Our class sizes ensure that every student receives individual attention. This allows our educators to tailor lessons to each child’s unique interests and needs, fostering a personal learning journey. In our Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC), children are introduced to the joy of learning through play. The traits we hope to encourage in our students are the same that we seek in our teachers: kind, smart, curious, joyful.
Rockwern boasts a 117,000-square-foot facility equipped with a full gym, expansive library, cutting-edge STEAM center, and art room complete with a kiln. Our students relish daily outdoor activities on the early childhood playground.
General Info:Â
Address: 8401 Montgomery Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45236
Phone: (513) 984-3770
Website: www.RockwernAcademy.org
Q&A with Rockwern Academy:
What makes Rockwern Academy unique?
We offer a nurturing educational experience for students from 12 months through eighth grade. Rockwern Academy is a Jewish day school, and we welcome children of all backgrounds.
What is Rockwern Academy’s age/grade range?
Rockwern Academy’s Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC) serves children 12 months through pre-k. Rockwern also serves students in kindergarten through eighth grade.
What is Rockwern Academy’s educational philosophy?
At Rockwern’s ECEC, students learn math, science, letters, and Hebrew through play-based learning. We pack each day with art, music, and games to give children a wonderful foundation for learning.
What is your enrollment policy? Are there any key dates parents should be aware of?
Rockwern Academy’s ECEC runs on a school schedule. Enrollment opens January 6, 2025 and operates on a rolling basis. Call the admissions office at 513-984-3770 or email [email protected] for more information. Our school year starts mid-August and runs through the end of May. Camps are available during the summer months. Visit RockwernAcademy.org/Camp to learn more.
What are the standard school day hours? Does Rockwern Academy offer flexible day/hour options? Is before/after school care available?
We offer half and full-day options, as well as three or five-day options for toddlers through our three-year-old program. Pre-K students attend five days per week, with a half or full-day option.
- Half Day: 8:00 AM – 12:15 PM
- Full Day: 8:00 AM – 3:15 PM
- Complete Day (includes Early and After Care): 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Mondays-Thursdays), 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Fridays)
Our Before Care (7:00 AM – 8:00 AM) comes at no extra charge. After Care is offered for a fee, depending on how many days per week are needed.
How many children are in each class? How are children divided up up?
Young Toddlers – 9
Toddlers – 12
Two’s – 11
Three’s – 12
Pre-K – 14
Children are divided by age and stay with their class for the school year.
What is the teacher/child ratio?
Rockwern Academy stays below state standards for our classroom ratios. Here is the current breakdown, based on ages:
Young Toddlers- 1:3
Toddlers- 1:4
Two’s- 1:5
Three’s- 1:6
Pre-k- 1:7
What are the teacher’s credentials?
Rockwern Academy hires teachers based on their experience and educational background. Most of our teachers carry an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree.
Is parental participation required?
Parents are not required to participate – but they are welcome to in various ways!
How do teachers communicate with parents? How often do parents receive updates?
Our main form of communication in the ECEC is through the Toddle Play app. Teachers are able to post pictures of the children from the day and send quick communication to parents, updating them on how their child’s day is going, what they ate for a snack/lunch, how well they napped, along with general information.
Parents can send messages to teachers as well. We provide parent/teacher conferences twice during the school year; in addition, the teachers are available for conferencing at any time throughout the year if a parent requests it.
Does Rockwern Academy offer support for students with special needs?
In our early childhood program, we do not offer any specific support for children with special needs. In our K-8 program, we have a school psychologist, school counselor, intervention specialist, reading specialist, ELL teacher, speech-language pathologist, and math enrichment specialist. We are also a satellite location for Cincinnati Occupational Therapy Institute (COTI), which offers occupational therapy to Rockwern students in our building.
How much time do the children spend outside?
Weather permitting, each class is outside for a half-hour during the morning hours and then again for a half-hour during the afternoon.
Are meals and/or snacks provided?
We offer a morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack. Parents may opt in or out of lunch, choosing to pack if they’d like. We also offer snacks to students in After Care.
Does my child need to be potty-trained?
Children do not need to be potty trained in our toddler and two-year-old classes. However, they do need to be potty trained for our three’s and pre-k. Support is given by the teachers, especially when children are going through potty training at home.
What enrichment programs/activities are offered?
Enrichment is built into our daily schedule. Students attend library, gym, music, and Hebrew – giving them the discovery of a second language at a young age. We also offer additional after school dance and sports options.
Who should parents contact for more information about Rockwern Academy?
Parents can contact Sarah Shmoel at [email protected] with questions or to request enrollment information, as well as to set up a tour.

