Leadership Development and Student Government

From their first day at Barrack, we empower each student to embrace their unique perspective and take on leadership roles.

At Barrack, we believe in fostering self-confidence and resilience, instilling a strong sense of purpose, and enabling our students to become influential leaders inside and outside of the classroom.

Students can lead or found clubs, become team captains, direct performances, or be elected to one or more of our school government organizations.

Student Government

All students have an active voice in what happens at Barrack.

Through two student government organizations, students are empowered to make an impact on their school.

Middle School Council (MSC)

Our Middle School Council (MSC) represents the unique needs and interests of our middle school students beyond their representation in the Student Association. The MSC deals with issues and fundraising solely for the middle school and organizes events such as dances, movie nights, and other activities that help make our middle school a vibrant community.

Learn more about our middle school

Student Association (SA)

Student Association (SA) representatives meet regularly with our Head of School and other school directors to discuss policies and concerns affecting campus life. SA elected officers serve one-year terms March-March and also serve on our Board of Directors and Athletic Committee. All our student-led clubs operate under the umbrella of the SA and an academic department.

Learn more about our upper school

Club Leadership

All of our 50+ co-curricular clubs are student-led. Students can be the editor of the Cougar Chronicle, captain of the soccer team, delegate at the Model UN conference, the lead in the school play, or president of the HEAR club.

Learn about co-curricular opportunities
Learn about our athletics program Learn about our drama program

School Leadership Organizations

Jewish Leadership Initiative (JLI)

The Jewish Leadership Initiative (JLI) is a selective program that provides a rich opportunity for 11th and 12th graders to explore their own leadership capacity while shaping Jewish life programming at Barrack. Using the Jewish calendar and grade-wide shabbatonim as learning labs, JLI students examine their own identities, strengths, and values, as well as areas for school community growth. Members of JLI receive training in goal and vision setting, program facilitation, fundraising, and community organizing.

In the spring, students focus primarily on their own skill development by creating a class leadership rubric, developing a journal, and beginning to envision and execute programming for the student body. Upon returning to school in the fall, shabbatonim and holiday programming schedule fulfillment begins.

Derech Eretz Council

The Derech Eretz Council brings together student representatives who are elected by their classmates to raise awareness about the Derech Eretz/דרך ארץ pledge (our school’s honor code) and to consider high-level disciplinary issues. Members are committed to ethical awareness and to raising community spirit.