Welcome to Temple Beth Shalom Preschool

in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Temple Beth Shalom Preschool is a private, non-profit early childhood center licensed by the State of New Mexico's Early Childhood Education & Care Department (ECECD). We have a 4 star, high quality FOCUS rating and are committed to ensuring the highest standards of learning and care for children.

Our early childhood center consists of 4 classrooms, where we celebrate all diverse backgrounds and faiths. We educate students from as young as 18 months old, to students preparing for kindergarten. We are proud of our hardworking, knowledgeable and compassionate staff members who adjust their teaching for each student. We are accommodating to all children, regardless of developmental delays or disabilities. Please see below to learn more about our classrooms at Temple Beth Shalom Preschool.

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Shemesh

(Hebrew for 'sun')

18mos-2yrs

Shemesh enrolls 10 students per year.

Our youngest classroom at Temple Beth Shalom Preschool is Shemesh, consisting of children aged 18months to 2 years old. Our wonderful teachers in Shemesh have curated a curriculum that allows their students to learn through exploration and play. This developmental stage is where our students will learn skills like gross motor, fine motor, prosocial interaction, and emotional regulation. They also have tons of energy and learn so much by exploring their environment!

Doobim

(Hebrew for 'bears')
2yrs-3yrs

Doobim enrolls 10 students per year.

Our next classroom at Temple Beth Shalom Preschool is Doobim, which consists of children between 2yrs old and 3yrs old. In this classroom, the students are learning to problem solve, expand their vocabulary, and play pretend. Our preschool kiddos learn so much in Doobim!

This classroom consists of students aged 3yrs to 4yrs, and is part of our New Mexico Pre K Program. The students in this class are encouraged to be independent, curious learners who explore new academic concepts while still working on basic skills like problem solving.

keshet

(Hebrew for 'rainbow')
3yrs-4yrs

Keshet enrolls 12 students per year.

Our oldest classroom at Temple Beth Shalom Preschool is Soosim. Located in our upstairs room, our Soosim students are preparing for kindergarten. They are focused on writing, learning to read, and expanding their vocabularies. But that's not all, they are also expanding on their social skills and practicing conflict resolution.

Soosim

(Hebrew for 'horses')
3yrs-4yrs

Keshet enrolls 12 students per year.

At Temple Beth Shalom Preschool, we are lucky to have a dedicated Art Program! Our groups typically have 1-2 art classes per week. In these classes, our students do art projects related to books, the changing seasons, and holidays (including Jewish holidays, of course)!

The kiddos always look forward to going to the art room and creating something special and unique to them. These projects are often sent home so parents can hold onto the memory for years to come.

Art Program

Learn More About Our Programs

Testimonials

Marzen-Johnson family

"We have loved Temple Beth Shalom since starting in August for our toddler. They have classroom play-based learning plans, even for the youngest kids (18m-2 years), and the kids love it. They have a great teacher to student ratio and clearly really care about the children. We are grateful to have our child here, and look forward to our youngest going there as well when she turns 18m."

Rackers family

"I can say that our experience at TBS in the Pre-K program for my son has been great. The school is communicative, teachers are happy to be with the kids and have prepared engaging activities for them, and there are extras like art class and soccer. We are not Jewish, but appreciate the religious connection as another opportunity to learn about caring for people and our world in a child-friendly way. I can only speak to my experience in preschool this year, but would recommend the program to others and plan to send my youngest too."

Lorenzo family

"Great school! The teachers and the pre school director have been very supportive with my child helping him adapt to the school setting since he was home the first 4 years and had not been in any school setting before. The teachers are very communicative and are always willing to help to keep students improving and thriving!"

Temple Beth Shalom Preschool

Preschool Director: Barbara "Amelia" ByrneGonzales

Preschool Admin: Madeline "Kay" Matich

Temple Beth Shalom Preschool inspires children to be life-long learners through play-based, self-directed exploration. We use children’s natural curiosity and competency as a starting point to empower them as learners.

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Our students benefit from small class sizes and the warmth of our professional & dedicated educators. The outdoor space is an extension of the classroom where learning continues in two playgrounds and a student-tended garden. Intentional materials encourage creativity, exploration, and discovery. Children practice their communication skills through spoken language, artistic expression, and early literacy activities. They learn how to care for the environment and for each other, and how to think critically about the world around them.

TBS preschool welcomes students from diverse families, backgrounds, and faiths.

All children experience Jewish ritual and we organize our teaching through the lens of the following shared Jewish values:

Chaveruta – Partnership & deep discussion
G’milut Chasadim — Kind deeds
Tikkun Olam — Repairing the world
Tzedakah — Generosity and the pursuit of justice
Bal Tashchit — Care of the Earth

Admissions

Please note: As of May 2026, Temple Beth Shalom Preschool is fully enrolled.

The next enrollment period will be Summer of 2026. Please reach out about availability for 2026-2027 school year.

Parents are welcome to submit a waitlist application for their child any

time from pre-birth up to age 5 for our Preschool & Pre-K programs.

We accept enrollment throughout the year based on available spaces.

Our program is year-round, August - July. Children must be 18 months old prior to their first day of attendance.

Our classes fill up quickly and we often have a waitlist of 10+ children per class. We encourage you to get on the waitlist as quickly as possible to have the best chance of securing a spot.

Please note: There is a one-time $50 application fee. It is waive-able upon request if your family requires financial assistance.

To schedule a visit or a tour of the school, or for more information, please contact us at 505-982-6888 or preschool@sftbs.org

Frequently Asked Questions

How many teachers are in each classroom?

There are always at least 2 teachers in each classroom. The two New Mexico PreK Classrooms have 3 teachers. All teachers participate in regular professional development trainings and are aligned with the mission to ensure a joyous and consistent experience for children.

Is TBS Preschool year-round?

Yes. TBS Preschool runs its program from August - July. We are closed for 3 weeks for our "summer break" which is typically the last week of July and the first two weeks of August. We follow the Santa Fe Public Schools calendar for school breaks (aside from summer) and we are closed for some Jewish holidays.

Tell me about the application process?

Here are the steps in the application process:

Apply online using the waitlist application link above. This will take you to a Google form.
After we receive and process your application, you will receive an invoice for a one-time, non-refundable $50 application fee. We ask that you pay this fee online through Brightwheel.
Spots will be filled in the order applications are received. However, siblings of current students and members of Temple Beth Shalom do receive priority on our waitlist.
You will automatically be placed on the waitlist and will be informed by email that your application is confirmed. This confirmation email simply signifies that you have been added to the list.
If your child is being enrolled, you will receive notification via email with all enrollment information.

How do I apply?

Click here to access the online application. You will be taken to a Google form.

Is there a fee to apply?

Yes. The one-time non-refundable application fee is $50. After you submit the application online you will be invoiced for $50. We request that you pay this fee online through Brightwheel.

Is there a waitlist?

Yes. Classes fill up quickly, so we encourage you to apply early. If the class is full you will be notified that you are on the waitlist and we’ll let you know as soon as a spot opens up.

I’m pregnant or my child is under 18 months old – can I apply now even though the school starts at age 18 months?

Yes, we encourage to apply early to get on the waitlist. Your child will be eligible for a spot as soon as they turn 18 months and a spot becomes available. Usually this will be in August, the year your child is 18 months, but sometimes a spot could open sooner. Please call for current enrollment availability.

Is there a deadline to apply?

We receive applications on a rolling basis. We encourage you to get your application in quickly as spots fill up fast.

What if I have other questions?

For more information contact us.

Email: preschool@sftbs.org.
Call at 505-982-6888