Frequently Asked Questions

We understand you may have questions about the Jewish Academy of Wake County.  Please review our answers to many of the frequently asked questions below.

 

1. Why are Jewish Day schools growing in popularity and enrollment?

Twice as many parents across North America are choosing Day Schools for their children compared to a generation ago.  Over 170,000 students are now part of this dramatic expansion in both the number and type of schools available.  Research has proven that Day Schools are a key determinant in ensuring that our children continue to lead Jewish lives.

 

 

2. Why should I choose a Jewish Day School for my child over an excellent secular school?

In the past, Jewish households were saturated with Jewishness.  For them, public school attendance was the route to American adulthood.  Now, the situation is reversed.  Children are continually bombarded with American media and values.  The risk is that children will become so absorbed by secular culture, that they will not learn the beauty of their Jewish tradition.   Education - especially when rooted in family and community - can inspire people to live as Jews.  And day schools - where Jewishness is affirmed - are the most proven, powerful way to develop a child's passion for Judaism. 

 

 

3. What is special about the Jewish Academy of Wake County?

We are a small, nurturing school.  Parents appreciate the limited class size and individual attention that the Jewish Academy provides.   We have a demanding curriculum and encourage students to achieve their full academic potential.   At the Jewish Academy   we stress character development as we strive to help students embrace their heritage.  Our goal is for each student "to be a mensch."  They learn the values and ethics that will help them grow into principled and compassionate adults.

 

 

4. Does time spent on Jewish subjects take time away from general studies?

Definitely not.  The school day begins at 8:15 and ends at 3:30.  The study of Judaics and Modern Hebrew take up less than 1/4 of our school day, so most of our time is focused on general subjects.   This gives us ample time to do both well.  We expect our students to meet or exceed the North Carolina Public School Curriculum standards. 

 

Further, Judaic studies strengthen the intellectual skills of questioning and analyzing that are critical in developing strong scholarship. Both curricula are designed to supplement and reinforce one another.

 

 

5. What “type” of Judaism does the school teach? (Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, etc.)

Jewish Academy appeals to all parents raising their children Jewishly.  In Judaics classes we strive to teach what we all have in common. We focus on the holidays, customs, and prayers that we all share.

 

 

6. Will our family be comfortable at Jewish Academy if our family does not observe all the traditions?

At the Jewish Academy, we teach first and foremost respect for one’s parents and family customs. Children learn about Judaism from a positive perspective and are presented with Judaic concepts and traditions in a non-judgmental way.  Students are taught to appreciate each family’s autonomy in choosing their religious practices.

 

 

7. How are Jewish Academy families affiliated?

The student body at Jewish Academy reflects the diversity of the Raleigh-Cary Jewish community.

 

 

8. How are different levels of Kashrut handled at school?

Each child brings their own dairy or non-meat lunch from home. Students do not share food, so each family decides what their child will eat.  On special occasions, such as a model Seder, all of the food preparation is done at school so that the Kashrut needs of all our families are respected.

 

9. We do not keep Kosher at home.  How should we handle birthday parties or play dates?

It's easy.  With a little advance planning, there are plenty of kosher foods that can be served if a student who keeps kosher is visiting your home.  We are happy to provide suggestions.

 

10. Are boys and girls ever separated for classes and activities?

No, our school is completely co-educational. There is no gender separation in any of our classes, prayers, or activities.

 

11. Will my child stay Jewish when he/she grows up?

 

While there is no guarantee for an individual child,  studies show conclusively that by any measure, graduates of Jewish day schools tend to marry other Jews, become synagogue members, consider Judaism fundamental to their identity, and feel a bond with Israel in numbers that exceed their public school-educated peers. (Cohen study, p.11 chart)

 

 

12.  Is it "too Jewish?"

Some parents are concerned that a Jewish school is too limiting and that their child could have difficulty doing well in the outside world.

 

Research from Brandeis University shows that across the country, day school students go on to surpass their public school-educated peers in gaining admission to the most prestigious universities, assuming campus leadership positions,  and performing exceedingly well in their chosen professions.

 

Evidence indicates that values learned in day schools appear to insulate graduates from drinking and a wide range of dysfunctional behaviors.  We believe that children who are solid in their identity as Jews are more secure in meeting the challenges of the modern world.

 

Analyst Jack Wertheimer has written "Students discover that Jewish learning can speak to them in ways that other subjects never can, because it is about them in ways that other subjects are not; Jewish learning is about who they are, where they come from, and what is ultimately critical to them."

 

 

13. How can I know if Jewish Academy is right for my child?

Please visit us.  The best way to decide is to bring your child to class.  After spending a morning with our dedicated teachers, volunteers, and talented students, we are confident that you will agree that we offer a very special Academy. 

 

We also recommend speaking with other Jewish Academy parents, both of our current students and the alumni of the Jewish Day schools in Raleigh over the past 10 years.   We would be happy to provide contact information.