Central Synagogue

Central Synagogue describes a teaching approach that helps learners ask how Judaism is relevant to their own lives, weaving ancient Jewish texts and theology together with modern ideas, current experiences, and communal life. Across its programs, it emphasizes welcoming exploration, project-based and experiential learning, and child-centered instruction that builds curiosity, independence, and a lifelong connection to Jewish identity and practice. (centralsynagogue.org)

Central Synagogue’s May Family Nursery School says families apply online for 2026–27 and submit a non-refundable $75 application fee; once a completed application is received, the school invites parents to an admissions open house. (centralsynagogue.tfaforms.net) Open houses are held on selected Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10:00–11:30 a.m. beginning in October and continuing through December, include a required tour, and are followed by a scheduled group play visit for the child plus a one-on-one parent conversation. (centralsynagogue.org) Eligibility is primarily for children turning two by September 30, 2026, while children who turn two between October 1, 2026, and January 31, 2027 may be considered for the Turning Twos class. (centralsynagogue.org) For key dates, Central notes it follows ISAAGNY’s shared admissions timeline: preschool applications completed by January 8, 2026 are notified no earlier than February 26, 2026, with replies due by March 5, 2026; ISAAGNY early-notification decisions are no earlier than December 5, 2025, with replies due by December 12, 2025. (centralsynagogue.org) Priority is given through early notification to current Central Synagogue members in good standing; membership is not required to apply but is required after enrollment, and I did not find a nursery-school waitlist policy on the admissions and main nursery-school pages. (centralsynagogue.org)