Our Mission
Why Harmony?
At Harmony, we believe childhood is a time of wonder, joy, and discovery.
Our school is a place where children are known, valued, and celebrated for who they are. Each day, children are given time to explore their interests, ask questions, solve problems, and make sense of the world around them.
Rooted in Jewish values and created for families of all backgrounds, Harmony is a community where children develop a strong sense of belonging, curiosity, confidence, and care for others.
We want children to leave Harmony not only ready for what comes next, but with a lasting love of learning and a deep belief in their own capabilities.
Who We Are
Pedagogy
Harmony is a play-based, Reggio Emilia-inspired preschool for children ages 18 months to 5 years.
We see children as capable, thoughtful, and full of ideas worth listening to. Rather than following a one-size-fits-all curriculum, our teachers observe children closely and build learning experiences around their interests, questions, and discoveries.
You may find children building elaborate structures, creating artwork, caring for the garden, investigating insects, negotiating roles in dramatic play, or working together to solve a problem. These experiences are not separate from learning, they are learning.
Our mixed-age classroom encourages collaboration, empathy, leadership, and a strong sense of community. Children learn from one another while developing at their own pace.
At Harmony, we believe learning is most meaningful when children are actively engaged, deeply curious, and excited to explore.
What We Do
Daily Schedule
No two days at Harmony look exactly alike, but each day follows a predictable rhythm that helps children feel secure while leaving room for curiosity, creativity, and exploration.
Children spend their days engaged in play, outdoor exploration, small-group experiences, stories, music, movement, meals, rest, and community gatherings. We believe young children need long stretches of uninterrupted time to develop ideas, build relationships, and become deeply engaged in their work.
Whenever possible, children spend time outdoors every day. Whether they are climbing, digging, observing seasonal changes, caring for the garden, or simply running and playing, outdoor experiences are an essential part of life at Harmony.
Our daily rhythm balances structure and flexibility, creating a learning environment that feels both comforting and full of possibility.
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Arrival & Play Centers
Offerings will change with our thematic units and children’s interests, but will include opportunities for imaginative play, building & experimenting, tactile exploration, fine motor skills, quiet stories, and art & writing/drawing
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Opening Circle
Boker Tov (Good Morning), storybook of the day, a moment to come together
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Snack
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Activity Block
Learning about ourselves, our world, and our community through music, dance, art, or STEM project
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Lunch
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Nap & Quiet Time
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Outdoor Playtime
On our new nature-based playground and amongst the trees around the synagogue.
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Closing Circle
Group game, talking about our day, Shalom Chaverim (Goodbye Friends)
Beth David Synagogue
The Harmony School is proud to be part of Beth David Reform Congregation.
While Harmony welcomes families of all backgrounds and beliefs, our connection to Beth David provides children with opportunities to experience Jewish life as a joyful and meaningful part of the community. Throughout the year, children celebrate Shabbat, explore Jewish holidays, learn songs and traditions, and engage with values that guide how we care for one another and the world around us.
Our partnership with Beth David also allows families to connect with a vibrant intergenerational community. Children are not tucked away in a separate corner of campus; they are part of a larger community that values childhood, relationships, and lifelong learning.
Harmony is a place where everyone belongs, all preschool enrollment includes synagogue membership as well.
Our Educators
Jacqueline Schaefer
Sarah Gladwin Camp
Director of Early Childhood ProgramsCo-Director & Lead Educator