Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I choose Solomon Schechter Academy of Ocean and Monmouth Counties instead of public school?
Solomon Schechter Academy provides an excellent secular education, combining general studies with special subjects in small classes that emphasize individual achievement, something you might not find easily in a public school. Our children study and celebrate Jewish holidays and are taught Jewish values to live by for their entire lives.

What Will Solomon Schechter Academy Offer My Child?
The essential goal of our school is to infuse young people with the joys and responsibilities of being Jewish. Families that want their child to have a foundation and grounding in Jewish tradition as one way to meet the challenges of contemporary life, will find a sense of belonging in our school. Children learn how to learn and also to engage with and respect others.

We strive to work in partnership with parents and the community to prepare spirited leaders of a new generation of knowledgeable, committed Jews and responsible citizens.

What if my child is coming into the school at an upper grade with little or no Hebrew?
We have effective accommodations for these children, depending upon their individual backgrounds. We offer a Mechina program, a modified Hebrew-language track which quickly and easily catches students up to their grade level, while keeping them challenged in their secular classes.

What Are the Main Elements in the Curriculum?
Parents who choose our school for their children seek a values-based program that teaches an approach to the sanctity of daily living in a nurturing, child-centered environment. They are attracted to an educational philosophy that seeks to integrate Jewish and general studies in ways that enrich one another. The learning environment and educational program aim to enable every student to reach his or her full potential.

We strive to achieve standards of excellence across the curriculum and incorporate Jewish knowledge in Torah, Rabbinic texts and Siddur, mitzvot and ethical values. Skills and competencies are stressed in math and science, literature and creative expression, social studies and the arts, while incorporating respect for other cultures and individuals. Fluency and literacy in Hebrew are also important, in order to give the students the skills needed to study Jewish sacred texts in their language of origin.

How can I know if a Schechter education is right for my child?
Our school is open to the community and we welcome families across a broad spectrum of observance and affiliations, including the unaffiliated. The best way to assess whether we are right for your child is to visit the school. We would arrange an individual or small group tour. During your visit, you will want to meet with the Admission Director and the school Principal. Your child can spend time with a buddy and sit in on classes.

You can ask to speak with other parents of children in the class that your child will enter, with alumni of the school and alumni parents. If your child is old enough, talking with other students is a great way to find out what they like about their school. Your relationship with our Schechter school begins at the first contact and will continue to grow as you make your decision to enroll your child.

What if my child is gifted or needs extra help?
SSA endeavors to meet the needs of diverse learners. We have implemented special programs for children with learning differences, and have faculty trained to implement differentiated instruction. Our Village approach makes this attainable without singling out students who simply learn differently. The needs of children who require additional challenges are met through enrichment programs and cross grading though our unique Village approach. For children in need of extra help, we have a full-time resource teacher who assesses their learning styles and special needs and provides instruction as needed.

How well prepared will my child be for public high school?
Our Schechter school spans through eighth grade. Our graduates are exceptionally well prepared for high school, and are accepted to a variety of high schools in their hometowns, including public schools, career academy (Monmouth County: http://www.mcvsd.org and Ocean County: http://ocvts.org ) programs, private and independent schools, and Jewish or yeshiva high schools. Solomon Schechter students develop self confidence and routinely score above grade level on standardized tests.

Our students are prepared to take on leadership roles in any field of their choosing during high school. Schechter Alumni have an excellent track record of gaining entrance to the top tier and most highly rated schools, demonstrating a high level of preparedness that makes them very desirable candidates.

What about Technology?
We have an ample computer lab which the students visit regularly. Our students begin learning about the various programs such as word processing and power point presentations in kindergarten and continue through eighth grade. Using elements from the curriculum, students practice their research skills while honing their technological skills.

Does my child still need to go to Hebrew School or Sunday School?
Solomon Schechter Academy offers a full program of Jewish Education. Involvement in synagogue life would be encouraged to provide opportunities of participation in a Jewish community outside of school and with the family and may be required to have a bar or bat mitzvah.

Will my child be prepared for Bar/Bat Mitzvah?
Solomon Schechter Academy's students acquire all the necessary skills at school. They only need to learn their specific Torah portion, which comes easily to a majority of our students. Most Solomon Schechter students do much more in the service than the typical Bar/Bat Mitzvah.

We are not very observant at home. What religious demands does the school impose?
Some families wonder whether a Solomon Schechter Day School is “too Jewish” or “not Jewish enough” for their child and for the family’s comfort level. Many families embark on a Jewish journey through and alongside their child’s happy day school experience.

Our approach is never to dictate a level of expected observance. Rather, it is to provide opportunities for Jewish experience and Jewish living that are enriching and meaningful to the students and their families. When parents decide to give Solomon Schechter Academy a chance, they almost always feel that they made the right and best choice. Academy students come from Reform, Conservative, Orthodox and non-observant homes, and a universal respect for each group is always expected.

Is Tuition Assistance Available?
Yes. We offer financial aid to families who qualify for it and we allocate annual financial assistance in accordance with a family’s need and the school’s ability to provide tuition relief.