Selecting the right educational institution for your child is a significant journey that lays the foundation for their future success and growth. In the vibrant and diverse city of Seattle, one institution stands out for its commitment to academic excellence, values-based learning, and incorporation of Jewish heritage and tradition – the Seattle Hebrew Academy. With its rich academic legacy and forward-thinking approach, Seattle Hebrew Academy is dedicated to nurturing young minds, fostering a love for learning, and cultivating a deep connection to Jewish traditions and values. Plus, its storybook atmosphere in a historic building perched on the edge of a forest makes it extra unique. If you’re looking for a school where your child can thrive academically and embrace their Jewish heritage, SHA may be the right fit for your family!
About the Seattle Hebrew Academy
1617 Interlaken Dr. E, Seattle, WA 98112
Seattle Hebrew Academy, or SHA, has educational roots that date all the way back to 1894 when Congregation Bikur Cholim established the first Jewish Educational program in the city. Then known as The Hebrew Free School, it was an after-school center where young people in the community could come together for Jewish learning. Over the decades, the organization continued to shift and adapted to several different names before settling on the title of Seattle Hebrew Academy in 1969.
The building itself was a former convent and school owned by the Roman Catholic Sisters of the Sacred Heart, originally picked for its distance from the “wickedness” of Seattle. In 1972, SHA moved in, and a few years later, in 1979, the building was designated a Seattle Landmark due to its significance in the city’s heritage.
Today, SHA is a nationally recognized and accredited Jewish day school with programming for children as young as one all the way through 8th grade. It is a school of excellence founded on a love of G-d and Torah, helping to develop students of character and integrity through student dignity.
SHA has chosen to implement a program known as Project SHAlom, a positive school-wide behavior plan that focuses on positive reinforcement and communicating school expectations. This approach has curated a warm, welcoming, and safe environment for all students, offering an ideal setting for academic and social learning. Students of all ages are supported throughout their academic journey to become “ready, responsible, and respectful, to feel with empathy, act with kindness, and build community.” SHA isn’t just educating Jewish students – they’re helping to empower and shape well-rounded humans.
Services
SHA is home to three academic programs: Early Childhood, Lower School, and Middle School. Here’s a brief overview of what each program offers its students.
Early Childhood at Seattle Hebrew Academy
Seattle Hebrew Academy’s Early Childhood Center welcomes children ages 1 through 5 years old. Each of their classrooms “fosters a love of Judaism in a nurturing, child-centered, emotionally responsive, and developmentally appropriate environment.” Children will engage with play-based learning that incorporates activities connected to Jewish culture and traditions. They’ll spend plenty of time playing outdoors, making artwork, observing Shabbat, and even baking challah!
The Early Childhood program is divided into 4 different classrooms by age. Hummingbirds are little ones ages 1 – 2 who will learn through active, whole-body, multisensory experiences while stimulating imagination and learning all about Jewish concepts and holidays. Chickadees are students ages 2 – 3. Their classroom helps encourage self-awareness and social play, communicating their feelings and, of course, participating in Jewish practice. Robins are 3 – 4 year-olds learning self-help, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. In addition, they cover the concepts of tikkun olam, tzedakah, and mitzvot. Lastly, the Eagles classroom is SHA’s version of Pre-K, prepares students for kindergarten readiness. Here, they focus on numbers, Hebrew, and English letters, as well as other important skills for success.
Lower School
SHA’s Lower School program is for students in kindergarten through 5th grade with a curriculum designed to encourage curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. They’ll learn both general and Judaic studies, with a focus on subjects like language arts, math, science, and social studies. Students will also pray together daily and observe alternate Ashkenazic and Sephardic customs. So, they celebrate the diversity of the student body. Additionally, students will engage with specialties like art, physical education, and even coding!
Middle School
The Seattle Hebrew Academy middle school program focuses on helping students find their passions, wrestle in debate, and collaborate with teachers and peers. This nurturing and rigorous learning environment challenges learners to apply their knowledge through a variety of methods. Such as essays, arguments, and hypotheses. At the heart of the middle school is Judaic studies, helping to position students to become independent Torah scholars. Weekly assemblies, honor roll, and a director’s list acknowledge accomplishments throughout the school year.
The rigor of the middle school curriculum stays balanced by the small class sizes. Allowing students to receive more individualized attention from teachers. So, they build deep personal relationships. Activities like the annual science fair, student council, and competitive sports round out an exciting middle school experience. All are captioned by a 10-day 8th-grade trip to Israel at the end of their SHA academic journey.
Specialty
When they’re not in a classroom, there are still plenty of ways for students to grow and thrive at Seattle Hebrew Academy. Students who may need additional learning support can take advantage of The Learning Center. This can help provide students with accommodations and modifications to match their learning needs. The Learning Center is staffed with skilled and experienced learning specialists. They provide students with in-class support, act as liaisons between private therapists, families, and the school, and teach study and organizational skills to those struggling with executive functioning.
As far as extracurriculars, the Middle School’s student council is a group of elected leaders who take on extra responsibilities such as spirit days, charity events, and running the snack shack. A small number of Lower School students are invited to represent their elementary grades on the council, too. Additionally, there are several SHA competitive sports teams, including basketball and volleyball, for both boys and girls.
Give Your Child The Head Start They Deserve At The Seattle Hebrew Academy
The Seattle Hebrew Academy offers students an incredible education rooted in Jewish faith and heritage that sets them up for a lifetime of success. There are so many opportunities to grow within SHA. The community of families, teachers, and staff you’ll find at SHA will enrich so much of your student’s life. Schedule a tour to see the school and learn more about whether it makes a great fit for your child!
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