Project Profile: Westchester Torah Academy
Westchester Torah Academy Early Learning Center: Dreaming Big
Architect: Hila Stern HSB Architecture & Design
Written by Cole Kapler | Photography by Katherine Marks
When the Westchester Torah Academy (WTA) Early Learning Center (ELC) in New Rochelle, New York, envisioned a new space, they dreamed of a “children’s wonderland” – an environment where their Montessori philosophy would truly flourish. Partnering with architect Hila Stern of HSB Architecture and Design and integrating thoughtfully designed furniture from Natural Pod, this dream became a vibrant reality.
The journey began with ambitious aspirations. Hila Stern’s process focuses on deeply understanding each school’s educational model and core values. For Deganit Ronen, WTA’s Head of School, a key priority was fostering collaboration between classrooms, students, and educators. The goal was to seamlessly blend their educational model with the physical structure, ensuring the environment fully supported their learning approach.
With a clear vision, Hila and her team translated these educational ideas into physical space. For WTA, this meant embedding the Montessori method into every architectural decision. The philosophy of child engagement and independence guided everything, from locker design to the accessibility of learning materials – ensuring children could do everything themselves. Collaboration was central to the design process, with flexible solutions like removable glass walls and furniture on wheels allowing the environment to adapt to various learning needs.
“You want to be creative and think, how can one piece of furniture be used in different situations and different ways?”
—Deganit Ronen, Head of School, WTA
Natural Pod furniture became an integral part of this dynamic solution. Hila highlighted how Natural Pod pieces, like tables and benches, supported flexibility and child agency, allowing students to easily move their own furniture. She also deeply appreciated Natural Pod’s commitment to natural materials, responsible sourcing, and thoughtful design, noting the strong alignment in their values.
“When you walk downstairs and enter the space… they have this moment of like, wow, this space feels warm, welcoming,”
—Deganit Ronen
The completed WTA ELC space radiates warmth and purpose. The dream of collaboration is now a daily reality, naturally woven into the design. Educators report that the space has transformed their teaching methods, creating new opportunities. Every piece of furniture, including versatile items like the Imagine Play Stand (which transforms from a tree to a spaceship), supports their educational method and enhances student interaction. The project’s success is even reflected in increased enrollment.
“I love walking through the completed project and seeing the interaction of the students and the teachers with the space. Every time we walk in, a teacher comes over and says how this space has changed the way they teach and has created new opportunities for them in the classroom.”
—Hila Stern, Architect, HSB Architecture & Design
The WTA ELC stands as a powerful example of how a shared vision, collaborative architectural design, and carefully selected elements like Natural Pod furniture can create a truly inspiring “children’s wonderland.”
