How to Pick a Jewish High School

High school kids increasingly face pressures and influences that did not exist in decades past. It has been shown that children with a strong sense of belonging are less likely to succumb to the temptations of drugs, pre-marital sex and other risky behaviors. Jewish parents who are aware of this may want to enroll their kids in a Jewish high school, which will give students a solid education and allow them to enrich their lives through Jewish study and practice.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Decide what your priorities are. You might want a high school that is mainly geared toward religious studies, or you may prefer a school that will give your son or daughter a taste of Judaism along with other classes. You should choose a school in accordance with your values.
2. Do research. Look at various schools in the area to get an idea of which Jewish high school best suits your child's needs. Visit the school's website and read literature.
3. Get feedback. Talk to parents whose kids are currently enrolled in the Jewish high school and those whose kids have graduated recently. The latter group should not be ignored. They will have the benefit of hindsight.
4. Visit the school and talk to the teachers and administration to get an idea of the school's atmosphere. Take a look at extracurricular activities available to the students, and ask to sit in on a class.
5. Ask your son and daughter how he or she feels. It is best not to let your own feelings be the sole indicator of which Jewish high school is right, but discuss the options with your son or daughter.
6. Apply early once you have made you decision. Many Jewish schools enroll around Passover the previous year.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a variety of people from whom to receive feedback. One person's terrible experience with a specific teacher shouldn't cloud your entire view of a school.
• Don't make a hasty decision because you assume it will be easy to transfer out of a school. Kids can be traumatized by sudden transitions, so try to get it right the first time with your school choice.