Nursery Aleph is all about joyful discovery. In a warm, supportive Jewish environment, children build confidence, independence, and a genuine love of learning through hands-on exploration, purposeful play, and friendships. Alongside opportunities for discovery, creative expression, and social-emotional growth, Nursery Aleph lays the foundation for academic success through a thoughtfully designed, age-appropriate learning curriculum.
Nursery Aleph
Our 2026-2027 Nursery Aleph class welcomes children born in 2023
Growing with Confidence
Nursery Aleph students learn to navigate the classroom with independence and confidence, build meaningful friendships, and develop the social-emotional skills that support lifelong learning. Through rotations, play, and clear daily routines, students practice cooperation, problem-solving, self-expression, and taking responsibility within our caring classroom community.
Early Literacy and Language
Nursery Aleph introduces the building blocks of reading and writing. Students develop letter recognition, phonological awareness, vocabulary, and early writing skills while strengthening communication through stories, conversations, songs, and imaginative play.
Math, Science, and Discovery
We nurture a three-year-old’s natural curiosity through intentional exploration. Students build early math skills by counting, sorting, measuring, comparing, and recognizing patterns while engaging in science investigations that encourage observation, questioning, and discovery. Learning is active, hands-on, and connected to the world around them.
Growing Jewish Identity
Jewish learning is woven organically throughout the Nursery Aleph experience. Children celebrate Shabbat and holidays, learn Hebrew vocabulary and the Aleph Bet, explore Torah stories, practice tefillah, and develop an appreciation for mitzvot. Through joyful traditions, stories, songs, crafts and programs, students build a lasting connection to their Jewish identity and community.
Creative Exploration
Art, music, movement, sensory experiences, dramatic play, and hands-on creation remain an essential part of every day. These experiences strengthen fine motor skills, encourage imagination, and help children express themselves while reinforcing academic concepts introduced throughout the curriculum.
“Making Mercaz feel like home.”
The Mercaz faculty as a whole is an incredible team. The small group instruction, fun and creative lessons, tailoring to individual students, close parent communication, but most importantly - doing it all with a smile on your face and making it feel like home.
Mercaz parent
“An unparalleled commitment to inclusivity and kindness.”
Your school, grounded in our shared Jewish values, has shown an unparalleled commitment to inclusivity and kindness. The empathy and understanding exhibited by your devoted educators have brought warmth to our hearts and have allowed my grandchild to thrive in ways we could only have dreamt of.
Mercaz grandparent
Program Hours
Core Program
9am - 2pm (Monday - Friday)
Extra-Care Hours
Early 7:30am Drop Off: 7:30am-8am
(Monday - Friday)
Early School Care: 8am-9am
(Monday - Friday)
Enrichment: 2pm - 4pm
(Monday - Thursday)
After-School Care: 4pm - 5pm
(Monday - Thursday)
Late After-School Pickup: 5pm - 5:30pm
(Monday-Thursday)
Pre-Shabbat Care: 2pm - 3pm/2:45pm winter
(Friday)
Come see for yourself!
Questions about our program or our school? Reach out directly to our Director of Admissions Abra Kaplan:
admissions@mercazacademy.org
1.516.696.4200 ext. 527