Kids, Teens & Families / ילדים, נוער & ומשפחות
One Community. Every Age & Stage.
Every child & family joins our community through a cohort designed for their child’s stage of development — from first Shabbat songs to teen leadership.
Birth - TK
Gan Or Early Childhood Community
K - 5th Grade
Nitzanim, Prachim & Shorashim
6th – 7th Grade
B’nei Mitzvah Program:
Arazim & Drorim
8th Grade
Nesharim
NEW
9th – 12th Grade
Kitchen Teen Programs
NEW
Freedom School
חינוך לכל הגילאים
Freedom School חינוך לכל הגילאים
Welcome to Freedom School
Freedom School is our family-centered educational model, where children, caregivers, and community learn alongside one another in a shared Jewish journey. From Birth – TK through 8th Grade.
A Jewish Community for the whole family
Freedom School is a family-centered learning community where parents and children grow together. Through shared Shabbat mornings, holiday celebrations, prayer, learning sessions, and meaningful relationships, we help families build the Jewish life they want to live — at school and at home, fulfilling the Torah’s vision: "When you sit in your home and when you walk along the way." (Deuteronomy 6:7 בְּשִׁבְתְּךָ בְּבֵיתֶךָ וּבְלֶכְתְּךָ בַדֶּרֶךְ). Our Community School model fosters a deep sense of belonging, connecting children across ages and creating opportunities for families to build lasting friendships, find support, and strengthen Jewish community together.
We meet on Shabbat
Instead of learning about Judaism on Sunday, we live Jewish life together on the days when it actually happens. We believe we can't teach someone how to belong to Jewish community, we have to experience it together. That's why Shabbat is the heart of Freedom School. Our services aren't separate from learning, they're part of the classroom.
And we create community beyond Saturday mornings
Freedom School meets approximately three Shabbat mornings each month throughout the school year, along with family Shabbat dinners, Havdalah gatherings, holiday celebrations, proximity days, our annual community retreat, and more. Jewish community is built by spending meaningful time together.
Freedom School Essenstials
Justice is a part of everything we do
Jewish learning isn't abstract — it's a call to action. Through Torah study, Justice & Proximity Days, and community partnerships, students learn that Jewish values come alive through empathy, responsibility, and caring for our neighbors.
Learning in cohorts that grow together
Our students learn in two-year grade cohorts, each with one consistent teacher for Preschool, K/1, 2/3, 4/5, 6th, 7th and 8th. Each grade’s curriculum centers Torah, T’fillah, Justice and Hebrew through immersive, student-driven learning. Our pedagogy centers student voice, choice, and curiosity.
Our teens are Community Leaders
Our high school teenagers return as Madrich-a/teachers for Freedom School. They help guide younger students along their Jewish journey while growing as leaders themselves. Learn about our Derech — Teen Teacher program.
Parent Learning
At Freedom School, Jewish learning is a shared family journey. While children participate in age-based cohorts, parents gather for learning, conversation, and community of their own. Through Shabbat classes, parenting workshops, Jewish learning, and family experiences throughout the year, we're building more than knowledgeable kids — we're building connected families and a community that grows together.
“Community is the medium through which people grow.”
Freedom School meets approximately three times each month throughout the school year (September–June), with most sessions taking place on Saturday mornings from 9:00 AM–12:30 PM. Why Saturdays? We believe Shabbat is the heart of Jewish life, so we build our educational program around it. We also know weekends are busy. Many of our families are balancing sports, dance, birthday parties, and everything else that comes with raising kids. That's why Freedom School includes Friday evenings, Sunday gatherings, retreats, and holiday celebrations throughout the year, creating multiple ways for families to participate and stay connected.
A Typical Shabbat Morning
Every Freedom School Shabbat is a balance of learning, prayer, creativity, play, and community.
9:00 AM Opening Circle
9:15 AM Whole-family gathering, grade-level learning & parent class
10:15 AM Recess & healthy snacks
10:45 AM Mixed-age electives (Chugim)
11:45 AM Mini Minyan — our kid-led prayer experience
12:15 PM Community Kiddush lunch (yes, bagels!)
As students grow, additional learning opportunities are added throughout the week:
Grades 3–6: Weekly 45-minute online Hebrew (Ivrit) classes on Tuesday afternoons
6th Grade: Monthly Tuesday B'nei Mitzvah gatherings
7th Grade: Weekly Tuesday Torah Love sessions with Rabbi Noa Kushner as part of our B'nei Mitzvah program
Additional Gatherings & Holidays
Throughout the year, families also gather for 3 Kabbalat Shabbat dinners, 1 Havdalah gathering, 2 Justice & Proximity Days, Holiday programs/celebrations (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Hanukkah, Purim, Lag Ba'Omer, Shavuot), The Kitchen Retreat (Friday–Sunday), and end-of-summer community day trip
All of these experiences are included with your Freedom School enrollment unless otherwise specified per program.
Want to see the full year?
→ View the Freedom School Calendar
How Freedom School Works
Learning Hebrew
Hebrew is the language of our prayers, our Torah, and our shared Jewish story. It connects us to generations before us while remaining a living, vibrant language today.
At Freedom School, we learn Hebrew not simply to decode words on a page, but to become active participants in Jewish life. As students grow in confidence, Hebrew becomes a gateway to prayer, Torah reading, and meaningful participation in community.
Weekly Hebrew (Grades 3–6)
Students participate in a 45-minute online Hebrew class every Tuesday afternoon in small groups of 5–7 students.
Classes focus on:
Hebrew letters & vowels
Reading fluency
Prayer vocabulary
Torah vocabulary
Building confidence year after year
Students are grouped by their stage of learning:
Kita Alef — First year
Kita Bet — Second year
Kita Gimel — Third year
Kita Dalet — Fourth year
Tuition
What's Included
Freedom School tuition includes for Ages 0 through 8th grade includes:
31 in-person Shabbat & holiday gatherings
Weekly Hebrew classes (Grades 3–6)
The Kitchen Retreat*
High Holiday, Hanukkah, Purim & Shavuot programming
NEW: Paytanim: Kitchen Kids Edition with Hazzan Asher
NEW: Tuesday B'nei Mitzvah learning (Grades 6–7)
Parent learning & adult education
Weekly Kiddush lunch & healthy snacks
*Includes standard cabin lodging for the enrolled child and up to two parents/caregivers for Gan Gadol–8th Grade. Additional fees apply for non-enrolled siblings and upgraded lodging requests. Families enrolled in Gan Katan are eligible to attend our retreat (even if you’re not a member, yet) with a 25% discount on standard fees.
Looking for enrollment & tuition info for our teen programs? Click here.
Early Enrollment Special
Enroll by EOD August 15, 2026 for our early enrollment special pricing. Regular prices will apply for enrollment on August 16, 2026 and later.
Tuition Fees by Class Cohorts
Early Enrollment by August 15th
Gan Katan (Birth–2): $350
Gan Gadol (Preschool–TK): $775
K–2nd Grade: $2,625
3rd–5th Grade: $2,950
6th-7th Grade: $2,725
8th Grade: $1,650
Regular Enrollment after August 15th
Gan Katan (Birth–2): $500
Gan Gadol (Preschool–TK): $975
K–2nd Grade: $2,900
3rd–5th Grade: $3,250
6th-7th Grade: $3,000
8th Grade: $1,800
Please note:
Gan Katan (Birth–2): Kitchen membership is not required during your first year, making it an easy way for new families to get to know our community. Families are also eligible to attend our annual Kitchen Retreat at 25% off.
Grades 3–6: Tuition includes weekly online Hebrew (Ivrit) classes, which begins in 3rd grade.
Grades 6-7 / B'nei Mitzvah Program: Tuition includes the two-year B'nei Mitzvah educational program but does not include the suggested B'nei Mitzvah donation or Kiddush sponsorship associated with your child's celebration.
Financial Aid & Payment Options
We believe Jewish community should be accessible to every family. Financial aid is available, and we encourage you to request it if cost would otherwise be a barrier to participation.
Simply indicate your interest in financial aid on the enrollment form, and a member of our team will follow up with you directly. To reserve your child's spot, a $500 deposit per student is due at the time of enrollment.
If you'd like to discuss financial aid before enrolling, please contact our Executive Director, Kate Glass, at kate@thekitchensf.org.
On the final page of enrollment, you'll have the option to pay in full or choose a monthly payment plan.
Membership
Freedom School is part of The Kitchen community, so enrolled families are also expected to become Kitchen members. Membership connects your family to Shabbat, holidays, retreats, and the broader life of our community beyond Freedom School.
→ Learn about Kitchen Membership
Questions about membership? Contact Kate Glass, Executive Director at kate@thekitchensf.org.
Proximity Day – Volunteering at GLIDE
Student displaying artwork
Etz Chaim / The Tree of Life
Our Educators & Teen Assistants
Preparing lunches at GLIDE
The story of creation as told by our students arts & crafts
Kitchen Purim Party
Getting ready for the Passover seder
Gan Or / גַּן אוֹר
Our Early Childhood Community (Birth–TK)
Freedom School Shabbat Mornings | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Introduction
Gan Or ("Garden of Light") is where our youngest families begin their Jewish journey together at Freedom School. Our program has expanded this year to include a session every Freedom School Shabbat, when babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their parents gather for joyful mornings filled with music, movement, play, learning, and community. Children participate in one of two age-based tracks designed for their stage of development, Gan Katan (Birth-2) and Gan Gadol (Preschool-TK) then come back together for shared Shabbat experiences that build friendships across ages and lasting connections between families.
Every Gan Or Shabbat Includes
Both Gan Katan and Gan Gadol come together throughout the morning for shared community experiences, including:
Community Shabbat gatherings
Challah baking
A joyful musical Kabbalat Shabbat circle where children gradually learn to help lead the experience
Outdoor play
Healthy snacks
Shared celebrations with the larger Freedom School community
Gan Or is led by educator Gal Givol and supported by our trained teen madrichim, who bring warmth, energy, and extra helping hands to every Shabbat.
Parents are encouraged to stay with their children during the first weeks of the program. As children become comfortable, caregivers are invited to join our Shabbat Parent Learning class before returning for a shared community celebration later in the morning.
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A warm, welcoming community for babies, toddlers, and the grown-ups raising them.
The earliest years of childhood are filled with wonder, discovery, and growth. Gan Katan is a joyful space where babies and toddlers are introduced to the rhythms of Shabbat through music, movement, sensory exploration, stories, and play, while the grown-ups in their lives find community, build friendships, and share the joys (and challenges) of these early years together.
Together we'll sing, celebrate holidays, explore Jewish traditions, and create beautiful first memories of Jewish community.
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A playful, hands-on Jewish learning experience for curious young children.
As children grow, so does their curiosity. Through Torah stories, holidays, prayer, Hebrew, art, music, dramatic play, and movement, Gan Gadol helps children deepen their connection to Jewish life while building confidence, independence, and meaningful relationships with educators and friends.
Children become familiar with Jewish prayers, learn key blessings, explore their meanings, and gain joyful exposure to Hebrew. Throughout the year, our TK students will also spend time with the K–1 class as they prepare for the transition into Freedom School.
Tuition & Enrollment
Gan Or meets every Freedom School Shabbat throughout the year.
Gan Katan (Birth–2) is open to new families, and Kitchen membership is not required during your first year. Families are also eligible to attend our annual community retreat at a 25% discount.
Gan Gadol (Preschool–TK) is available to Kitchen member families and includes participation in our annual community retreat at no additional cost.
Several Shabbat mornings throughout the year will be designated as Open Houses for prospective families.
Early Enrollment by August 15th
Gan Katan (Birth–2): $350
Gan Gadol (Preschool–TK): $775
Regular Enrollment after August 15th
Gan Katan (Birth–2): $500
Gan Gadol (Preschool–TK): $975
Financial Aid & Payment Options
We believe Jewish community should be accessible to every family. Financial aid is available, and we encourage you to request it if cost would otherwise be a barrier to participation.
Financial aid & payment options can be found here.
Questions about Gan Or?
Contact our Director of Family Education, Rabba Mor Shimonie, at mor@thekitchensf.org.
K–5
Nitzanim, Prachim
& Shorashim
Jewish learning that comes alive.
Elementary-aged students learn through music, storytelling, creativity, prayer, electives, and hands-on experiences that make Judaism something they don't just study, they live.
Children learn in multi-age cohorts (Nitzanim – K & 1st Grade, Prachim – 2nd & 3rd Grade, Shorashim – 4th & 5th Grade) centered around Torah stories, Jewish holidays, prayer, Hebrew (begins in 3rd grade), and Jewish values while discovering the joy of belonging to Jewish community.
The school year is divided into 3 seasons, each bringing a new theme — Jewish Time, Jewish Home, and Jewish Peoplehood — while each age group explores Torah stories and ideas designed especially for their stage of development.
What They'll Experience
Weekly Shabbat learning
Torah stories and Jewish values
Prayer and Jewish practice
Hebrew learning (begins in 3rd grade)
Seasonal electives (Chugim)
Mini-Minyan children's prayer experiences
Holiday celebrations
Social action projects
Outdoor play and healthy snacks
The annual Kitchen Retreat (included)
Tuition & Enrollment
Early Enrollment by August 15th
K–2nd Grade: $2,625
3rd–5th Grade: $2,950
Regular Enrollment after August 16th
K–2nd Grade: $2,900
3rd–5th Grade: $3,250
Tuition for 3rd–5th Grade is higher due to the addition of weekly Hebrew classes.
For a list of everything that is included in tuition, click here.
Financial Aid & Payment Options
We believe Jewish community should be accessible to every family. Financial aid is available, and we encourage you to request it if cost would otherwise be a barrier to participation.
Financial aid & payment options can be found here.
Questions about our K-5th Grade Program?
Contact our Director of Family Education, Rabba Mor Shimonie, at mor@thekitchensf.org.
Becoming B'nei Mitzvah is one of the most meaningful moments in a young person's Jewish life — but it's not the finish line. It's the beginning.
The Kitchen's two-year B'nei Mitzvah program prepares students academically, spiritually, emotionally, and socially as they grow into thoughtful Jewish young adults. Led by Rabbi Noa Kushner, Rabbi Michael Lezak, Rabba Mor Shimonie, Hazzan Asher, and additional educators, students explore Torah, Midrash, leadership, social justice, identity, and responsibility while preparing to write and deliver their own D'var Torah and develop a meaningful mitzvah project. Along the way, they'll build lasting friendships, ask big questions, and discover their own Jewish voice.
Because our B'nei Mitzvah program grows out of the Freedom School experience, we encourage families to join as early as possible. Children begin participating in Shabbat services in kindergarten, Hebrew learning begins in 3rd grade, and enrollment in Freedom School is required beginning in 5th grade. Students who have spent time learning, celebrating, and building community before 6th grade arrive with strong relationships and a deep sense of belonging.
In 6th grade, each student officially begins their B'nei Mitzvah journey by receiving their ceremony date, Torah portion, clergy mentor, and tutor. Throughout the two-year program, students continue participating in every Freedom School Shabbat while gathering on Tuesdays for dedicated B'nei Mitzvah learning, leadership, and community.
Areas of Learning
Midrash & Jewish interpretation
Writing and delivering a D'var Torah
Jewish leadership
Prophetic literature & social justice
Identity, belonging & responsibility
Mitzvah project development
Community building
Grades 6–7
Arazim & Drorim
The B'nei Mitzvah Program
Schedule
Students continue participating in every Freedom School Shabbat throughout the year, with additional B'nei Mitzvah learning on Tuesday evenings.
6th Grade Saturday Freedom School Shabbat + Monthly Tuesday B'nei Mitzvah gatherings, 5:00–6:30 PM (yes, pizza is included!)
7th Grade Saturday Freedom School Shabbat sessions + Weekly Tuesday B'nei Mitzvah Torah Love class with Rabbi Noa, Rabba Mor, Hazzan Asher + other teachers, at 5:00–6:30 PM (of course, pizza is also included!)
Tuition & Enrollment
Early Enrollment by August 15th
$2,725
Regular Enrollment after August 15th
$3,000
Tuition does not include the suggested donation & celebration kiddush sponsorship for your child’s b’nei mitzvah.
For a list of everything that is included in tuition, click here.
Financial Aid & Payment Options
We believe Jewish community should be accessible to every family. Financial aid is available, and we encourage you to request it if cost would otherwise be a barrier to participation.
Financial aid & payment options can be found here.
Questions about B’nei Mitzvah Program?
Contact our Director of Family Education, Rabba Mor Shimonie, at mor@thekitchensf.org. Questions about our program?
Grade 8
Nesharim
New this year!
What happens after you become B'nei Mitzvah? You lead.
Nesharim is a brand-new studio program created for students who are ready to continue growing as Jewish leaders after becoming Bar, Bat, or Beit Mitzvah.
Students deepen their Jewish learning while training as Freedom School madrichim / teen teachers, leading younger students, planning community experiences, and strengthening their confidence as role models within our community.
Rather than graduating from Jewish learning, students step into new responsibility — and a new chapter of leadership.
Students will:
Get hands on learning to become Freedom School madrichim
Leadership experience
Continue Torah reading and Jewish learning
Lead prayers and ritual moments
Help shape Freedom School experiences
Explore Jewish leadership and communal responsibility
Throughout the year, students will also participate in social gatherings with both 7th & 9th graders, creating a natural bridge into our high school community.
Caregivers continue learning alongside their teens through dedicated education and conversations focused on raising Jewish teenagers.
Tuition & Enrollment
Early Enrollment by August 15th
$1,650
Regular Enrollment after August 15th
$1,800
Tuition does not include the suggested donation & celebration kiddush sponsorship for your childs b’nei mitzvah.
For a list of everything that is included in tuition, click here.
Financial Aid & Payment Options
We believe Jewish community should be accessible to every family. Financial aid is available, and we encourage you to request it if cost would otherwise be a barrier to participation.
Financial aid & payment options can be found here.
Questions about the 8th Grade Studio Program?
Contact our Director of Family Education, Rabba Mor Shimonie, at mor@thekitchensf.org.
Grades 9 - 12
Kitchen Teen Programs
High school is when Jewish life becomes your own.
Kitchen Teen Club (KTC) is the home base for all high school students at The Kitchen. Throughout the year, teens gather for meaningful Jewish experiences, social events, holidays, retreats, and community service while building lasting friendships with one another. Students who want to deepen their experience can also apply to The Hineni Fellowship or Derech — Teen Teacher programs.
Kitchen Teen Club (KTC)
Your Home Base
Kitchen Teen Club is the heart of our high school community.
Whether you've grown up at The Kitchen or you're joining us for the first time, KTC is where you'll celebrate Jewish life, build friendships, and stay connected throughout high school.
Throughout the year, teens enjoy:
Monthly social gatherings
Holiday celebrations
Community Shabbat experiences
Outdoor adventures, ice skating, Escape Room excursions + more
Volunteer opportunities and Justice/Proximity Days
20% Discount for Kitchen Escape member retreat for the teen member
High School Senior Farewell Shabbat
Kitchen Teen Club is open to all students in grades 9–12 who are members of The Kitchen.
Membership Fees, Eligibility & Enrollment
Fees*
$500 per year — enroll by August 15th
$600 per year — enroll after August 15th
Eligibility
Kitchen Membership
Open to all students in grades 9–12
If your family isn’t a current member family, reach out to Rabba Mor Shimonie at mor@thekitchensf.org to find out about our Teen Membership option.
Financial aid & payment options can be found here.
Enrollment
If your teen plans on applying to the Derech — Teen Teacher or Hineni Fellowship (more info about both programs below) please have them apply before filling out this form. Once their programs for the year are confirmed, you will receieve a unique form link to enroll in Kitchen Teen Club.
*There is no fee for KTC for teens who are part of the Hineni Fellowship program.
Deepen Your Experience
Kitchen Teen Club is the foundation of our teen community. Students who want to deepen their experience can apply our leadership pathways.
Derech — Teen Teachers
Lead the Next Generation
"Derech" (דרך) means road or path.
As a Madrich (מדריך) or a Madricha (מדריכה), you'll help guide younger students along their Jewish journey while growing as a leader yourself.
Our madrichim are much more than assistant teachers — they're mentors, role models, and an essential part of the Freedom School community. Through leadership, presence, and care, they help create joyful Jewish learning while developing practical leadership skills they'll carry far beyond high school.
As a Madrich/a, You'll
Be a role model for younger students
Support teachers in planning and leading activities
Help with classroom management
Participate in leadership trainings and staff meetings
Plan games, electives, and community experiences
Help create joyful Freedom School mornings
Throughout the year, madrichim receive ongoing mentorship and leadership training, culminating in Teen Takeover, when they lead Freedom School together.
Commitment
Freedom School Shabbat mornings please look at these dates before applying to confirm your availability. Staff set-up beginning at 8:30 AM.
Staff meeting & leadership training
until 1:30 PM (lunch included).
Eligibility & Compensation
Grades 9–12
Kitchen Teen Club (KTC) member or Hineni Fellow — once accepted into the Derech program, you will receive a unique link to enroll into either program
Application and interview required prior to enrollment
Students may receive community service hours, paid compensation, or a combination of both depending on role and experience.
How to Apply
Submit your Derech application.
Rabba Mor Shimonie will review your application and contact you to schedule a Zoom interview.
If accepted, you'll receive an enrollment form to complete your registration.
Applying before August 15? If you're accepted after the Early Enrollment deadline and are wanting to join KTC, we'll honor the discounted early enrollment rate for your KTC membership.
Questions about the Derech — Teen Teacher Program?
Contact our Director of Family Education, Rabba Mor Shimonie, at mor@thekitchensf.org.
The Hineni Fellowship
Leadership. Learning. Purpose.
"Hineni" means "Here I am."
The Hineni Fellowship is a year-long Jewish leadership program for teens who want to explore Jewish identity, ask big questions, develop leadership skills, and make a meaningful impact in their community.
Rather than traditional classroom learning, fellows engage in workshops, retreats, service projects, Jewish learning, and leadership experiences that challenge them to think deeply, lead courageously, and discover what Judaism can offer in today's world.
By the end of the year, fellows won't simply know more about Judaism—they'll know themselves more deeply, lead with greater confidence, and feel prepared to say Hineni whenever their community calls.
Fellowship Focus
Jewish learning
Leadership development
Justice & social impact
Community building
Included in Your Fellowship
Kitchen Teen Club membership! Access to everything included in our KTC membership
Monthly Shabbat & Sunday workshops (lunch included)
Opening, Midyear & Closing Retreats
Kitchen Escape Retreat*
Guest speakers and leadership workshops
High Holiday, Hanukkah, Purim & Shavuot programming
All Kitchen Teen Club events
*Standard cabin lodging for the enrolled teen and up to two parents. Additional fees apply for parents, non-enrolled siblings and upgraded lodging requests.
Core Fellowship Commitments
Monthly Shabbat or Sunday Workshops
Day-long retreats at the opening, midpoint and closing of the year
Attend the Kitchen Escape
Eligibility
Grades 9–12
Kitchen membership required
Application required
Applications are due September 1st.
How to Apply
Submit your Hineni Fellowship application.
Our team will review your application and our program lead, Sophie Teitelbaum, will be in touch.
If accepted, you'll receive an enrollment form for The Hineni Fellowship, which includes your Kitchen Teen Club membership at no additional cost.
Fellowship Fees
$1,200 — apply by August 15th
$1,350 — apply by September 1st
Applying before August 15? If you're accepted after the Early Enrollment deadline, we will honor the discounted early enrollment rate.
Financial aid & payment options can be found here.