Thanks to a transformative gift, the SJCC’s preschool is now the Karen and Gary Schwartz Early Childhood School, a new name that honors our past and celebrates our future. With this exciting update comes the same renowned early childhood education our community has trusted for decades.
At Schwartz ECS, located on Mercer Island, we believe all children are capable, competent, and natural researchers. More than a daycare, we are a school that provides a warm, engaging environment where children thrive socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually.
Guided by Jewish values and an innovative Reggio Emilia-inspired philosophy, our preschool nurtures curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning. Our compassionate teachers lead with kindness, believing that relationships—from one person to another, and from one person to their environment—create engaged, intentional, responsible lifelong learners and community citizens.
Ages 3 months to 6 years. Full-time and part-time programs. Everyone is welcome.
Why Choose Schwartz ECS We provide innovative learning experiences that cultivate emotional, social, physical, and cognitive growth.
Our Philosophy Discover a nurturing, child-centered approach where curiosity leads the way in our Reggio Emilia-inspired learning environment.
Our Programs Explore our mission-driven educational programs tailored for children from infants to kindergarten—where every age group grows, learns, and thrives.
Our Teachers With exceptionally low child-to-teacher ratios and small class sizes, our dedicated teachers provide personalized attention that supports the development of the whole child.
Jewish Values Rooted in Jewish values, our program fosters kindness, a strong sense of community, and a lifelong love of learning, encouraging children to grow with compassion and purpose.
Our Community Join our warm, inclusive community and enjoy a variety of events, programs, and amenities for every generation.
Slide
Our one year old son has been at Schwartz ECS for two school years. We love that it feels more like a caring community and school than “just a daycare.” Every one of his teachers care for him so much and feel like a part of our village. We’re so grateful for the Schwartz ECS and feel good leaving our son in their care during the week.
Katie W, via Google Reviews
Slide
All three of my kids have gone to Schwartz ECS and have been nurtured and stimulated. They have gone into kindergarten academically, socially, and emotionally ahead and beyond prepared. They are happy and we have built the most amazing community through our kids being here. We are beyond grateful and wouldn’t send our kids anywhere else.
Lauren L, via Google Reviews
Slide
We love Schwartz ECS! Our little girl has been here since she was 3 months old, and the teachers are leadership are truly caring and loving people. We completely trust them to care for our baby. I’m so happy she is growing up in such a nurturing community. Bonus points for the huge outdoor space where the kids get to enjoy activities and fresh air all year round.
Zhaowen L, via Google Reviews
Slide
We enrolled our one-year-old daughter at Schwartz ECS this September, and we couldn’t be more pleased with our experience. The teachers are exceptionally caring and capable. They supported our daughter’s transition to school with great patience and provide detailed updates on her day in class each evening we pick her up
Ji L, via Google Reviews
Slide
Our child has been enrolled at Schwartz ECS for a few months now and I have only positive things to say about the staff, from the teachers to the front desk secretaries. This program and community has been vital in our child thriving.
Shannon B, via Google Reviews
Slide
Our experience with the Schwartz ECS has been nothing short of amazing! From the moment we first visited the school, we were made to feel like family. The school environment buzzes with warmth as teachers and students from all classes support and care for each other… We feel so blessed to be a part of this loving community and so strongly support all that they are doing as a school.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
