by Josh Lipowsky
The Jewish Standard

May 21, 2009

As communities throughout the state continue to struggle with the high costs of Jewish day school, a synagogue serving Orthodox families in Teaneck is planning to launch an after-school program in the fall to supplement a public school education.

Rabbi Lawrence Zierler of the Jewish Center of Teaneck revealed plans last week for what he called “an open yeshiva.” The four-day-a-week after-school program geared toward fifth-, sixth-, and seventh-graders will provide b’nei mitzva preparation, Jewish education, and Hebrew language arts.

Zierler, an Orthodox rabbi serving a congregation that includes both Orthodox and Conservative minyanim, or prayer groups, noted that he grew up in a day-school environment and supports that model for Jewish education.

He lamented, however, that the economic downturn has made paying the already high tuition impossible for some. The center, he said, is in a position to help because of its large physical plant. The motivation behind the school is the need to be responsible and responsive, he said, emphasizing that it is not meant to diminish the day-school system.

“With this economic crisis there will definitely be families that can no longer afford going to the day schools and will be looking for some way for their children to still get a secular education and follow that up with a Jewish education,” said Eva Gans, the center’s expected incoming president. “If this works for them, then we’re doing a service for the community.”

Although the school is geared toward students who moved to public school from the day-school system, it will be open to students of all backgrounds, including all Jewish movements, Zierler said.

“It has enough of the traditional for the traditional family but can also be a gateway opportunity for people coming from other parts of the denominational spectrum,” he said.

Zierler dismissed concerns about adding another two hours of classes to a public-school student’s day. A day-school schedule typically runs until 5 p.m. or later, so the time commitment from a public school student would parallel the day-school schedule.

While the program has not yet been finalized, Zierler expected the cost to parents to be between $3,000 and $5,000 per student — significantly less than tuition for a day-school education, which can reach as high as $25,000 per student.

The high cost of day school education has led to discussions among all the movements about affordability — and alternatives.

In Englewood, a group of day-school parents concerned about tuition costs is investigating a new, lower-cost school track for $6,500 per student. To make the program work, the group is looking to increase class sizes, cut staff, and reduce such co-curricular programming as art, music, and gym.

Courtesy of the Jewish Standard, where a version of this article originally appeared (www.jstandard.com).

Comment: comments@njjewishnews.com

--TOP--