for full-time students, or $700 for part-time students.
See if you qualify

Come see a morning at Kaplan.

Visits are on weekday mornings at 9:30 and take about half an hour. You will see the classrooms, meet a teacher and see where the children play outside.

Our Day

A calm, full day, from 8am to 6pm.

Choose the part of the day your child needs, from a two-hour morning to the full day. Here is how the day flows, and how we support your child through it.

The classroom chart showing the order of the day

How the day flows

Open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm.

A letter parking garage game the children made
Early drop-offDrop off any time until 8:45. A dairy or vegetarian breakfast from home is welcome.
The school morningMorning circle, then learning centers for art, building, language, math, science and imaginative play, and time outside.
LunchLunch from home, or a kosher school lunch. Half-day children go home at 12 or 1.
Afternoon enrichment, until 3The Pre-K 2s and 3s nap, and we offer a non-nap option for the Pre-K 3s. The Pre-K 4s don't nap, and keep playing and learning.
Aftercare, until 4:30 or 6Snack, outdoor play, specials and small groups.
The Remini app on a phone, showing the menu with notifications, calendar, messages, reports and more
The Remini app

See your child's day while it happens.

Teachers share photos and short notes in the Remini app during the day. You can message them right there, and every Friday you get a class newsletter and a Shabbat note from the director.

  • Daily photos and notes from the classroom
  • Messages with your child's teachers
  • School news and reminders in one place

The parts parents ask about

Many parents ask how we handle the everyday things. Here is what that looks like at Kaplan.

Saying goodbye

Walk your child to the classroom, or say goodbye at the front door and a teacher will bring them in. If goodbyes are hard, we work closely with you to make them gentle.

Naps

The Pre-K 2s and 3s nap during afternoon enrichment, and we offer a non-nap option for the Pre-K 3s. The Pre-K 4s don't nap.

Toilet training

Children don't need to be toilet trained. We change diapers as needed and help with toilet training together with you.

Food

We serve only certified kosher food, and the school is peanut-free. Pack lunch from home, or order a kosher school lunch for $10.50 a day.

Staying in touch

Daily photos and notes in the Remini app, a Friday class newsletter, and a Shabbat note from the director every Friday.

Outside every day

Including winter. Pack play clothes and sneakers, and snow pants and boots when there's snow on the ground.

Build the day you need

Start with a morning, then add the hours that fit your week.

Mornings9 to 12, or 9 to 1Two to five days a week.
Full day9 to 3Five days, with lunch and rest.
Early drop-off8 to 9For an earlier start to the day.
Aftercare3 to 4:30, or 3 to 6Snack, play and specials.
Get our tuition sheet

See a morning for yourself.

Visits are on weekday mornings at 9:30, and take about half an hour.

Programs

From a first school to ready for kindergarten.

A Jewish school open to families of any religion, or no religion, for children from age 2 to 5. Our classrooms are nurturing, stress-free and full of things to explore, and each child moves at their own pace. Every room has 9 to 15 children and at least two teachers, and larger rooms have three.

Age 2

Pre-K 2s

An introduction to school for our youngest learners. Start building independence and social skills in a joyful environment designed to support an age-appropriate curriculum.

Shortest scheduleTwo mornings, 9:00 to 11:00
Longest scheduleFive full days, 8am to 6pm, from age 2.5
Who can joinFrom the first day of the month your child turns 2
TeachersOne for every 3 to 6 children, depending on age
Toilet trainingNot needed
PlacementWe work with you to find the right room for your child
Visit the Pre-K 2s
Toddlers enjoying music time
Age 3

Pre-K 3s

Expanding minds and growing friendships. In our 3s classroom, children build foundational pre-writing and math skills seamlessly woven into play.

Shortest scheduleThree mornings, 9 to 12
Longest scheduleFive full days, 8am to 6pm
Who can joinChildren who turn 3 by September 30
TeachersOne for every 5 to 7 children
Two friends holding hands in the synagogue lobby
Age 4

Pre-K 4s

Kindergarten readiness within a play based curriculum, with no worksheets or technology in the classroom. Early letters and numbers, longer projects, the confidence to speak up, and an end of year show for families.

Shortest scheduleFive mornings, 9 to 1
Longest scheduleFive full days, 8am to 6pm
Who can joinChildren who turn 4 by September 30
TeachersOne for every 6 or 7 children
Wooden peg dolls and stones set up for play
Babies and young toddlers

Younger than 2? Start with us early.

Our classes begin at age 2, but many families get to know us long before that. Come to our Shabbat music programs, meet other young families, and we'll let you know when it's time to visit.

Tot Shabbat

Shabbat music every Friday morning, for children under 3 and their grown-ups.

Shabbat Shira

A free caregiver and me music class on Saturday mornings: January 9, February 20 and March 6.

Keep me posted

We'll send you music class dates, family events and a note when your child is ready to visit.

Learning through joy

Our curriculum brings Jewish and secular learning together, and every room is set up as learning centers, each with materials from simple to more challenging.

Art and building

Fine motor skills, confidence and imagination, one project at a time.

Language and math

Stories, songs, counting and sorting, woven into play.

Science

Small experiments and big questions about the world outside.

Movement

Climbing, running and dancing, inside and out, to build strong bodies.

Imaginative play

Kitchens, costumes and stories where children try on new ideas.

Special days

Teddy Bear Picnic, two Pajama Days, Wacky Wednesday, Purim Costume Day, and farm animals visiting in October.

Our specialists

Alongside their classroom teachers, children spend time with specialists in movement, science, music, art, engineering and Shabbat music.

MovementKelly Hayes-Micozzi
ScienceRosaly Santos
MusicDave Lambert
Art and literacyFelice Borsellino
EngineeringSamantha Meltzer
Shabbat musicTkiya Music

Summer Camp

Summer Camp 2027, for ages 2 to 5. Sprinklers, sensory play, art, music and story time, with weekly themes and specials. Children split their days between air-conditioned classrooms and our enclosed outdoor spaces.

WhenJune 21 to August 6, 2027
Ages2 to 5
Hours8am to 6pm, flexible
Sign upsLate January or early February

Current Kaplan families get the first chance to sign up, then camp opens to the whole community. Leave us your email and we'll tell you the day sign ups open.

A smiling girl covered in bubbles at a summer foam party in the backyard

See the room your child would join.

Visits are on weekday mornings at 9:30, and take about half an hour.

Jewish Life

Jewish values, open to every family.

Kaplan is part of the United Synagogue of Hoboken, and a modern preschool rooted in Jewish values. Our Jewish life is warm and values-led, not dogmatic, and families of all faiths are part of our school. Every Kaplan family has the option to be a member of USH at no additional cost.

A child covering his eyes for the Shabbat candle blessing

Values in action

Community starts early. We practice these every day.

KindnessChesed

Helping a friend, sharing the last turn, noticing when someone is sad.

CommunityKehillah

Meals together, holidays together, and a place for every family.

RespectKavod

Listening to each other, and caring for our room and our things.

JoySimcha

Singing, dancing and celebrating together, every week.

The year at Kaplan

Shabbat every week, and every holiday is a chance to cook, sing, build and invite families in.

Every FridayShabbatCandles, challah, songs, and a Shabbat note from the director for every family.
SeptemberRosh Hashanah and Yom KippurApples and honey and a sweet start to the year.
FallSukkotShaking the lulav and etrog in our backyard sukkah, and a family party in each class.
DecemberHanukkahLights, latkes and a family celebration. Join us for our Community Hanukkah Party on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, from 4:30 to 6:00pm.
JanuaryTu BiShvatThe birthday of the trees, with seeds and soil.
MarchPurimCostume Day and a block party carnival.
AprilPassoverA classroom seder, with the children telling the story.
JuneShavuotSpring harvest, flowers and the end of a good year.

For every family in Hoboken

You don't need to be enrolled to join us. These programs are open to the whole community.

Tot ShabbatA 45-minute Shabbat music program for children under 3 and their grown-ups. Every Friday morning from September 11 to June 4, except holidays and school breaks. There is no Tot Shabbat on April 23 and April 30.Register for Tot Shabbat
Shabbat ShiraA free caregiver and me music class on Saturday mornings, for children in Pre-K 4s and younger. This year: January 9, February 20 and March 6, each with a family kiddush.Ask us about Shabbat Shira
Backyard ShabbatAn outdoor musical family service under the willow tree in our backyard, on Friday evenings: May 21, June 4, July 16 and July 30.Ask us about Backyard Shabbat
Sukkot partyMusic, and the lulav and etrog in our backyard sukkah.
Purim carnivalA block party with a train ride, bouncy houses, face painting and games.
PJ LibraryFree Jewish children's books mailed to your home every month. We help families sign up.About PJ Library
First time in a Jewish preschool?You may qualify for a Jewish Right Start grant of $1,000 for full-time students, or $700 for part-time.See if you qualify
Do we need to be Jewish?No. Kaplan is open to children of all religions or no religion, including interfaith families and families who are new to Jewish life. We practice a pluralistic Judaism where everyone is welcome and included.

Come and feel it for yourself.

Visits are on weekday mornings at 9:30, and take about half an hour.

Our Teachers

Your child is guided by people who truly care.

Creative, knowledgeable, warm teachers, every one of them university trained in early childhood education or a related field. We invest in their professional growth, so they keep learning too.

Crayon drawing of Rachelle Grossman
Founding director

Rachelle Grossman

Rachelle founded Kaplan Preschool in 2000, together with members of the United Synagogue of Hoboken and Rabbi Scheinberg. Before Kaplan, she taught kindergarten and preschool. She holds a BA in early childhood education from Rutgers and an MPA from CUNY. Rachelle loves working with the Kaplan faculty and meeting all the families and students each year. In her spare time, she enjoys practicing yoga, reading and spending time with her family and friends.

Crayon drawing of Ana Sancho-Rumeu
Assistant director

Ana Sancho-Rumeu

Ana was born and raised in Madrid, Spain, where she earned a dual degree in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education with an emphasis on Special Needs. Ana has been working at Kaplan since 2008, first as a teacher and then as the Curriculum Specialist, before moving into her current role in 2025. Ana's children are both Kaplan alumni, and it was the best experience to be in this community as a young mom with no family close by. Working closely with teachers and families to create the best conditions for each child to thrive is Ana's favorite part of the job. Outside of school, Ana enjoys reading, knitting, sewing and watching Formula 1 with her son.

Crayon drawing of Laura Freiser
Laura FreiserProgram manager

After years in the 2s classroom, working with all our children, families and teachers brings my deep roots in the Hoboken community full circle. Outside of Kaplan, I enjoy reading, staying active and creating memories with family and friends. I am the person on the other side of the phone, answering all your day-to-day questions.

Crayon drawing of Megan Beltran
Megan BeltranAdmissions coordinator

There is nothing more rewarding to me as a teacher than seeing that magical "aha!" moment, when a concept clicks in a young child's mind and their eyes light up with understanding. I am a mom of two Kaplan alumni, and I have no spare time! If you have admissions questions, I'm your person. I will also show you the school during tours and visits.

Our teachers

Every classroom has at least two teachers, and each class gets extra support when it needs it.

Our specialists

They visit every classroom and bring something special to the week.

Crayon drawing of Kelly Hayes-Micozzi
MovementKelly Hayes-Micozzi

I've been the movement teacher at Kaplan since 2002! I am also on the faculty of the Joffrey Ballet School in NYC, and am mom to a 10 year old boy. I love that dance and movement are a universal language, and often one of the first ways young children can feel comfortable at school.

Crayon drawing of Rosaly Santos
ScienceRosaly Santos

What I love most about teaching is inspiring young minds to think outside of the box. Giving students the space to explore their ideas in a safe and creative environment gives me so much joy!

Crayon drawing of Dave Lambert
MusicDave Lambert

I love making music with my students at Kaplan and allowing their energy and creativity to blossom. When I'm not singing with kids and families, you can find me in the kitchen trying to master spaghetti carbonara.

Crayon drawing of Felice Borsellino
Art and literacyFelice Borsellino

I love the children's excitement of making new friends and figuring out something new through their eyes. I love to spend time with my family, hiking and enjoying the beach.

Crayon drawing of Samantha Meltzer
EngineeringSamantha Meltzer

My favorite thing about teaching the engineering special is seeing students experiment, persist and experience those proud "I figured it out!" moments.

Crayon drawing of Tkiya Music
Shabbat musicTkiya Music

Founded in 2014 by Carla Friend, Tkiya's mission is to create joyful Jewish connection through participatory music experiences. Students dance and sing to celebrate Shabbat every Friday.

Crayon drawing of Rabbi Robert Scheinberg
Our rabbi

Rabbi Robert Scheinberg

Rabbi Robert Scheinberg, a graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary, has been the rabbi of the United Synagogue of Hoboken since 1997. An engaging teacher and speaker and an accomplished musician, he has celebrity status in the preschool! Rabbi Scheinberg visits the classrooms for the holidays, and the children join him every Friday to sing and celebrate Shabbat.

How we stay in touch with you

Every day

Photos and notes in the Remini app, and messages with your child's teachers.

Every Friday

A class newsletter and a Shabbat note from the director.

Every fall

Back to School Night, and parent and teacher conferences.

Want to teach at Kaplan? Write to us at office@kaplanpreschool.org.

Meet a teacher on your visit.

Visits are on weekday mornings at 9:30, and take about half an hour.

Admissions

Come and see us. Most families start with a visit.

Applications for September 2027 are open and due by February 16, 2027. After that, we accept applications on a rolling basis, and this year we still have a few openings in our 2s and in Pre-K 4s.

Two children with their backpacks, ready for the day

How a family joins Kaplan

  1. Book a visitFill out a short form, and our admissions team replies within one school day to pick a time.
  2. VisitWeekday mornings at 9:30, for about half an hour. See the classrooms, meet a teacher and see the outdoor space. Bring your little one if you like.
  3. ApplyApply online, with a $75 non-refundable application fee. Applications for September 2027 are due by February 16. After that, we accept applications on a rolling basis.
  4. WelcomeNew parent orientation, class playdates, and a gentle start. A grown-up stays nearby for the first few mornings, and the day grows as your child settles in.
Ready to apply? Open the application

Open houses

Bring your little one, meet the teachers and see where the day happens. Can't make it? Book a visit on any weekday morning.

FridayNovember 139:30am
WednesdayNovember 189:30am
MondayDecember 79:30am

Tuition and schedules

Every family builds a different week, from two short mornings in the Pre-K 2s to the full day from 8am to 6pm. Tell us where to send it and we'll email you our tuition sheet for 2026 to 2027, with every schedule and option.

Applying for September 2027? Tuition for next year is usually set by March, so the sheet shows this year's rates for now.

  • Mornings, two to five days a week
  • Full days, 9am to 3pm
  • Early drop-off from 8am, and aftercare until 4:30 or 6pm
  • Afternoon enrichment, one to four days a week
  • 10% off for siblings

We're also happy to go over everything on your visit.

Get our tuition sheet

We'll email you the tuition sheet and occasional Kaplan news. You can unsubscribe at any time. How we use your information

Help with tuition

The Jewish Right Start grant

From the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey, for families enrolling in a Jewish preschool for the first time.

Apply for the grant
Full-time students$1,000
Part-time students$700
Who can applyFamilies enrolling in a Jewish preschool for the first time. The full requirements are on the application.

Questions parents ask

Do we need to be Jewish?

No. Kaplan is open to children of all religions or no religion, including interfaith families and families who are new to Jewish life. We practice a pluralistic Judaism where everyone is welcome and included.

What ages do you take?

Children from 2 to 5, in our Pre-K 2s, Pre-K 3s and Pre-K 4s. The Pre-K 2s have the option to start with just a two-hour morning. Summer Camp is for ages 2 to 5.

What are your hours?

Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. When Shabbat begins before 6pm, Friday aftercare stays open.

Does my child need to be toilet trained?

No. We change diapers as needed and help with toilet training together with you.

What do children eat?

We serve only certified kosher food, and the school is peanut-free. Pack lunch from home, or order a kosher school lunch for $10.50 a day.

How will I know how my child's day went?

Teachers share daily photos and notes in the Remini app, and you'll get a class newsletter and a Shabbat note from the director every Friday.

Is Kaplan licensed?

Yes. Kaplan is licensed by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families as a child care center.

Can my child start during the year?

Yes, when there's an opening. We accept applications all year on a rolling basis, and this year we have a few openings in our 2s and in Pre-K 4s. Book a visit and we'll talk it through.

How do you help children settle in?

Every child settles in differently. For the first few mornings, a parent or caregiver stays nearby for an hour or two. From there we work with each family on its own plan, with the possibility of starting with a short morning if needed and making changes as fast or as slow as you need.

When does my child need to turn 3 or 4?

For the Pre-K 3s and 4s we follow the Hoboken Public Schools date: your child turns 3 or 4 by September 30. The youngest Pre-K 2s can start the month they turn 2. We offer as much flexibility as we can, and we take parents' wishes into account.

Is there help with tuition?

Families new to Jewish preschool may qualify for the Jewish Right Start grant: $1,000 for full-time or $700 for part-time students. Siblings get 10% off, and you can ask for our tuition sheet on this page.

We would love to meet you.

Visits are on weekday mornings at 9:30, and take about half an hour.

For current families

Welcome back, Kaplan families.

The calendar, the handbook, school rules and what to pack, all in one place.

Family password

The office shares this password with enrolled families.

Something we can help with?

Email is the best way to reach us: office@kaplanpreschool.org

Contact

We'd love to hear from you.

A real person in our office reads every message and replies within one school day.

Kaplan Preschool, United Synagogue of Hoboken
Get directions
AddressKaplan Preschool
United Synagogue of Hoboken
115 Park Avenue
Hoboken, NJ 07030
HoursMonday to Friday
8am to 6pm
Phone201-653-8666
Emailoffice@kaplanpreschool.org
Coming for a visit?Ring the buzzer at the front door on Park Avenue. There are a few spaces in front of the building for a quick stop.
Follow us on Instagram @kaplanpreschool

Ask us a question

Or come and see us.

Visits are on weekday mornings at 9:30, and take about half an hour.

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Families trust us with their children. We take the same care with the information you share on this website.

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