Review of Early Childhood Program (ECP): We have been members at JCC since 2017 because of ECP. We have had our three children attend the program and have loved being a part of the ECP family. When our first son was in the "3's" year, they offered to put him in a class with older 3's and give them a pre-k curriculum and he had a huge advantage when starting official pre-k at our local public school. Our youngest started even earlier and lived through Covid during his 3s and Pre-K year. We chose to keep him at ECP Pre-K rather than public school because they handled Covid so wonderfully. Because of this, we felt even safer sending our third child there as a baby! I cannot say enough good things about the staff, teachers, and administrators. We saw a change in directors after a couple years and Shereen is such a kind, gentle, patient, and loving director. I see this flow from her through the rest of the staff. She knows every child's name, shows care and concern for all the families, and seems to be awake at all hours to answer questions and give information to the families! I was always shocked at the information she would share to us during Covid at all hours of the night and then be at school bright and early greeting each kid. She seemed to have such ease at being flexible and focusing on the kids and this was clearly modeled and copied by the staff. The teachers we have had have truly been amazing. Our kids are kind because of how they were treated every day at the ECP. They are given wonderful structure while also given the space to make their own decisions and find their own way. The staff is made up of an array of fantastic individuals - some Jewish and some not - and they love the kids fiercely. We watched as our kids learned to perform in front of an audience, memorize prayers in Hebrew, learn the kindness of good deeds and giving, learn to write their name, count in various languages, express their feelings, and become individuals. They also understand developmental stages and helped with napping, toileting, feeding themselves, and learning age appropriate skills. The variety in staff meant that our kids were exposed to different ideas and cultures. I love that one year my son was learning a lot of the Jewish culture and also learning to speak Spanish. My daughter learned to ask for personal "space" when she was 2! They have a great structure during the school year and then incorporate more outdoor play in the summer. Our kids were able to have water play and swim lessons in the summer. ECP coordinated with other programs to expand the kids' activities. And though ECP is a year long program, the littles begin to see how things can be different in the summer. It was also nice to see that the teachers got a break! As each of my kids have grown, they love going back to see their former teachers and be praised and give hugs. As I walk through the school at the end or start of a day with my daughter, I am shocked at how EVERY SINGLE STAFF knows her by name. It is a big school but they all take time to know the kids. They each answer my questions with ease and I always felt that I could trust them to care for my kids. It has been heartbreaking and bittersweet to graduate from this school. My sons have been out of there for a few years and still told me we have to go back to visit. They have such special bonds with their former teachers. While all ECP families are members of the JCC and get to use the great facilities, not all the JCC members know the cherry on top is the ECP. It is my pleasure and honor to get to give such a great review to such a wonderful place that my kids called home for so many years.

Review of Early Childhood Program (ECP): The facilities are impressive and the Jewish immersion is one-of-a-kind for Austin. However, there were too many red flags for us to be comfortable sending our child for even one day, so we decided to immediately unenroll him. If you’re in dire need of “babysitting,” a Jewish environment, and live in the area, the JCC Early Childhood Program (ECP) is an expensive but available option. Below are the red flags we encountered. For context, our child was 11 months when he was set to begin ECP. We are first-time parents admittedly accompanied by all the cliché first-time neuroses and weren’t just looking for babysitting but an actual program that would reinforce wholesome learning and behaviors. #1: Unresponsive: Over the summer before the program started, we repeatedly asked for program curriculum, details, and/or guidelines. We rarely received responses or were just told the information would come later. We finally received the details three days before the program started. We struggled to get in touch with administrators via email or phone to ask any questions or address concerns. It’s clear they have a long waitlist and just don’t really care to satisfy individual families when there’s another desperately ready to replace them at a moment’s notice. #2: Inappropriate: The guidelines we received weren’t consistent with pediatric standards. Days before the program started, we were told our 11-month old would only get one nap a day without a crib or bottles. We would have been okay with the guidelines if we had been given more notice, but receiving them just days before the program left us no time to prepare our child. #3: Unprofessional: The open house was chaotic and poorly run, with nowhere to park and few directions for how to find our class. When we asked our child’s designated teacher about the guidelines, she was dismissive, answering every question with “he’ll be fine.” Moments later, another parent asked about the age range of the class, and she answered “14-17 months.” She didn’t even know the age of our child and had been answering every question thinking he was older. The other red flags relate to the unhealthy school-provided lunches and snack recommendations, nonstop chaotic alerts from Brightwheel, conflicting information on the website and in the rare responses we’d receive from administrators, and questionable billing tactics. If this was a backyard program, we’d have been more understanding. But given the price and facilities, it was too concerning for us to continue.

Good facility, but shady business practices. Pros: * Nice overall facility with many things to do * Good sauna * Good pool if you're a swimmer * Friendly staff (I said friendly, not helpful ;)) Cons: * Gym / Lifting area is too small for the amount of people using it. For example, there are a total of 2 squat racks, but also, the deadlift platforms are at the squat racks. So if you want to use it, and 2 other people are already doing Squats, Deadlifts, or RDL's - be prepared to wait in line to lift. * Sign up and cancelation fees. No reason these should exist. You literally fill out a form on an ipad to sign up and it goes in their system, it doesn't cost them money for you to be added, nor does it cost them money for you to cancel - but it will cost *you* money to do those things. Oh. And when I signed up I specifically asked if there was a cancellation fee. They said no. Turns out, this statement is only technically true. There is no cancelation "fee", but it will take them 30 full days to "process your cancellation request." Let's do the math on that real quick: If it takes them 30 days to process your cancelation, then you *must* enter a new billing cycle before your membership cancellation can "process." That is, unless you happen to decide to cancel your membership on the first day of a 31 day month. Given that there are seven 31 day months in a year, you have a 7 in 365 chance that your cancellation will charge you again for no reason. This is essentially a loop hole way of implementing a cancellation fee - technically not a fee, but nearly impossible to cancel before the next billing cycle. For reference, membership is $100 per month. Also, the only way to cancel your membership is to sign a form saying that you agree to let them drag their feet for 30 days to cancel your membership. You can try contacting them via email, phone, call the front desk multiple times - it wont matter. I eventually got through after many times of calling the front desk, only for them to cite the automated email linking the form with the insane agreement. TL;DR - good facility, but experience ruined by downright scamm-y business practices via hidden fees. Will never return.

This place is all about getting their membership fees, registration fees, giving people the run-a-around when you want a refund and the best part, is, not informing non-Jewish families when their facility will be closed due to Jewish Holidays. If this place was the last place on earth for me to send my child, I would quit my job and watch him myself. The first issue was the non-negotiable $105 membership. The challenge for us, was that we have a membership at a gym. People should not be required to pay $105 for a membership that they will NEVER use simply because their child is enrolled in after school care. The lack of communication about anything other than when payments are due should've been my first sign that this place would soon piss me off. My child was stranded for 3 hours because they failed to inform us that they would be closed for a Jewish Holiday. Of course it gets worse, when I asked for a refund for summer camp ($1200 for 3 weeks), I've received nothing but the run-a-around. I am still trying to get my money back and this is the second week of summer camp that my child is elsewhere. We have called. We have sent emails. Nothing. No response. Voicemails. As it pertains to the camp leaders, they're great with the kids. I must admit. However, the operational side of Shalom Austin, disgusting. If you have money to burn, by all means, send your kid there! However, there are a plethora of other camps and after school programs that cost of fraction and do not treat your child like currency. Save your effort - go elsewhere.

We were absolutely treated differently in the child care program because we are not Jewish. Our kid was constantly asked whether he is Jewish or not at age of 3. It did disgust me quite much and I pulled my kid out of it. The kids who were Jewish bullied my son and my son fought back with the words he learned from them and they singled out my son and labeled a three year old like him as problematic kid. They suggested us to go see a therapist with my son, which is actually illegal to do so. I suggest you do not send your kids there if you are not Jewish. They do treat Gentiles way differently. I feel very bad to send my boy there. It was a bad decision made by me. I just could not imagine this could happen but it did.

As a family, we spend a lot of time at the JCCA. My husband and I use the fitness facilities; my children went to/currently go to ECP; we attend the festivals and enrichment activities; we swim at the pool...there is something for everyone! The ECP is a well-run daycare/preschool with highly qualified teachers many of whom have been there for years. My children have always had Jewish and non Jewish classmates and all have been welcome and treated the same. It is a Jewish program so there is a lot of Jewish programming and curriculum...but it all focuses on overall principles of community, humanity, kindness, compassion, etc... I would highly recommend the ECP and the JCCA to anyone!

The grand opening celebration of the Dell Jewish community center was absolutely gorgeous. It's stunning it's beautiful it's very well put together all the people who've been working on this over the years all the money that was raised was done so well put in the right places congratulations to a wonderful community and a wonderful community center I'm sure it's gonna empower and help many people today and in the future. Congratulations to Jolie Amber Estes my eldest daughter and Knucklehead #2, a resident artist and designer who works for Shalom Austin and designed so much of the work that you see there today. I love you kiddo.

This is one of the hidden gems of Austin. There's a beautiful pool that anyone can join, a gym, a full selection of classes in everything from oil painting to Tai Chi, and assorted festivals, lecturers and special events throughout the year. You do not have to be Jewish to use the center...don't let the security gate stop you. If you're not already a member of the JCC or one of the synagogues with a parking sticker, they'll just ask you why you're visiting today. Anyone can join (Jewish or not), and you do not have to be a member to take classes. (There is a higher fee for most classes, if you are not a JCC member.)

Wow, I'm really surprised to see some of the negative reviews here. I've been a member at the JCC going on 15 years. I am not Jewish and I've never felt I was treated any differently than anyone else. My daughter attends the Summer Camps each year and loves them. JCC is one of the most multi-cultural places my daughter attends and she's made some great friends there. To those who say things like "I'm not Jewish", etc. Duh, this is a "Jewish Community Center", why on earth would you not expect to be immersed in Jewish customs, holidays, etc. here? That's honestly the silliest thing I've read in a review!

I visited this place to possibly join for fitness purposes and felt VERY welcome and the staff was very helpful. The pool and a few other areas like the outside track were GREAT... however the weight room needs some updating. I wasn't expecting much but I saw way too many old style machines crowding the place and almost no areas for free weights to do functional /compound lift movements like squats and dead lifts. The weight room is the only area I found to be lacking and it may not be important to you. If /when they do "modernize" the weight room I will definitely join!

Hands down the worst and most traumatizing “therapy” appointment of my life. Jonathan was my therapist - or therapist in training, I believe. Awful miscommunication happened that created a two days of anxiety. Speaking to the supervisor solved things thankfully but this will still remain an awful memory for me. I think I learned to vet someone you are going to talk to as a therapist before diving in. Two stars bc Amanda the supervisor was sympathetic and seemed genuinely interested in making it right.

Worst club ever!!!!!!!! Not clean, RUDE STAFF, they make up new rules everyday, are very inconsistent and not to mention, I have felt discriminated there on multiple occasions! Bunch of kids working there that either don’t know how to do their job or don’t care. I asked to speak to someone above the supervisor (kristina) about this and was totally IGNORED. Only two weeks in on my membership and will absolutely be canceling. Too overpriced to be disrespected and treated unfairly.

It is a nice little temple. But don’t expect to be greated by anyone but God. There is not Rabbi there during business hours. I went there expecting to visit a rabbi. It is only a temple. No offices. So don’t do that. There is no space in temple for an office. Maybe I got some misunderstanding but. That’s why I gave it 4 stars not 5. I was mistaken thinking I could go there and talk to someone. Nope. So now you know.

Great place for exercise with well kept facilities. We have been members for more than 10 years, and no complains regarding the way we have been treated. Need to be aware that Jewish feasts may prevent the club to be open on certain dates and times, but you will always find good people with superb family atmosphere.

There is a ton of construction going on in the back area parking with very little spaces to park. The guard was helpful when I attended a conference there. We were using a community hall but the music was so loud next door that the presentation was hard to hear. Again lots of construction sounds in the back.

Non Jewish person (Christian) was greeted with open arms by staff and parents alike. If you are Jewish I recommend this place for your children to learn and grow in their faith. If you are not Jewish I recommend this place to broaden your horizons and learn about new cultures.

I love JCCA. I am not Jewish but that is not the slightest concern here. Everyone is welcome. And you FEEL welcome too! Love the locker room and the sauna, whirlpool after a workout. The trails are gorgeous. The place is so inviting and well kept. I adore being here

I've been an active member of the JCC for seven months, attending many of their excellent workout classes each week. It's a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, and the new facility is as elegant as any of the more expensive gyms in town.

Wow this place absolutely stunning. I went there for a friend's kid's birthday party and was blown away by how beautiful the facility is. People are super nice too. Now I wish I'm Jewish and can be part of the community …

The remodel is wonderful, it feels like the J in Houston, in San Francisco, where the living room is welcoming and people are actually using it. The staff are helpful and kind. Love, love, love the new space!

A wonderful place, people are friendly, warm and kind. It doesn't matter if you are Jewish or not everyone is welcome. The facility is clean, well maintained and simply delightful.

My daughter has attended summer camp and after-school care here. She has had a great experience with both. It is more expensive than her school’s aftercare, but it’s better.

Worst experience there, go anywhere else, they only care about money and dot care about you as a person or your family. Would never go back!

Love the staff and people at Shalom Austin. Very friendly, kind and treat you like family. Working out at the J is the highlight of my day.

Staff was very security oriented, which is a good thing. Everyone was personable. The facilities are new and nicely laid out.

First time visiting and attended a wine social to meet ladies. Was a fun event - by the new pool area.

Love this community! It’s my gym, home, family, place of work and so much more!

Very impressed with efficiency and cleanliness of JCC and it’s friendly staff.

I go to school at the AJA and I think that the J is amazing

Great class with Debbie this morning!! Yogalates.

terrible shalom!!! no matza …

Open to everyone, great facilities!

Great facilities and great people!

Nice facility and friendly staff!

Great facility, awesome people!

didnt feel welcomed here.

Feel welcome every time

Very nice people.

Great community!

Awesome