FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Frequently Asked Questions about the Jewish High School of Connecticut

What is the history of JHSC?

The school founders created the Jewish High School of Connecticut because they believed that the future of the Jewish community is through education.

Research shows that students who attend Jewish day school are more likely to identify themselves as Jews, be committed to Israel and actively participate in the Jewish community. Therefore, the founders wished to create a high school that excelled both in general and Jewish studies. In 2006, a group of community leaders, academics and educators convened to discuss the feasibility of developing a Jewish high school in the region. In August of 2010, the school opened its doors to 19 Chalutzim, pioneer students.

What makes JHSC unique from any other school?

1. We’re the only pluralistic Jewish high school in Connecticut. We nurture young adults who are open and inclusive, & who respect the dignity of every human being, whether or not they agree with his or her practices or beliefs.

2. Every student’s potential is untapped. A student’s entire being is nourished at JHSC—we inspire A+ students and A+ human beings.

3. JHSC prepares its students not only for college, but for life. Students learn relevant knowledge, critical thinking skills, and how to make responsible decisions and solve real-world problems.

Why should I consider a Jewish Day School?

JHSC provides children with the educational and social tools they need to grow into curious lifelong learners, committed members of the community and ethically responsible human beings. Our school offers an integrated and challenging program that includes a strong foundation in general and Jewish studies: English, Hebrew, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and Judaic Studies. Our students also benefit from an enrichment program including art, athletics, music, technology, outdoor education and service learning. Throughout the year, students participate in activities which help to strengthen personal, family and community relationships as well as build character, decision-making skills and integrity.

What does a “pluralistic school” mean?

We focus on process, not product. What does that mean? It’s much more important to us that students go on a Jewish journey, than if they are one particular type of Jew. We don’t value one expression of Judaism over another one, whether it is Orthodox, Reform, Conservative, secular Israeli, or someone who identifies as “just Jewish”. Instead, we work with our students to strengthen and grow in their own particular Jewish identity, through learning Jewish texts like Tanach and Talmud, visiting Israel, studying Hebrew, learning about points of view that are different from their own, experiencing the ebb and flow of the Jewish year, and having access to various forms of prayer, whether that is traditional synagogue prayer or alternative prayer such as discussion groups. Our students graduate being proud of who they are, knowing who they are, and understanding that they do not have to agree with how other people practice their Judaism or live their lives. But they also know that they do not need to denigrate someone else’s spiritual practice in order to legitimize their own. We're like a mosaic: we value each individual mosaic tile, or member of our community, just as much as we value the entire mosaic, or the whole of the community.

Where do JHSC students attend middle school? What is the regional reach of the school?

JHSC students have come from Ezra Academy, Bi-Cultural Day School, Carmel Academy, Westchester Day School, Israel, and public schools. Our students currently come from the Southern Connecticut towns of Greenwich, Stamford, Fairfield, Bridgeport, Trumbull, Milford, New Haven and Woodbridge.

What is the admission policy? Who should come to JCHS?

JHSC does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, creed or national origin. JHSC students reflect a large variety of Jewish backgrounds and practices. Some of our students are members of congregations, Jewish community centers, and have attended Jewish day schools. For others, Jewish education is a new experience. Students at JHSC identify as Jews in many different ways, have different levels of Jewish knowledge, and represent diverse Jewish backgrounds and practices.

Any student should come to JHSC who identifies as Jewish and has an interest in learning, asking questions, and thinking creatively and independently, and who wants to enrich his/her high school years with Jewish values. Sharing this common focus, our students come from a variety of religious traditions, nationalities, economic and educational backgrounds. No prior knowledge of Hebrew or Judaic studies is necessary.

Is there tuition support if I need it?

Yes. JHSC believes that all Jewish students should have access to a Jewish education, and our goal is to admit any mission-appropriate student, regardless of their financial situation. Financial assistance requests can be initiated through calling our Director of Admissions.

Does JCHS accommodate students with learning differences?

JHSC courses offer differentiated instruction curricula which incorporate a variety of instructional strategies geared at reaching all types of learners (visual, auditory, experiential, etc.) All JHSC students, regardless of course level/schedule, may qualify for consideration for additional instructional accommodations, as approved by the Head of School. We employ a guidance counselor to assist our students with special learning needs.

How does JHSC accommodate students with exceptional abilities?

We offer an incredibly broad and rich curriculum that accommodates the varied interests and talents of our students. Our academic and non-academic programs enhance our students’ intellectual, creative and spiritual growth. We currently offer many Advanced Placement courses, and honors courses in every subject. Extra-curricular activities abound here as well, offering students a varied spectrum of opportunities through our athletic programs, drama productions and student clubs and organizations.

How do I schedule a campus visit?

To schedule a campus visit, please contact the Admissions Office. We also invite you to RSVP to one of our open houses.

Does JCHS require an entrance test?

JCHS requires students to take a standardized admissions test, the ISEE. Standardized tests are just one factor that we consider in our admissions process. Our Director of Admissions will help guide you through the process.

Is an interview required?

All JCHS applicants will meet with our Director of Admissions, usually during their shadow visit. We also welcome parents to meet with us. You can schedule a visit by calling the Admissions Office.

What is the tuition?

Tuition for the 2012-2013 academic year is $26,500, but scholarship and financial aid opportunities exist. For example, we offer a 4-year merit scholarship for students who have never attended a Jewish school before. Free tuition for all four years!

What does the daily schedule look like?

The school day operates from 8:10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday; Friday dismissal is at 3:30 p.m. until daylight savings time makes the day shorter, and then we switch to a 2:00 p.m. Friday dismissal. Each class meets four times a week, three times for 45 minutes and once for 70 minutes. All students currently have a study hall built into their schedules. Students have the option of taking a physical education class during the day. Most co-curricular activities and all athletic teams convene after 3:30 p.m. Tefillah (prayer) meets three mornings per week, advisory meets one morning per week, and we have a town hall meeting one morning per week.

What does Tefilah (prayer) look like at JHSC?

In keeping with our pluralistic vision, our prayer program provides students with options to explore, practice, and create meaningful and spiritual tefilah experiences. Students choose and commit to a tefilah community that takes very seriously where they come from, their family’s traditions and practices, their personal beliefs, and their openness to exploration and spiritual growth. We offer a variety of tefilah options, from a more traditional minyan (prayer quorum) to others whose emphases are on meditation and discussion. The tefilah program is scheduled for three mornings per week, although we will help facilitate daily prayer for those students who desire it.

As an independent school, in what way is JHSC held accountable for the quality of its education? By whom is JHSC accredited?

JHSC will be accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), which offers the highest standard of independent school accreditation available. NEASC allows schools to begin the accreditation process after one year of operations, and so as soon as we were eligible to apply, we did. NEASC reports that the accreditation process takes approximately two years to complete. We anticipate becoming accredited at the earliest possible date allowed: the end of the 2012-2013 school year. We are proud to already hold ourselves accountable to the high standards of NEASC. Most importantly, we know we fulfill the standards set by the JHSC families because they choose to send their children to our school.

JHSC is registered with the Connecticut Department of Education. In addition, our students participate in nationally recognized testing programs, such as the ACT, SAT, PSAT, and AP exams. These assessments enable us to evaluate our academic program on a regular basis, and make adjustments accordingly. We are members of RAVSAK: The Jewish Community Day School Network, and are a school subscriber of The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).

I wonder if putting my children in a Jewish Day School is the best place to prepare them for life in the modern world?

At JHSC, we seek to graduate not only A+ students, but A+ human beings. Our students don’t just memorize information—they are critical thinkers, problem solvers, and know how to synthesize information and communicate their ideas. These are all skills that are in high demand in college, jobs, and all over the world. In short, our students are getting a 21st century education that they aren’t likely to get anywhere else.

Our students distinguish themselves as refined, compassionate, open-minded, and well-rounded young adults with an expanded view of the world. With character development placed on the forefront of our school program, alongside high academic expectations, our children learn to be good students, as well as good friends and good people. By participating in numerous community service projects, they develop a sense of responsibility for our world, both Jewish and beyond. They emerge globally conscious, optimistic, and confident of themselves as citizens in the larger community.

If our family is or is not observant, will learning about Judaism at JHSC create a conflict between home and school?

At school, teachers encourage children to understand that "different families observe Judaism differently" and that each family is a wonderful and special Jewish family, for whom parents choose what type of observance is right for them. Our experience has been that as long as parents know to respond to their children's questions in a similar way, there is no conflict.

What is the difference between a Jewish Day School and a Hebrew Charter School?

Jewish schools like JHSC graduate students with strong Jewish identities, while charter schools cannot and do not have identity formation as their mission. Hebrew charter schools are public schools that teach Hebrew language. In contrast, Jewish day schools are privately-funded, independent schools that integrate general education with Judaic studies. Because Jewish schools are not public schools, they can teach Jewish observances, students can study Jewish texts, and Jewish values are transmitted throughout the school experience.

How do you address issues of diversity at JHSC?

Jewish day schools are often more diverse than people might think. Families at our school come from all kinds of Jewish backgrounds—Reform, Reconstructionist, Conservative, and Orthodox, and many consider themselves secular or “just Jewish”. We have families from England, Russia, Israel, Egypt, and Iran, among others. We have students of color. We have some staff members who are Christian, Catholic, Muslim, and who do not consider themselves religious at all. We also have families from varying economic backgrounds. We have interfaith families at our school. JHSC also addresses diversity through our curriculum by having students learn about different cultures, and learn skills to dialogue and respect positions that are different than their own. Students build small communities, gain awareness of differences in their groups and our society, as well as learning how to resolve issues of diversity using problem solving techniques.

How can you teach a dual curriculum (Jewish and general studies) without sacrificing something in the process?

JHSC views educational success as determined by the way instructional time is used, and not by the time available. Teaching and learning take place throughout our school day, across all curricular areas. Our Judaic studies and Hebrew programs teach and reinforce many of the academic skills taught in our secular programs, such as advanced text analysis and critical thinking skills. We look at our Judaic Studies and general studies programs as an integrated whole, supplementing and complementing one another.

The results are clear: graduates of Jewish high schools tend to get into excellent colleges. Colleges value the fact that students who go to Jewish high schools go above and beyond what most other students are doing. So our dual curriculum is actually more beneficial than a conventional curriculum.

Why should I enroll my child at JHSC when I have a fine public school in my neighborhood?

JHSC offers the highest quality general studies education with a small student-teacher ratio in a warm and nurturing environment. Daily Judaic studies and a dual-language curriculum allow for the development of critical thinking skills, Hebrew immersion and a love of Judaism. A JHSC graduate has a strong Jewish identity, is a lifelong learner, and a leader amongst his/her peers.

Building character, developing values and understanding the imperative of responsible action are key components of our high school community. It is our mission that engages and launches our students to appreciate their potential and responsibility to the world. We have not turned away a mission-appropriate student due to financial reasons.

Does JHSC have a lunch program?

Yes—we offer a hot Kosher lunch choice each day, or you can bring your own lunch.

Does JHSC have in-school and after-school clubs and activities?

JHSC students are offered a variety of options for clubs. Some current options include chess club, student council, robotics, Jazz Rock Ensemble, computer programming, yearbook, debate, science enrichment, environmental club, social club, and more. Students are encouraged to help JHSC create new electives and clubs.