Alphabet Avenue Nursery School Welcome to Alphabet Avenue Nursery School, 118 W. Main St., Freehold. It is their belief that young children can develop a love for learning when teachers give them opportunities to explore their world. It’s important that children be the “owner” of their work. It’s not enough for them to just sit and watch the teacher do something.Young children can perform a scientific experiment and feel a sense of accomplishment.This is done by giving each child his/her own set of materials to work with.They learn to follow instructions and to wait for the next step.They will listen because they are eager and interested.Young children can work on a math lesson by going to a pretend fast food restaurant and ordering a Happy Meal. Each child is given his/her own wallet and dollar bills to count and give to the cashier. They even get an actual meal and prize. But the real sense of accomplishment occurs when they “handle” money and manage to put it into and take it out of a wallet. Call 732- 851- 4751 to arrange a tour to see the school.They can show you the curriculum and reasonable fees.
Center Stage For 39 years, Center Stage has offered the best, most experienced and diverse faculty in the area, covering all styles of dance: hip-hop, jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical, contemporary, modern; theater (acting and musical theater); music (voice, piano, guitar and percussion); and gymnastic programs. Center Stage’s esteemed alumni have appeared in more than 40 shows and national/international tours, national ballet and modern companies; regional theaters across the country, as well as on dance and cheer squads for professional sports teams. Over the years, many Center Stage students have considered the studio their second home, building life-long relationships with fellow students, teachers and staff.With 12 dance rooms in three locations, no other studio around can offer the breadth of scheduling possibilities that Center Stage can. So with all of these benefits, the only questions left is:Why would you go anywhere else? Students range from age 3 to adult and from those who want to take one class a week for fun or fitness, to those who are working toward a career in performing arts. For more information, visit www.centerstagenj.com or call 732-238-7890 (East Brunswick)/ 732-972-1116 (Marlboro)/ 732- 695-6400 (Ocean).
YMCA Childcare There is a hidden gem in Monmouth County that combines a truly memorable round of golf with a membership best defined as affordable luxury. If you haven’t been to the Colts Neck Golf Club recently, you owe it to yourself to play there soon.The entire club has gone through a complete face lift with improvements to both the club house and the golf course.The course is historically known for its pristine conditions, held to the highest standards all year long.This links-style masterpiece provides both a challenging and fun layout, testing the skills of any player.The entire facility gives you the impression you are in an exclusive private equity club, yet being far more affordable. Now in its 16th year, Colts Neck Golf Club is investing in making the 2016 season even better, with an eye on the future. The renovations started with a large comfortable gazebo built for casual outdoor gatherings, complete with TVs for the perfect game-watching setting.Then there was the dramatic expansion to the dining room and upstairs cocktail area, creating an elegant venue for Members dining, private affairs, wedding receptions and outings.The golf course is also getting attention of its own, with several tees having been rebuilt, as well as improvements to the cart paths and bunkers. Membership definitely has its privileges, designed to fit any age, lifestyle, and budget.The professional staff prides themselves on attending to all your needs and making all members and guests feel like they are a part of the Colts Neck Golf Club family. Check out the Colts Neck Golf Club; you won’t be disappointed! Colts Neck Golf Club is located at 50 Flocks Road, Colts Neck. For more information, call 732-303-9330 or visit www.coltsneckgolfclub.com.
Hatikvah Celebrating Bar Mitzvah year, Congregation Kol Am is rededicating themselves to their commitment as an all-inclusive Reform congregation that embraces its heritage and the tenets of “tikkun olam” — repairing the world. Theirapproach includes sponsoring a flash mob to usher in the holiday season with 200 singers, staging an Ice Bucket Challenge to increase awareness of Lou Gehrig’s disease, and planting a community garden to help feed the less fortunate. They provide meals to the Ronald McDonald House and march in the Memorial Day parade in appreciation for the ultimate sacrifice made by others. Founding Rabbi Brooks Susman is now the Rabbi Emeritus and the torch is being passed to Rabbi Ellie Shemtov to continue the Kol Am experience. The children benefit from being able to study closely with the Rabbi in preparation of their B’nei Mitzvah, and they offer free tuition for the first year with membership to encourage a lifetime of meaningful spirituality.True to the name (Kol Am:Voice of the People), they harness the collective energy and talents of the members, similar to a kibbutz, to promote camaraderie and pride in both the young and old. For additional information, visit www.congregationkolam.org or call 732- 792-8000.
Garden State Rocks Climbing Gym
Congregation Sons Of Israel Preschool in Manalapan is “The Place Where Children Learn to Love and Love to Learn.”The Sons of Israel experience is like no other. Stepping into the building, one feels as if they are at home. The care and the love from all the staff creates an environment where the children and parents feel like family. It all begins with the Parent and Me classes, starting at 6 months, and continues as the child grows into kindergarten. The staff consists of experienced, well-trained professionals who encourage learning through creativity, song and play. One of the most important factors is a child’s social and emotional growth. Establishing a positive self-esteem and self-confidence is such an essential part of their curriculum.They treat each child as an individual and make each and every student feel special and valued in his/her own way. In addition, Sons of Israel continues to connect with Judaic culture and traditions.The students do mitzvot, give tzedukah, celebrate holidays and come together on Fridays for Shabbat.The children sing, dance, and experience the warmth, fun, and learning each week. It’s such a “Sons”ational place to be! For more information, call 732-446-4924.
Monmouth Chinese School
Nothing compares to the quality of YMCA Childcare.They believe that during a child’s formative years, nothing is more important than experiencing a wide variety of enriching activities in a warm, safe and loving environment. The state-licensed childcare program has been carefully designed to provide your child with the best possible learning opportunities. They are committed to developing each individual child’s physical, social, intellectual and emotional growth.The age-appropriate curriculum is based on understanding the ways in which young children learn best, combining the right balance of structure and independence. The teachers will engage your children in enriching activities that promote intellectual, emotional, social and physical growth.The program emphasizes the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility while instilling an appreciation for diversity. The center is committed to providing a healthy, safe and loving environment for each child.The programs provide a variety of handson, individual, and group experiences in each of the following areas: swim lessons, gym activities, Spanish Language Adventure Program, Sign Language, Mac laptop computers, outdoor playgrounds, sensory activities, fine motor skills, science and math, music and drama, gross motor skills, cooking, language development, community awareness, arts and humanity. Freehold YMCA is located at 470 E. Freehold Road. For more information, call 732- 462-0464, ext. 114.
Temple Beth Ahm Preschool
Garden State Rocks Climbing Gym is located at 705 Ginesi Drive, Morganville.They offer instructional and recreational programs for all ages, skill and fitness levels. From classes for kids and adults to a climbing team for kids, Garden State Rocks has it all. Climbing offers a workout alternative for all levels. For older teens and adults there are daily passes and memberships. For a fun recreational experience, they offer many programs — family sessions, group (large and small) sessions, programs for Scouts, and the summer half-day sports camp.The climbing birthday parties for kids and adults are exciting and unforgettable. Beginners will have fun and experienced climbers will be challenged by the professionally set routes. For a rockin’ good time, come and climb at Garden State Rocks. For more information call 732-972-3003.
Temple Shaari Emeth Early Learning Center
All set for your child’s new journey into middle school? You know, there is another smaller and more personalized option that offers a high quality academic program with a strong emphasis on science, mathematics and technology — an option that you may have thought was only for people who have $30,000 to spend on private school. However, this school is public and free.This is Hatikvah: an approved candidate school with the International Baccalaureate Organization and one that ranks high in New Jersey for academic performance.The best part is its sixth grade has a few more seats left for the 2015-2016 school year. Just register your child at www.hatikvahcharterschool.com or call 732- 254-8300.Your child can feel comfortable and confident about school and wake up with excitement about going each day. He or she will also be toting a new computer and teaching you some Hebrew.Who knows, maybe one day your middle scholar will be waking up as the U.S.Ambassador to Israel or translating documents for the U.N.; perhaps you’ll be a parent to someone who speaks three or four languages. Hatikvah is the start to a bright future. Let it be your child’s future. Hatikvah is located at 7 Lexington Ave., East Brunswick. For more information, call 732-254-8300.
Trinity Hall
The Hebrew Corner is an independent Hebrew learning center. Students of all ages can study Hebrew and Jewish topics as well as prepare for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah.They officiate at services at a location of your choice.They also prepare students for Bar and Bat Mitzvah ceremonies in Israel.They are a married Rabbi and Cantor team supervising a staff of teachers and tutors.They have an inclusive approach to Judaism and serve students from a variety of backgrounds. In addition to Hebrew, the students learn Bible, holidays, history and Israel. The latest in computer software is integrated into the curriculum.They have advanced Hebrew classes for former day school students who wish to continue their Hebrew and Judaic studies.The adult classes offer an opportunity for adults to learn conversational as well as prayer book Hebrew, and even prepare for an adult Bar/t Mitzvah.The class schedule is flexible, with classes from Sunday through Thursday.The Hebrew Corner is a wonderful alternative for all those seeking an affordable, flexible and meaningful Hebrew and Jewish education for their children or themselves.The Hebrew Corner is located at 7 S. Main St., Marlboro. For more information, call 732-970-3006 or visit www.thehebrewcorner.com.
Temple Shaari Emeth Hebrew School
Developing dancers since 1998, Marlboro Dance Academy is Morganville’s premier dance studio (located on the Corner of Route 79 and Tennent Road). Classes are offered in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, lyrical, modern, contemporary, hip-hop (including exclusive boys’ classes taught by Mr. Duane), combo classes (for the youngest dancer) and Zumba. Ages 2 1/2 through adult are welcome.The Academy prides itself on small classes that cater to the needs of each individual student. The intimate setting allows for young dancers to develop discipline, self-esteem and confidence while learning codified dance techniques across all genres to develop technical excellence. Marlboro Dance Academy is staffed by professional instructors who have extensive training and hold bachelor of art degrees, state licenses, and nationally recognized certifications to teach dance exclusively.All staff members are passionate about teaching dance.They are caring, friendly and excited to develop and educate students in the various styles of dance. Marlboro Dance Academy also has an awardwinning competition dance team. If you are interested in competition teams, inquire upon registration.The Academy is excited to start an enriching year of dance with your child. For more information, call 732-591-9700.
The Marlboro Jewish Center Preschool provides a joyful first school experience in a warm, nurturing, developmentally appropriate learning environment.They offer fun, hands-on learning opportunities that give your child a strong educational foundation.
Experienced professionals: The teachers are licensed by the State of New Jersey and they are licensed by the Department of Child Protection and Permanency.The staff is CPR and First Aid Certified.
Individualized activities: Age-appropriate customized opportunities for creative problem solving, decision making and leadership skills are offered. Enrichment and extra reinforcement are provided.
Flexible schedules and programs: To best suit your family needs they offer schedules and program that work for you.They offer rolling admissions.
Before and After Care Program: You can schedule your needs on a daily basis — no weekly or monthly commitments.
Parent participation: There is an open door policy; parents are welcome at any time.
Innovative programming: Funruary, Interactive Thanksgiving and Passover, computers, music, on site speech pathologist, Shabbat with the Rabbi and Cantor every week are included
The Preschool offers programs for all ages beginning with Baby Rock & Roll (3 months) all the way up through kindergarten. Summer camp is available too. For more information, call Rene Kipnes, director, at 732-536-2303, ext. 100.
The Religious School at Marlboro Jewish Center provides multi-faceted curricula for students in grades K-12. Rabbi Ron Koas, together with an experienced, talented staff, offer a dynamic and engaging journey through an array of Judaic subjects.The innovative, engaging classes are enhanced by music, movement and art, special programs and trips. It is a vibrant Conservative congregation that values lifelong Jewish learning.The Primary School, grades K-2, meets on Sunday mornings. The two-day-a-week Hebrew School meets as follows: grades three through six on Sunday mornings and Wednesday afternoons; and grade seven on Wednesday evening.The Hebrew High grades 8-10/Confirmation meets on Wednesday evenings, and High Hebrew High grades 11 and 12 meets Monday evenings for dinner once a month. For more information call 732-536-2303, ext. 114. The Religious School at Marlboro Jewish Center is located at the Chai Building, 46 Topanemus Road.Visit www.mjcnj.org.
The Monmouth Chinese School is a nonprofit Chinese school organized for the local Chinese-American community and for all persons interested in the Chinese language and culture. Monmouth Chinese School has been offering Chinese language classes in both Mandarin and Cantonese for the past 39 years. Classes are held on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon and range from pre-k through eighth grade including Chinese as a Second Language (CSL) and Adult Conversation classes. Chinese cultural classes are included in the curriculum to provide a complete learning experience. The school curriculum is structured to provide development of social, intellectual, and language skills of traditional Chinese culture.The curriculum includes writing, reading, conversation, and a wide variety of cultural programs. The primary goal is to teach children reading, writing and speaking in Chinese, and to instill Chinese heritage in future generations.The school is a meeting place for the children and their families to participate and foster a conducive learning environment.Together, they broaden the children’s view in Chinese culture and better prepare them for a global economy. Monmouth Chinese School is located at 48 Topanemus Road, Marlboro. For more information, call 732-993-3627 or visit www.monmouthchineseschool.com.
Temple Beth Ahm Preschool is designed to provide a happy and nurturing environment where children develop a positive self-image and love of learning.The curriculum is diverse and flexible, allowing the children to use all of their senses while developing the foundations for reading, language, math, science and social studies. In addition to the fine secular curriculum, Judaism is integrated daily through art, holiday celebrations, books, food and song.The culture and values observed at a young age become part of the students’ general knowledge that develops and grows as they do.The students leave the program happy, healthy and ready to take on kindergarten because they have the appropriate social and academic foundations they can now build upon. They offer classes for children ages 2, 3 and 4 with half-, mini- and full-day options. Classes meet two, three or four days weekly.There is an extensive Mommy & Me program taught by “Miss Judy”Wiskin for babies, toddlers, and those ready to transition. In addition there is a six-week summer camp for children ages 2 through 5, just right for little ones.Temple Beth Ahm is located at 550 Lloyd Road,Aberdeen. For more information, call 732-583-1010 or visit www.tbaed.org.
Temple Beth Shalom Religious School begins on an early childhood level of ages 3-5 that meets one time a month, a primary level of ages 6-7 that meets two times a month for first grade, and weekly for second grade during the week. During these times students are exposed to holidays, Bible stories and Hebrew reading readiness through crafts, music and movement. On weekdays, students in grades three through six meet one time a week to master the tools of Judaism and Hebrew reading, knowledge of the Shabbat service, holiday rituals and Bible.There is an optional second day honors program where kids experience life cycle events and a variety of hands-on activities. Some examples of family programming include God Talks leading Havdalah, creating their own Tallit, and learning to put on Tefillen. Students and families alike lead various prayers in the Family Worship Service, held during the school year and on the High Holy Days.Temple Beth Shalom Religious School is located at 108 Freehold Road in Manalapan. For more information, call 732-446-1202, e-mail education director
Nancy Shechter at templebeth@aol.com, or visit www.tbshalom.com.
At Temple Rodeph Torah, there is a dynamic teaching staff dedicated to providing your child’s religious school (pre-K through seventh grade) and high school (eighth grade through 12th grade) experiences in an interesting, fun and warm learning environment. They offer a parent/child friendly schedule. The children learn through music, innovative hands-on projects and field trips.They experience holidays,“tour” Israel, study life cycle events, have a mock wedding, and a naming ceremony in which they learn about their Hebrew name and the person after whom they were named.The children learn the history of the Jewish ancestors and traditions. They not only learn to read Hebrew, but become comfortable with and learn the meaning of the prayers and how to lead services, thus passing on the heritage from generation to generation.The high school program allows the children to continue their education in a creative environment in which they choose elective courses from an array that includes not only academics but also cooking, art and yoga.Their commitment to excellence shows in the quality of students they graduate and their life-long commitment to Jewish values and tradition.Temple Rodeph Torah is located at 15 Mohawk Drive, Marlboro. For more information, call 732-308- 3836 or visit www.trt.org.
Friendships begin at the Temple Shaari Emeth Early Learning Center and last a lifetime. Shaari Emeth’s Parent & Me program for children ages 3-30 months offers interactive experiences for children and their parents or other caretakers. New and supportive friendships are encouraged while you and your child learn songs, play instruments and participate in fun activities.Your child will be introduced to his or her Jewish heritage through songs and stories.This is a wonderful opportunity for you and your baby to strengthen your bond while Helene Elo and her team create a calm and soothing experience. As your child grows, Shaari Emeth’s programs adapt to his or her changing developmental needs.Transition classes are offered with a supportive environment that allows for easy separation, making preschool an easy next step. Music, free play, bubble fun and puppetry are favorites, and the giant, colorful parachute evokes squeals of delight! In Shaari Emeth’s preschool and full-day kindergarten, a warm and nurturing atmosphere is provided, and their hands-on director, Jayne Lieberman, makes sure your child or grandchild gets plenty of personal attention.The staff is fully licensed and dedicated to the success of every child.As students grow, Shaari Emeth’s curriculum adapts to meet developmental markers and guidelines. Each age level has a specific age-appropriate curriculum infused with academics, arts, discovery time, and spirituality. Programming exceeds the requirements of the state and surrounding school districts, and students are fully prepared for public school when they graduate. Students also experience the joy of sharing Shabbat with Shaari Emeth’s beloved Rabbi Panken and Cantor Siet.Trips, special events, holidays and celebrations round out your child’s experience. Days and hours are flexible, and the needs of parents are also met by optional early drop-off and late pickup hours. Pizza, bagel and chicken tenders lunches are offered and the Friday challah program is always a favorite. Shaari Emeth’s fabulous indoor gym and large, enclosed outdoor playground offer students the opportunity for exercise and major motor skill development while the well-equipped classrooms have a wide variety of manipulatives (skill-based toys) to address fine motor skills. Summer camp at Shaari Emeth is a wonderful experience for children two through six years of age. Shaari Emeth’s staff is warm and loving and the staff-to-camper ratio is unbeatable. Summer camp runs for seven weeks on Mondays,Wednesdays and Fridays, days and weeks are flexible and there are full- and halfday sessions. Shaari Emeth is a progressive, egalitarian Reform congregation and interfaith families are welcome. For more information and a tour, contact Jayne Lieberman at 732-462-3264 or jlieberman@shaariemeth.org. Shaari Emeth’s web site is www.shaariemeth.org;“like” them on Facebook at facebook.com/shaariemeth.
Temple Shaari Emeth’s Hebrew School rocks! Shaari Emeth’s goal for their K-12, one-day-per-week Hebrew School students is to develop a positive Jewish identity in a fun, community-oriented and warm environment. This encourages lifelong friendships and active membership in the Jewish community. Students learn to read and understand Hebrew and develop an appreciation for Jewish holidays, liturgy, ceremonies and traditions.Above all, Shaari Emeth instills Jewish values.The school’s success in teaching Hebrew comes from a mixture of careful classroom instruction with the students’ own enthusiastic use of online activities and assessment features. Shaari Emeth’s warm and friendly clergy is personally involved with every student’s education, and YOSHE (Youth of Shaari Emeth) youth groups include fun social activities that reinforce Jewish values.Temple Shaari Emeth is a full-service Reform synagogue, with family education, events, religious services and outstanding activities in which Jewish identity is strengthened and great friendships blossom. Interfaith families are welcome. Shaari Emeth’s Hebrew School fully prepares students for Bar or Bat Mitzvah and for Confirmation, but a Jewish education is much more than that. Shaari Emeth provides the support of a full Jewish community. Shaari Emeth instills Jewish values, Shaari Emeth pursues social justice, and Shaari Emeth provides the preparation for a life of Jewish learning, to ensure a Jewish future.To register your child, call Religious School Director Melissa Pescatore at 732-462-4245, or email her at mpescatore@shaariemeth.org. Shaari Emeth’s website is www.shaariemeth.org, and “like” them on Facebook at facebook.com/shaariemeth.
Trinity Hall is an innovative, independent all-girls college preparatory high school, educating and empowering young women in the Catholic tradition. In a technology-rich learning environment, a superior faculty and a challenging interdisciplinary curricular program fosters the Trinity Hall core values of leadership, respect, perseverance and faith, which are foundational to the school’s mission and work as educators. Unique and exciting co-curricular learning opportunities accommodate a diverse, yet a collectively passionate, creative and caring student body. These young women will be empowered to take risks, pursue personal passions, network globally and grow as learners — and as valued individuals.Trinity Hall, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3), is the only all-girls high school in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Plan to attend one of the open houses on Oct. 3 or Nov. 7. For more information, visit www.trinityhallnj.org or call 732-291-1297.