Frequently Asked Questions

Are you a religious school?
Our school is an independent school accredited by the National Association of Independent Schools. It provides students with a strong secular education based on Jewish values. Students learn the meaning of the Jewish faith, traditions, and practices. The principals of Judaism that we give to our students apply to anyone, of any faith. The values we support are community building, caring and respect for others, service, lifelong learning and support of a democratic State of Israel.

Are there non-Jewish students at the school?
Yes, approximately 25% of the student population is non-Jewish.

What will my student do for lunch?
All of the food for our students is provided by the dining commons. A meat kitchen, a dairy kitchen, and a pareve kitchen (pareve items contain no meat or dairy) provide healthy choices for our students, as well as snacks and birthday cake for birthday celebrations.

Do students wear uniforms?
Uniforms are required. See the uniform requirements by grade under the forms section of the website.

PRESCHOOL FAMILIES

What age can my child start school?
We start at 18 months.

What are your class sizes?
Our ratio in the 18-month class is 6 to 1. In the three and four year old classes, it is 9 to 1. All of our teachers are qualified and experienced.

What are your school hours?
Our half-day is from 8:00 to 11:45, and our full day is from 8:00 to 2:45.

How many days a week can my child come to school?
For our 18 months and 2 year olds, we offer 2/3/5 days a week. The 3 and 4 year olds must attend  5 days a week. All preschoolers have the option of attending full or half days.

Can I tour the school?
Yes, we encourage you to bring your child and to come see our school. Please call ahead to schedule an appointment.

What forms do I need before my child can start school?
Preschoolers need a current health certificate signed by a doctor, an emergency contact and pick up form, a birth certificate, and an updated shot record.

How do you communicate with families?
We feel it is extremely important to be in close contact with parents in regard to your child’s day. Since teachers are busy during drop off and pick up times, we encourage you to set up a phone conference or personal conference with your teacher if you need more than a few moments to chat. Of course, we do communicate with our families in a number of ways. For example, we send a regular email highlighting the activities of each class with reminders for calendar events. We also regularly update our web pages and photos. Parents are invited to attend Open House and semi-annual parent/teacher conferences. Additionally, we send letters and notes home with your children.

How do you deal with discipline problems?
We believe in “positive discipline” which focuses on good behavior rather than bad. Children learn appropriate social behaviors at different rates. Therefore, as children mature, we encourage them to resolve conflicts on their own building social skills and self-confidence in difficult emotional situations.

Why is preschool so important?
Decades of research show that preschool builds a foundation for success in school and life. Ninety percent of brain growth takes place before most children enter Kindergarten. Preschool takes advantage of this period to lay a strong educational and social foundation for elementary school. Additionally, 88% of children who attend preschool go to college. Lifelong learning starts early.

LOWER SCHOOL FAMILIES

What facilities are available for the lower school children?
Pre-school through 4th grade is located in the original Hebrew Academy building. We have access to all of the new facilities of the middle and upper school. These facilities feature a theater, kosher dining commons, sports complex, and state-of-the-art classrooms and labs.

What is the curriculum for Kindergarten through Grade 4?
Students will be engaged in reading, writing, math, social studies, science, art, music, physical education, Hebrew and Judaic Studies. For a complete picture of what students learn at each grade, please review our Curriculum Guide.

My child is not currently taking Hebrew. Will my child be behind?
Each student is treated as an individual in all subjects. We are aware that students enter our school with varying levels of Hebrew mastery. Our goal is to meet the educational needs of each student in reaching his or her potential. We will accept a student’s ability with the promise to move him or her forward.

How many students will be in each grade level?
Class sizes are kept small to optimize children’s learning. The average student to teacher ratio is 12 to 1.

How will students be selected?
We practice rolling admissions in which each student will have an individual review of his or her application, a private interview, and a school visit. Moreoever, a student’s writing sample, recommendations, and current school record will be key in determining admission to our school.   Each student will take an individual benchmark examination, as well, to determine if he or she can meet the academic rigor of our school.

If we apply for financial aid, will our child be considered in the same way as other applicants?
Financial aid will be available to students based on need. Students who apply for financial aid will be considered for admission on an equal basis with other applicants. If accepted, students on financial aid will be treated no differently from students who pay full tuition.

When will we know of the school’s decision?
You will be notified of our decision within three weeks of completing the application process.

MIDDLE SCHOOL FAMILIES

What is the curriculum?
Students take a full load of secular subjects, including math, science, social studies, English, and a fine arts elective. In addition, students take classes in Judaic studies and Hebrew. All students also participate in athletic programs.

My child is not currently taking Hebrew. Will my child be behind?
Each student is treated as an individual in all subjects. We are aware that students enter our school with varying levels of Hebrew mastery. Our goal is to meet the educational needs of each student in reaching his or her potential. We will accept a student’s ability with the promise to move him or her forward.

How many students are in each grade level?
Class sizes are kept small to optimize children’s learning. 

How are students selected?
We practice rolling admissions in which each student will have an individual review of his or her application, a private interview, and a school visit. Moreoever, a student’s writing sample, recommendations, and current school record will be key in determining admission to our school.   Each student will take an individual benchmark examination, as well, to determine if he or she can meet the academic rigor of our school.

If we apply for financial aid, will our child be considered in the same way as other applicants?
Financial aid is available to students based on need. Students who apply for financial aid will be considered for admission on an equal basis with other applicants. If accepted, students on financial aid will be treated no differently from students who pay full tuition.

When will we know of the school’s decision?
You will be notified of our decision within three weeks of completing the application process.

UPPER SCHOOL FAMILIES

What is the curriculum?
Students take a full load of secular subjects, including math, science, social studies, English, world languages, and electives. In addition, students may take classes in Judaic studies and Hebrew. All students also participate in athletic programs. Seniors are required to take a Modern Israel course culminating in a three-week study program in Israel.

How many students are in each grade level?
The average student to teacher ratio in our upper school is 7 to 1.

How are students selected?
We practice rolling admissions in which each student will have an individual review of his or her application, a private interview, and a school visit. Moreoever, a student’s writing sample, recommendations, and current school record will be key in determining admission to our school.   Each student will take an individual benchmark examination, as well, to determine if he or she can meet the academic rigor of our school.

If we apply for financial aid, will our child be considered in the same way as other applicants?
Financial aid is available to students based on need. Students who apply for financial aid will be considered for admission on an equal basis with other applicants. If accepted, students on financial aid will be treated no differently from students who pay full tuition.

When will we know of the school’s decision?
You will be notified of our decision within three weeks of completing the application process.