GHA, YA Announce New K-12 School
SPECIAL FOR THE AJT //
Greenfield Hebrew Academy (GHA) and Yeshiva Atlanta (YA) recently announced plans to pursue the creation of a K-12 college preparatory day school, the first of its kind in Atlanta.
“The timing for this partnership is now,” reads a press release disseminated by the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta (JFGA). “Both schools are in a strong position financially and educationally and have never had such strong capacity. This new vision, a co-educational orthodox model, embraces the entire 120,000-person Atlanta Jewish community.
“Similar K-12 Jewish day school models have been implemented successfully across the country; and we will engage with these institutions to learn best practices as plans move forward.”
GHA, which currently serves students kindergarten through eighth grade, is the longest-running Jewish day school in the metro area. Apparently, growth has been on the minds of those behind the institution.
“We have greater ambitions than just K-8. That’s what has helped us become a better school,” said Judy Stolovitz, President of GHA’s Board. “Imagine what an extraordinary community school we will create when we combine our dreams and resources.”
From a Jewish educational perspective, children start asking the tough questions right around eighth grade. At the same time, as teens they have gained the skills for deeper analysis.
“Continuity at the high school level gives us the opportunity to address those questions and put those good skills to work,” continues the press release. “It is also our community’s best chance to keep close to 100 percent of our students in the day school system through 12th grade.”
The initiative has been many months in the making, led by informed community leaders including members of a Steering Committee and sub-committees in the areas of mission, educational vision and curriculum, Judaic practices, operations, development, facilities, governance, finance, communications and Head of School search.
“Our goal is to align the common values of the two schools into a new level of educational excellence in a positive Jewish environment that is consistent with our unique identity,” said Nancy Weissmann, Board President of YA.
A final vote, following due diligence, will be held in approximately 10 weeks.
“The warmth, caring, joy and excitement that are ever-present in the halls of both GHA and YA will grow even stronger as our community works together to ensure a strong future for our children and these beloved institutions,” said Michael Horowitz, JFGA CEO/President.
Visit anotherbrick.com for more information on this emerging community project.
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