Jewish Upper School of Nashville Market Research Report

Background

Overview

The Jewish Upper School of Nashville is a private educational institution dedicated to providing a comprehensive Jewish education for students in grades 5 through 11. The school aims to nurture a community that embraces Jewish values, inspires engagement, and prepares students to contribute meaningfully to society. It operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, reflecting its commitment to educational excellence and community service.

Mission and Vision

The school's mission is to offer an exceptional education that integrates general and Judaic studies, fostering intellectual growth and a strong sense of community among students. Its vision is to cultivate informed Jewish leaders who are prepared to make significant contributions to the broader community.

Primary Area of Focus

The Jewish Upper School focuses on delivering a rigorous academic curriculum alongside a robust Jewish education, aiming to develop well-rounded individuals who are both academically proficient and deeply connected to their Jewish heritage.

Industry Significance

As part of Nashville's Jewish educational landscape, the school plays a crucial role in providing Jewish families with quality educational options that align with their cultural and religious values. Its existence contributes to the diversity and richness of the educational offerings in the region.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Academic Excellence: Deliver a challenging curriculum that prepares students for success in higher education and beyond.

Jewish Identity Development: Foster a strong sense of Jewish identity and community among students.

Community Engagement: Encourage active participation in both the Jewish and broader Nashville communities.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Integrated Curriculum: Combines general studies with Jewish education to provide a holistic learning experience.

Small Class Sizes: Maintains a low student-to-teacher ratio to ensure personalized attention and support.

Key Technologies Utilized

While specific technologies are not detailed, the school's commitment to academic excellence suggests the integration of modern educational tools and resources to enhance learning outcomes.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

The school primarily serves Jewish families in the Nashville area seeking an education that aligns with their cultural and religious values. It also appeals to families interested in a small, community-focused educational environment.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

As a nonprofit organization, the Jewish Upper School of Nashville relies on a combination of tuition, donations, and grants to fund its operations. In the fiscal year ending June 2025, the school reported total revenues of $1,043,500 and total expenses of $1,088,569, resulting in a net loss of $45,069.

Total Funds Raised

The school has secured funding through various channels, including grants from foundations and other nonprofits. Notable grants include:

$25,000 from Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund

$15,250 from DAFgiving360

$10,000 from Shoba Foundation

These contributions support the school's mission and help offset operational costs.

Notable Investors

While specific individual investors are not disclosed, the school's funding sources include reputable foundations and charitable organizations, indicating a strong network of support within the philanthropic community.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The funds raised are primarily allocated towards:

Educational Programs: Enhancing curriculum and instructional materials.

Faculty Development: Providing professional development opportunities for staff.

Operational Expenses: Covering day-to-day operational costs to maintain a high-quality educational environment.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

The school is in the process of expanding its educational offerings to include grades 9 through 11, aiming to provide a continuous K-12 Jewish education experience. This expansion is part of a broader initiative to merge with other local Jewish educational institutions, such as Akiva School and the Jewish Middle School, to create a unified K-12 Jewish day school in Nashville.

Stages of Development

Phase 1: Completed a feasibility study assessing the financial and educational benefits of merging with other local Jewish schools.

Phase 2: Engaging the broader community through focus groups to gather feedback and assess interest in the proposed merger.

Target Conditions

The merger aims to address the growing demand for Jewish day school education in Nashville and to provide a more cohesive and comprehensive educational experience for students.

Relevant Timelines

2025-2026: Anticipated addition of 11th grade.

2026-2027: Anticipated addition of 12th grade.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Specific proprietary technologies are not detailed in the available information.

Significant Scientific Methods

The school employs a dual-language curriculum in both Hebrew and Jewish Studies, integrating experiential learning to enhance student engagement and understanding.

Leadership Team

Key Executive Profiles

Rabbi Saul Strosberg: Head of School and founder of the Jewish Middle School, leading the initiative to merge local Jewish educational institutions.

Becky Gunn: Chief Financial Officer, overseeing the school's financial operations and strategic planning.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The Nashville area hosts several private educational institutions, including:

Akiva School: A K-6 Jewish day school known for its STEAM-certified curriculum and individualized attention.

Kehilla High School: Established in 2022, this is the only Jewish high school in Middle Tennessee, offering education to families of all faith backgrounds.

Jewish Middle School of Nashville: Serving grades 5-8, this school focuses on nurturing a community that embraces Jewish values and prepares students for future educational endeavors.

Competitor Analysis

Akiva School: Offers a dual-language curriculum with a strong emphasis on STEAM education, catering to students from diverse backgrounds.

Kehilla High School: Provides a unique educational experience as the only Jewish high school in the region, focusing on both general and Judaic studies.

Jewish Middle School of Nashville: Focuses on middle school education with a strong community orientation, preparing students for high school and beyond.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

The Jewish Upper School of Nashville is exploring potential collaborations and mergers with local Jewish educational institutions to create a unified K-12 Jewish day school, aiming to leverage shared resources and enhance educational offerings.

Operational Insights

The school's strategic focus on merging with other local Jewish schools positions it to offer a more comprehensive educational experience, potentially attracting a broader student base and strengthening its competitive position in the Nashville area.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Strategic Roadmap

Short-Term Goals: Complete the merger process with Akiva School and the Jewish Middle School, integrating resources and curricula.

Long-Term Goals: Establish a unified K-12 Jewish day school that serves the Nashville community, providing a continuous and cohesive educational experience.

Opportunities for Expansion

The merger presents opportunities to expand educational offerings, enhance extracurricular activities, and strengthen community engagement.

Future Objectives

By unifying local Jewish educational institutions, the school aims to create a robust educational environment that prepares students for future success while fostering a strong sense of Jewish identity and community.

Contact Information

Official Website

The Jewish Upper School of Nashville maintains an official website to provide information about its programs, admissions, and community initiatives.

Social Media Profiles