We chose Glasser for a variety of reasons: Glowing recommendations on the Oak Park Moms Facebook group, the fact that children did not need to be potty trained, well-trained staff with low turnover, and the wonderful classroom spaces and play-based program were key points for us. Having the preschool connected with a reform synagogue was also important, as my spouse is Jewish and we wanted our children to begin learning about Jewish teachings and celebrations. We received a very warm welcome from the entire school staff and other preschool parents when our son, Stan, first started -- a time when the pandemic was still ongoing -- and have only grown fonder of the community. We are sad this is our last year as part of the Glasser family!  ~Emma
We found Glasser through a friend who has a son the same age as our son. We put him in the Gan Katan classroom with a couple of other children during Covid, when there was a lot of anxiety in the air.  We wondered how it might feel jumping into a community at that time -- especially as a non-Jewish family -- and it was (and always has been) nothing short of wonderful. Glasser has always felt warm and accepting. As a family, we can be ourselves at Glasser -- on the good days and the hard -- because everyone we've met through Glasser is warm, kind, and supportive. We love the teachers and so appreciate how they take the time to really get to know the children and families. 

While we initially chose Glasser because the class size was small (with a good teacher-student ratio), the school is close to home, and the hours allowed us to ease in to the preschool experience with a few short mornings a week. We've stayed over the years because of the very special community that is Glasser :) I should also mention that our next door neighbors attended Glasser many years back and spoke very highly of their experience...they are also a non-Jewish family -- I think their recommendation sealed the deal!  ~Katie
Growing up in OPT and then reconnecting with the community as an adult and sending my son to school at Glasser has been such a special experience. My son has thrived in this environment because of the bright, caring, creative teachers, the attentive staff, and the warmth of the families and community surrounding the school. I feel confident sending my son to school every day because it is evident how much he is cared for and how much thought goes into each day of classroom activity. I have since rejoined the temple, and I’m so grateful that my family is able to be a part of such a warm, welcoming community.  ~Lauren
We heard about Glasser from friends who were starting their 2-year-old in Gan Katan. I wasn't planning on starting preschool so early but I liked that my child could attend just 2 days a week. When I read more about the school and how long the teachers had been there I knew it would be a place where I could trust my child was being well taken care of. As a non-Jewish family I wasn't initially sure if we would feel out of place, but from the first day of school we have felt nothing but welcomed by the community. We are now sending our second child through Glasser because we have seen first hand how much the teachers truly care about these children. I've also now seen my oldest child gain confidence socially and be academically prepared for kindergarten through this program.  ~Catie
It's hard to put into words how special Glasser is. Ultimately, what any parent wants from a preschool is to know that their child is being loved and nurtured. At Glasser there is no finger crossing needed. Many of the teachers, led by Ms. Naomi, share membership in a community of loving kindness here at Oak Park Temple, which sets the tone for the culture of the preschool. I feel deep gratitude that the same good people who I chat with at services on Friday nights and at Temple events are also the ones caring for my little guys. Add to that culture to the many decades of collective faculty experience, and I am confident that my boys are getting the best possible social, emotional, physical and academic development.  ~Marybeth
I have been thrilled with Glasser. I'm a big fan of the play-based curriculum and am pleased to say that through that play, my daughter was more than prepared to enter kindergarten, both academically and socially. Additionally, her artistic talents and passion were nurtured and she is now quite the budding artist! My son has now entered Gan Katan and he is thriving. Couldn't be happier to be a part of the Glasser Preschool family.  ~Annika
I was looking for a school that had a play-based curriculum where my four-year-old could thrive. She learned the importance of cooperation and the social skills she needed to start Kindergarten. We were so happy with our choice, it made it easier to send our younger daughter. I knew, even though she was mostly potty-trained, that accidents would not be a problem because the staff is ready to help with that transition. I greatly appreciate that there are Jewish words, rituals and songs shared as part of each day’s learning, yet there is sensitivity to those of us who are interfaith families. We are blessed and pleased to call Glasser Preschool our children’s learning home.  ~Joan
I love Glasser Preschool. It has given my daughter a strong foundation of knowledge and her enthusiasm for continued learning as a result is wonderful to see.  Additionally the community of friends for both her and myself is a fantastic addition to the preschool experience. Thanks!  ~Courtney
We were hoping to find a part time program that would allow my child to have fun, learn social skills, connect us more to the Temple, and initiate her Jewish education.  We have been very happy with the transition, from being primarily at home to attending school three days a week.  She looks forward to going to see her teachers and friends, enjoys visiting Tot Shabbat outside of Temple, and has been developing more friendships.  We find the environment supportive and friendly to our interfaith, multicultural family.  Some of my favorite aspects of the program are the intimate setting, only 8 kids maximum to 2 teachers, the sunlight filled rooms, and the attached play area where she can socialize after school easily.  My husband, who is not Jewish, has been pleased to learn more about Judaism through her activities through the school and loves the artwork that she brings home and the new songs that she sings.  ~Lisa
We are currently putting our third child through the program and have been so pleased. Glasser Preschool offers a wonderful, welcoming and fun play-based environment for children as young as 2! Children don't need to be potty trained which was a huge plus. My children have learned so much and have made life long friends. My oldest is now an 8th grader and still friends with all of the children with whom she attended Glasser Preschool. The extended day and lunch programs provide an extra learning opportunity and time to bond with varying ages, and is been lots of fun for all three of my children. So happy to have such a wonderful preschool in Oak Park.  ~Holly
We are so happy we chose Glasser Preschool for both of our daughters! We are an interfaith family and love that GPS is open to those of any faith. The teachers are welcoming, patient (think assisting in the potty training process on the school end) and enthusiastic. Local Kindergarten teachers have said what they need most from preschools: social preparation. The play-based curriculum addressed our older daughter's need to pretend as part of her learning process. Our younger daughter's shyness has faded while her ability to join a group activity or play well with others (a.k.a. sharing) has blossomed. Thank you Glasser Preschool!  ~Anonymous