Preschool of the Arts

Cambridge Preschool of the Arts is a Reggio Emilia-influenced Jewish preschool with several locations around Cambridge, including Harvard Square, West Cambridge, Inman Square and East Cambridge. Its program builds early learning through play, social collaboration and exploration, and it treats children’s natural curiosity as the starting point for learning. An emergent, open curriculum lets children reach their own conclusions through hands-on experience, so they come to own what they know.

The school describes its atmosphere as gentle and happy, with classrooms full of the sound of children creating. Its centers are designed with airy, sunlit rooms, cozy corners and plenty of space to explore, create and play. Families are treated as partners in their child’s early education, and prospective parents are encouraged to schedule a visit. One East Cambridge parent describes the school as carefully designed to encourage discovery and play.

What to Know

• The school partners with Cambridge Public Schools to offer tuition-free pre-K to Cambridge residents.
• Elkie Zarchi serves as head of school.
• It is often referred to by the shorthand POTA.