Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy
Overview:
Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy, founded in 1946 as Akiba Hebrew Academy, is a nationally recognized pluralistic Jewish day school located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. It serves students from grades 6 through 12, providing a rigorous college preparatory curriculum integrated with Jewish values and traditions. The Academy stands as the first pluralistic Jewish secondary school in the United States, emphasizing a community-based approach to education.
Education and Offerings:
The school focuses on fostering personal development and a sense of community grounded in Jewish values known as Derech Eretz, encompassing honor, courage, kindness, and community. The curriculum is tailored to promote academic excellence and personal growth, preparing students to emerge as leaders within Jewish, American, and global contexts. Unique to its offerings is an 11th-grade study program in Israel, partly funded by a $10 million endowment in partnership with Jewish National Fund-USA.
Leadership and Key Personnel:
The Academy is led by Rabbi Marshall Lesack, an alumnus from the Class of 1997, whose leadership is characterized by educational and strategic excellence. Supporting Rabbi Lesack are key personnel such as Alex Stroker, Chief Operations and Development Officer with nearly 25 years in Jewish community leadership; Sharon Levin and Marshall Lesack as Heads of School; Melissa Present, Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management; Elizabeth Pandian, Associate Director of College Counseling; Debi Ricci, Development Director; Joseph Maybloom, Director of College Counseling; and Judd Levingston, Director of Jewish Studies.
Financial Health and Enrollment:
Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy operates with an estimated annual revenue of $50.1 million. The academy is engaged in proactive fundraising activities, maintaining an annual fund to support curriculum enhancements and resource allocations, with the school functioning as a public charity giving over $3.7 million in grants in 2023. The school employs approximately 253 staff members, serving a student body of 360, which provides for a favorable student-teacher ratio ensuring personalized academic attention.
Academic and Extra-Curricular Excellence:
The Academy excels in producing graduates proficient in English and Hebrew literature, knowledgeable about Jewish and Western cultural traditions. It offers a comprehensive extracurricular program with significant participation in athletics, evidenced by its 2023-24 academic year entry into the Friends School League, where 80% of students participate in competitive sports. Additional programs include the STEAM Institute, and clubs such as the Annenberg Science, Mock Trial, Math League, and DECA.
Competitors:
Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy's competitors include institutions like Frederica Academy, Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, Savannah Country Day School, Halifax Area School District, and Vista Autism Services. Despite competitive pressures, the Academy differentiates itself through its unique integration of Jewish studies with a rigorous college preparatory program.
Facilities and Community Engagement:
The Academy’s campus boasts excellent facilities encouraging academic and extracurricular engagement. The school community is actively involved in various activities, including athletics, arts, and community service, strengthening both internal bonds and community ties.
School Environment and Culture:
An inclusive environment is promoted, inviting students from all Jewish community segments and ensuring educational access for all qualified students regardless of financial background. The school prides itself on fostering a mutually supportive student community dedicated to academic excellence and cultural enrichment.
Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy remains a leader in educational excellence, deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and values, with a commitment to developing students as informed and compassionate leaders.
