272 S. Bryn Mawr Ave.
Bryn Mawr PA 19010
610•922•2300 – Fax: 610•922•2301
Why Jewish Day School Education
Today about 40% of all students receiving a Jewish education does so in day schools. These are no longer just the children of the most observant families, but children from all movements—Reform, Reconstructionist, Conservative and Modern Orthodox—whose parents want to provide them with a stellar, value-based education that prepares them to succeed in a complex world.
A 2007 national study by the Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education (PEJE) on the impact of Jewish day school education confirms what is known to be true anecdotally. A study of Jewish college students from public, secular private and Jewish day schools concluded the following about Jewish high school alumni from non-Orthodox backgrounds:
- They are the most positive about the level of intellectual challenge and the efforts of teachers to engage them in classes.
- They are most positive about the encouragement and support received from teachers.
- They participate in all aspects of undergraduate life and are well represented in the ranks of student leaders.
- They are more resistant than their public school peers to social pressures such as heavy drinking that leads to other risky behaviors.
- They are more likely to restrict their dating to Jewish peers and be involved with Jewish life, learning, observance, Israel and Jewish cultural activities on campus.
- They are more likely to demonstrate a stronger sense of responsibility towards addressing the needs of the larger society by influencing social values, helping those in need, and volunteering time to social change efforts.
- Their Jewish day school education provides top-notch preparation for a broad range of colleges and universities, including those that are most selective.
