We are not at all religious. How will this affect my child?

A major goal of our school is to instill mutual respect and tolerance among all our students. We are trying to create knowledgeable Jews. The religious practices of our students are the responsibility of their parents and, if they so choose, the rabbis and synagogues with which they affiliate. Our enrollment runs the gamut of religious affiliation and observance. Whatever your religious observance your family will be welcomed and valued.

My spouse is not Jewish and is concerned about how this will reflect on his/her relationship with our child in terms of respect, acceptance, etc.

Our students develop a strong sense of self and a strong sense of security in their Jewish identity. This self confidence allows students to become comfortable with and respectful of differences even within their own families. Since our school is all about diversity, respect and tolerance, this strong sense of personal identity becomes an important tool for how each student functions in the world as a whole. Respect for parents is an integral part of this.

Will my child's English language development suffer as a result of the dual program?

1. All Day Schools must meet the standards set by the state. Kadimah School, like many Day Schools, surpasses this goal and provides a general education at least equal to or better than that of the best private and public schools.

2. While English mastery is of primary importance in our curriculum development, mastery of a second language is an important addition to a child's education.
   • Mastery of a second language is easier the earlier it is begun.

   • By graduation our students have taken the 3rd year high school Hebrew regents. This fulfills their high school language requirements completely and allows them to take other languages only as much as they and their parents choose. The study of Judaic texts involves questioning, analyzing, discussing, interpreting, thinking etc. We have found that these skills carry over into our English studies and enhances them. Our students 'learn how to learn' in their English studies because of the structure of our Jewish studies. Our classes are usually smaller than those in the public schools and the students receive a great deal of individual attention from highly qualified, dedicated, and caring teachers. In both English and Judaic studies the students are imbued with an excitement for and a love of learning.

Is there enough time to do both English and Hebrew?

We have discovered that because of our educational approach to our challenging and multifaceted curriculum our students and teachers learn to focus on what is most important and make the most efficient use of their time. The high results of our testing, positive attitude toward the abilities of our students on the part of those schools they attend after Kadimah and the academic achievements of our graduates attest to the success of these programs.

How difficult is the transition from Kadimah to high school?

Our students enter high school with a strong basis of knowledge, an ability to think and learn, an understanding of and respect for differences, three regents requiements fullfilled, as well as excellent study and social skills. They perform well in high school and we are proud of the number of Kadimah students who have become valedictorians, salutatorians, or are at the top of their classes in high school.

What makes Kadimah right for my child?

We feel that Kadimah's nurturing environment and excellent curriculum offer each child the best high quality education and personal development. As with any school this is a partnership made up of school, parent and child. When we work together for the good of the child we succeed.

What about diversity in the school?

We have a wide range of religious affiliation, economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds in the school.

What kind of parental involvement is there?

We love having involved parents and grandparents. We want them at special programs, in the PTA, on the Board of Directors, on field trips, as volunteers including whatever professional talents they might offer to the school, and we keep our parents up to date on and involved in their student's educational progress. We feel it is very important to always keep the lines of communication open. Kadimah School is recognized for its academic excellence, warm, nurturing environment, its level of mutual respect and tolerance, and its high moral values. Our students learn to function in and balance well in both the Jewish and secular world. There is a strong sense of extended family.

Our parents feel a part of this extended family and create warm friendships and social circles that last far beyond the Kadimah years.