What ages does Mercaz Early Childhood cater to?

Our Toddler program is for students who will be two years-old by December 31st of the school year.

Our Nursery Aleph program is for three year-olds and our Nursery Bet (Pre-K) program is for four year-olds.

What are the hours for each program and are extended hours available?

The Toddler hours are 9am-12pm, Monday- Friday, with options for extended hours (see below).

For our Toddler students, additional early-care is available Monday through Friday from 8-9am. Additional after-care hours are available Monday through Thursday from 2-5pm and Friday from 1:45-3pm.

The standard Nursery Aleph and Bet (3 and 4 year-old Nursery) hours are 9am-2pm M-Fr (Fridays 9am-1:45pm), with options for extended hours (see below).

For our Nursery Aleph and Bet students, additional early-care is available Monday through Friday from 7:30-9am. Additional after-care hours are available Monday through Thursday from 2-5pm and Friday from 1:45-3pm.

What are the teacher-student ratios in the program?

Our classes are generally staffed with at least one instructor per 8 students.

How is Judaism incorporated in the program?

Our pride in our Jewish faith and observance permeates every aspect of the day. Children participate in a joyful singing of daily prayers, as well as the Hatikvah. Before eating our students learn to recite the appropriate brachah (blessing). We learn aspects of each weekly Torah portion, and celebrate the coming of Shabbat and holidays, with a special focus on chessed (kindness) and so much more.

What arrangements are made for lunch and snacks?

Students may bring their own kosher lunch and kosher snacks from home. Parents may also opt in to the lunch program organized by the PTA, and parents choose which meals they would like to purchase for their child. Dairy meals are currently catered by Bagel Boss and Sauly's Pizza and meat meals are currently catered by ShopRite Country Pointe.

At what grade does the school district begin to provide busing?

Busing begins for students who attend Kindergarten.

Is the school open during chol hamoed Sukkot and Pesach? When Is the school’s winter break?

Our calendar for 2024-2025 (https://mercazacademy.org/calendar-1-1) provides for school vacation during the celebrations of Sukkot and Pesach, including chol hamoed. Our winter vacation for this school year will take place from January 18, 2024 through January 28, 2024.

The calendar for 2024-2025 is not yet available.

Does the school offer tuition assistance for the Early Childhood Program?

There is currently no tuition assistance offered for our Early Childhood Program.

Is tuition paid by month or for the whole year?

You choose a payment plan that works best for you. we offer the flexibility to make payments spread out on a monthly basis, or in three installments or in a lump sum.

Can I pay tuition on the website?

At the time you complete your registration form and at the time you sign your enrollment contract, you will be presented multiple options for the payment of tuition, including automatic payments through your account at Parentlocker, our service provider.

Am I able to come in for a tour? How can I schedule a tour?

We would love to host you for a tour! To schedule a tour, please fill out this online form and we will reach out to make arrangements or email us directly at admissions@mercazacademy.org.

Is there a deadline for admissions? Do you offer a discount for applying early?

Mercaz has a rolling admissions process that includes early bird discounts in certain situations.

How do I enroll my child in Mercaz?

The process begins by submitting an application form along with a Registration Request, accompanied by a deposit. After that, Mercaz will schedule an interview and arrange for completion of further paperwork, including a formal contract. Mercaz will advise you of completion of enrollment, which is subject to timely payment of tuition according to a schedule of planned payments.

How do I apply to enroll my child in Mercaz? (Can I apply via website or only hard copy?)

You can apply online here or feel free to reach out to us at admissions@mercazacademy.org or call 516.696.4200. We encourage you to tour the school before you fill out an application so you can more fully appreciate our program, our teachers, and our campus. To schedule a tour please fill out this online form and we will reach out to make arrangements or email us directly at admissions@mercazacademy.org.

Whom should I contact with all my questions?

Please send all of your questions to our Director of Admissions at admissions@mercazacademy.org or call 516.696.4200.