FAQs

I know that the school has several different divisions. How are they divided?

Our school offers a complete Kindergarten through Twelfth Grade education. Our Elementary School, which is currently housed in Jericho, begins with Kindergarten and ends with Fifth Grade and provides the fundamental building blocks of all learning and Jewish identity. Our Middle School, currently housed in Glen Cove, is composed of Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grade and provides the necessary educational continuity to allow our students to transition from Elementary to High School learning. Our High School, also housed in Glen Cove, covers Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh and Twelfth Grade and fully prepares our students to enter the most outstanding institutions of high learning in the country.

How does the school compare with other schools on Long Island?

By all standards, our school offers an education at least equivalent to the finest school on Long Island. Our entire General Studies curriculum meets the standards set by the New York State Department of Education. Our Fourth Grade State Tests results in both English Language Arts and Math consistently fall in the same ranges as the finest schools on Long Island. In addition, we continue to demonstrate high levels of achievement as measured by the Eighth Grade English Language Arts and Math tests. Our graduates are routinely recruited by and accepted into the finest colleges and universities including Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Brown, etc.

In addition to the outstanding General Studies education provided to our students, our school also provides a comprehensive Judaic Studies program. Through this program, our students master the elements of becoming committed and Hebrew-literate Jews while developing a lifelong love for learning and for the Jewish tradition.

How can the school offer an education comparable to other schools if children have only half a day of General Studies?

The basic elements of all learning are addressed in both our General and Judaic Studies curricula. These elements include developing ability in language arts, critical thinking skills, increasing independence and exploration as a learner, and the ability to work with others in groups and teams. Our teachers on every grade level are committed to challenging children in each instructional division of the school day. Thus, our children 'learn how to learn' throughout the school day.

Moreover, there is an integration of all curricula throughout the day. For example, our children study the scientific change of seasons while they simultaneously study Jewish and secular autumn holidays. They study the city of Jerusalem as part of the school's Social Studies program. They are trained to apply reading skills to both English and Hebrew texts, including the Torah.

Our school is dedicated to offering a demanding and intellectually rewarding dual-language academic program even while we constantly examine our program for developmental readiness. Our students work hard during the school day, and it is our hope and intention that the work they do is supported and encouraged in their homes.

How long is the school day, and what is the school calendar?

Our Elementary School day starts at 8:10 AM and ends at 3:15 PM. On Fridays, children are dismissed at 1:30 PM so that they can be home in time to prepare for Shabbat. During the fall and spring months, our faculty members remain in school each Friday after dismissal to participate in Staff development programs. This commitment reflects our school's desire to support our teachers' continuing professional growth and to provide the finest instruction to our students.

Our school's annual calendar is similar to other school calendars, with Thanksgiving, winter recess and February vacations. Of course, our school is closed on all major Jewish holidays.

How will my child get to school?

Transportation to and from our school is arranged through your local public school district's Transportation Office. Your request for transportation to and from our school must be made to your public school district's Transportation Office by April 1st. Be aware that to be eligible for transportation, your Kindergarten-age child must meet your districts birthday cut-off date.

When is it best for students to begin a Solomon Schechter education?

While children may be eligible to enter in any grade, most families start their children in Kindergarten. It is in the Kindergarten experience that the foundation for success in our school is built as children begin to master the elements of learning, including the basics of English and Hebrew language arts. In addition, our Kindergarten program lays the groundwork for the lifelong process of Jewish learning and celebration.

On a case by case basis, children may enter the school in First Grade without any prior Hebrew language skills. Those children entering our school for the first time in Second through Eighth Grade must demonstrate grade-level Hebrew language proficiency before being admitted. Depending on individual circumstances, our school may offer tutoring support.

At Solomon Schechter High School of Long Island, (Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh and Twelfth Grade) our primary concern in the admission process is for each child to feel successful in the school environment. To this end, we seek to enroll students who are academically solid and capable of participating in a dual curriculum program, exemplary in character, and committed to a Conservative Jewish lifestyle. Thus, while it is possible to commence a Solomon Schechter education in Ninth Grade, it is extremely challenging to do so given the level of Hebrew language proficiency that is required. There is a separate application and admissions procedure for Solomon Schechter High School of Long Island.

What is the level of Jewish observation of the typical Schechter family?

Just as the Jewish community is composed of a wide range of Jewish practice and observance, so our school is proud to welcome Jewish families at every level of observance. As part of the Schechter Day School Movement, our school is affiliated with the Conservative Movement and embraces an egalitarian approach to the practice of Jewish living. We are therefore, fully committed to the mitzvot and to the observance of Shabbat and kashrut as hallmarks of the Jewish home, and we strongly and actively encourage our families to belong to a synagogue and to make Jewish observance, tradition, and celebration an important part of home life for all members of the family.

Our school policies also are reflective of the work that we do. For example, with regard to observance, the school requires that birthday parties held outside of school and Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations not be held on Shabbat or on a Jewish holiday, and that all food served at the party be kosher. With regard to training our students in the proper path of derech eretz (common and mutual courtesy and respect), our school further requires that all children in the class be invited.

Many of my child's classmates won't be from our neighborhood. How will that impact my child's social life?

Socialization and the ability to interact well with peers is not only a fundamental skill that must be cultivated throughout a child's journey to young adulthood, but it is a cornerstone of Jewish teaching. While it is true that our school accepts and educates children from a wide geographic radius, the social environment and opportunities that our school offers encourage frequent social activity both during and after the school day and on weekends. Because our school supports and promotes many programs throughout the year that are deliberately designed to foster a sense of chevra (community), your child and you are sure to make many friends and to enjoy the rich social life that being a member of our extended Schechter family provides.

If you have any questions that were not addressed here, or for more information, please contact the Director of Admissions, Susan L. Katz at (516) 656-5500, extension 133.