Introducing the Schwartz ECS in the Barokas Education Wing

The Stroum Jewish Community Center of Greater Seattle (SJCC) proudly announced today the naming of its early childhood school as the Karen and Gary Schwartz Early Childhood School, now housed in the newly renovated Joan and Larry Barokas Education Wing. These new names honor two families whose transformative gifts made possible a sweeping renovation of the SJCC’s preschool facilities and start paving the way for the next chapter of the J’s future. 

The announcement was made during the ECS Naming + Reopening Ceremony on September 7, where community members gathered to celebrate both the renaming and the reopening of the refreshed and rejuvenated early childhood spaces. 

 “This is a day of profound gratitude and excitement,” said Amy Lavin, SJCC CEO. “The generosity and vision of the Schwartz and Barokas families not only transformed these beloved spaces but also set the stage for every member of our community to grow, learn, and thrive at the J.” 

The newly renovated education wing was completed in just under 12 weeks this summer. For the first time in decades, preschool spaces—built in sections in 1969 and 1981—have been fully modernized, with updates to classrooms, gathering spaces, and critical infrastructure. Nearly 200 children and their families returned this fall to bright, updated, and welcoming classrooms that honor tradition while meeting today’s needs. 

The renovation was a major undertaking that required relocating ECS classes to other spaces within the J and to the French American School of Puget Sound (FASPS), located next door. Lavin praised the partnerships that made the project possible, noting the collaboration of Weinstein A+U, GLY Construction, FASPS, an extended network of other community partners, and quite importantly the resilience of SJCC ECS and J Camp families. 

The project is the beginning of a larger redevelopment effort to update the SJCC’s facilities, many of which date back to the 1960s. Last fall’s electrical storm, which disrupted heating and power systems at the J, underscored the urgency of modernizing infrastructure. With new HVAC systems, energy-efficient upgrades, and refreshed spaces, the Education Wing project represents a major step forward. 

As the SJCC continues its broader campus redevelopment, the renaming and renovation of the Karen and Gary Schwartz Early Childhood School and the Joan and Larry Barokas Education Wing stand as a testament to the power of philanthropy, community, and vision. 

Learn more about the Schwartz Early Childhood School here >>