Welcome Letter

"V'shinantam levanechah . . . ."

"You shall teach [these words] diligently to your children . . ." Deuteronomy 6.7

Welcome to the Solomon Schechter Day School of Nassau County and the Solomon Schechter High School of Long Island, a place where curiosity rules, where children learn timeless traditions and to think for themselves. Welcome to a vibrant Jewish Day School where children in kindergarten through 12th grades are encouraged to ask bold questions, confront paradox and discover new connections. Welcome to a school where students see links between Maimonides and mathematics, Socrates and social justice, Torah and technology, anthropology, art and athletics, Hebrew language and history. Welcome to a community where every child feels valued and develops deep empathy, where children develop a powerful unified sense of themselves as Jewish citizens and as leaders, ready to engage the world. Welcome to Schechter.

Located on two campuses, the Elementary School in Jericho, houses grades K-5, where children develop a sense of wonder, where they are encouraged to engage the world through questions, and to examine their surroundings with an open heart and a uniquely analytical mind. Our Upper School, centrally located in Williston Park, houses the Solomon Schechter of Nassau County’s Middle School, serving grades 6-8, where young teens are supported in developing poise and confidence as they take on academic and intellectual challenges, while exploring their own individual identity and the meaning of authentic Jewish community. The Upper School also houses the Solomon Schechter High School of Long Island, a regional college preparatory school serving students in grades 9-12, where an inquiry-based approach stimulates critical thinking and remains a cornerstone of true academic excellence.

Our school’s reputation for excellence began on Long Island in 1967 and continues today. Our students achieve the highest standards and gain acceptance to some of our nation’s finest colleges and universities. While taking on great academic and intellectual challenges, our students live out the Jewish ideal described by our namesake, 19th century scholar and founder of Conservative Judaism, Solomon Schechter, that “Judaism permeate the whole of your life.” At our school, the morals, ethics and beliefs of a dynamic Jewish life are core to our students’ intellectual, social and spiritual growth: compassion for their community, love for Israel and the Jewish people, and commitment to Tikkun Olam, social responsibility.

At Schechter, we develop a child’s intellect by inspiring a love of learning, and ignite a child’s inner spark through Jewish values, integrity and faith. The results? Excellence. Commitment. Success. And as our students become part of a larger society, they take these principles with them through every stage of life. At Schechter, smart children learn to make good choices. And smart students with confidence are ready to take on the world.

I invite you to discover for yourself and explore the richness of our classrooms and community. Thank you for your interest in the Solomon Schechter Day School of Nassau County and High School of Long Island!
Sincerely,
Dr. Cindy Dolgin
Head of School