BJH: Please share with us how Ateres came to be
AB: Baltimore is, Baruch Hashem, blessed with a burgeoning Jewish population. The rabbonim identified a growing need for another girls school to keep up with the existing and expanding demand. Dedicated askonim were tasked with staffing, funding, and providing the necessary infrastructure to start a school from scratch. After a few years of hard work, Ateres is be’ezras Hashem a reality!
BJH: Where is Ateres currently located?
AB: With much siyata d’Shmaya, Ateres is currently housed at Liberty Jewish Center. The ample space has been converted into a warm and richly equipped learning environment adjacent to a beautiful yard with playground equipment. The hallway is decorated with bright and tasteful bulletin boards. There is room for our classrooms as well as a dedicated room for auxiliary service providers, such as speech, OT, social work and reading intervention.
As Ateres grows be”H, our tireless team will be looking for a larger and more permanent location.
BJH: What can you tell us about the student experience at Ateres?
AB: Ateres sets a high academic standard in an environment of nurturing and connection. Ateres leadership has researched the very best in current curricula, presenting timeless values through current methodology. Kriability and ReadBright curricula provide a multisensory experience that engage the children and systematically build their skills. The Hebrew language curriculum is integrated throughout the learning, reinforcing the skills in a natural way. An innovative math curriculum explores math concepts through tiered games that grow with the child as they master each skill. Talented teachers inspire joyful, curious learners and build confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills. The power of play is harnessed through studies in our thematic units curriculum, incorporating language, literacy, phonemic awareness, pre-reading skills and math. It’s exciting to watch the girls’ joy as they build themselves up with confidence and growth as a bas yisrael, learning through instruction, play and song.
Ateres has incorporated a lot of extracurricular activities as well. We’ve had a shofar demonstration, a beekeeper presentation, a chicken for kaparos and a trip to the zoo! This is all in addition to our steady specials, like gym, music, and library. Our talmidos look forward to Rosh Chodesh assemblies which include exciting, hands-on activities.
BJH: What ages does Ateres currently serve?
AB: Right now we have nursery and kindergarten serving 4- and 5-year olds. We look forward to our expansion as the years progress!
BJH: Who is the leadership of Ateres?
AB: Ateres is fortunate to be led by an active and involved Vaad HaChinuch. They bring a broad range of Torah and Chinuch experience from across Baltimore’s schools and neighborhoods to their direction of all areas of Ateres, large and small.
The menaheles, Mrs. Rochel Froehlich, has taught and guided students at all levels from preschool to post-high school. She brings her years of chinuch experience to the vision and day-to-day operations of Ateres. Talmidos and parents alike are drawn to the warm and vibrant ruach that fills Ateres’ halls.
This is so exciting for our community! How can someone find more information?
AB: You can visit our website – ateresmd.org – for more information and for applications. You can call our office at 443-418-8463, or email office@ateresmd.org with any questions. Tours are currently underway for those considering Ateres for the upcoming school year.
