Jewish Preschool in West Los Angeles
At Barefoot Atelier, families from across the Westside of Los Angeles find a boutique, Reggio and RIE-inspired, Jewish preschool. Rooted in a constructivist approach, children learn through play, inquiry, and project-based exploration, all within a community rich in culture.
Jewish Preschool in West Los Angeles
At Barefoot Atelier, families from across the Westside of Los Angeles find a boutique, Reggio and RIE-inspired, Jewish preschool. Rooted in a constructivist approach, children learn through play, inquiry, and project-based exploration, all within a community rich in culture.
Inclusive Jewish Community in West Los Angeles
Community & Jewish Life at Barefoot Atelier
Our Jewish preschool is more than a place to learn — it’s a vibrant hub for families across West Los Angeles, Brentwood, Santa Monica, and Sawtelle.
Shabbat with Families
Each Friday, children bake challah, lead blessings and songs as the ‘Shabbat Star.’ Families are invited to join, creating a warm, intergenerational circle of celebration.
Community Holiday Events
From our annual Chanukah party to a community Passover Seder, families and children come together to celebrate Jewish traditions with joy and meaning.
Inclusive & Welcoming
With a kosher kitchen and respect for all levels of observance, families of every background feel at home. Many remain part of our community hub even after their children graduate.
Shabbat Family Campouts
Our campouts bring children and parents together in the outdoors to celebrate Shabbat as a community, connecting with nature, each other, and Jewish traditions.
Holistic Jewish Early Education
Inside the atelier’s classroom, Jewish life and Israeli heritage come alive through hands-on experiences that children can see, touch, taste, and explore. Guided by the Reggio philosophy, we honor the “100 Languages of Children,” allowing each child to express curiosity, creativity, and understanding in their own unique way.
Shabbat Celebrations
Candlelight, challah rolled out by little hands, and joyful Hebrew songs fill each week.
Holidays Through Creativity
Children explore Jewish holidays through the language of art—crafting shofars, decorating the sukkah, and bringing the Passover story to life with costumes and props.
Hebrew in Daily Life
Words and songs in Hebrew surface naturally during play, stories, and routines. Plus, we have a more formal Hebrew class to develop language skills.
Jewish Values in Action
The values at the heart of tradition — chesed (kindness), tzedek (responsibility), and a love of learning — shape how children care for one another and explore their world.
Values & Community
Rooted in Jewish tradition and progressive early childhood education
Jewish Values
Children grow guided by chesed (kindness), tzedek (responsibility), and a love of learning.
Reggio Philosophy
Honoring the ‘100 Languages of Children’ through hands-on projects and inquiry-based exploration.
Tikkun Olam
Repairing the world through sustainability, environmental care, and meaningful community initiatives.
At Barefoot Atelier, education is more than academics; it is about nurturing compassionate, responsible, and engaged citizens who carry curiosity, creativity, and care into every part of their lives.
A Glimpse Into Our World
Experience the joy, creativity, and connection that define Jewish life at Barefoot Atelier.
Our Educational Philosophy in Action
We view each child as capable and full of potential. Teachers observe carefully, invite investigation, and document learning as a way to reflect on each child’s thinking, track development, and guide meaningful next steps in exploration. Both indoor and outdoor spaces act as a “third teacher,” thoughtfully designed with materials that inspire conversation, creativity, and problem-solving.
We Learn Best Together
At Barefoot Atelier, families are active partners in their child’s education. We see each child as a whole person — capable, curious, and creative — and focus on the process of learning rather than just the product.
Teachers share weekly (and often daily) documentation through photos, stories, and reflections that captures not only what your child did, but how they were thinking, exploring, and growing. This approach makes learning visible and allows families to feel deeply connected to their child’s journey, even when they are not in the classroom.
Jewish culture naturally extends into these partnerships. Parents and even grandparents are invited to join Shabbat circles, share traditions, or bring family stories into the classroom.
Communication is ongoing, personal, and collaborative. Teachers are available to discuss milestones, transitions, or questions, and actively welcome your insights as a parent. By integrating families into the daily rhythm, children experience continuity between home and school, while families feel seen, heard, and celebrated as essential members of the Barefoot community.
Jewish Early Education that Grows With Your Child
At Barefoot Atelier, we believe each child’s identity, curiosity, and potential are more important than their age. Our programs are designed to honor where children are as individuals, while offering flexible options that adapt to your family’s rhythm and needs.
Mixed-Age Learning
Children learn in thoughtfully arranged mixed-age groups, allowing younger children to learn from older peers and older children to develop leadership, empathy, and collaboration. This approach mirrors real-world communities.
Toddlers (2–3 years)
Gentle routines and rich sensory experiences help toddlers feel secure, express themselves, and develop early language and social skills in a nurturing, exploratory environment.
Preschool (3–5 years)
Deeper projects, collaborative play, and growing independence support children’s problem-solving, leadership, and confidence, preparing them for kindergarten while honoring their unique learning journey.
Flexible Scheduling
Choose from half-day, full-day, or extended-care options to support your family’s schedule without compromising your child’s growth and experiences.
Small Groups, Big Growth
Low ratios ensure every child receives individualized attention, allowing teachers to respond to each child’s interests, strengths, and evolving identity.
Meet Karen Avital,
Program Director
With over a decade of experience in early education, Karen Avital leads Barefoot Atelier with intention, care, and a deep respect for each child’s individuality.
Under her guidance, teachers document learning in real time and share it with families, who actively contribute their own traditions and perspectives.
She blends child-led methods inspired by Reggio and RIE philosophies with a warm embrace of Jewish cultural rhythm, creating environments where children’s questions take center stage and traditions gently anchor their learning. Together, they create a preschool where curiosity, creativity, and identity unfold naturally, and where every child feels seen, valued, and inspired to explore the world.
From Our Families
“[Our daughter] was so happy and engaged, and it made us feel connected to the school in a very community-driven way through playdates, Shabbat, volunteer work, and even camping, which became such a special bonding time with other families.”
“Barefoot Atelier is an absolute dream of a school!! I am beyond grateful to have spent 3 magical years at this school.”
Frequently Asked Questions
We center Jewish culture and values in an inclusive way that’s comfortable for families across the spectrum of observance.
Through songs, stories, food, and creative projects that are developmentally appropriate and welcoming to all.
Teachers follow children’s interests (a child-led approach), document learning, and design environments that invite exploration and collaboration.
We maintain small groups and clear safety procedures. Details are available during your tour.
Join Our Community
Admissions Made Simple
Getting started is easy, and every step is designed to help you feel at home.
1. Inquire
Reach out to learn more about our programs.
2. Tour
Visit our classrooms and meet our educators.
3. Apply
Submit your application when you’re ready.
4. Welcome
Begin your child’s journey with us.
Now is the perfect time to see Barefoot Atelier in action. Take the first step toward giving your child a foundation of curiosity, culture, and belonging.
