In Chicago, a vibrant Jewish community has long been characterized by its numerous synagogues, kosher eateries, and a sizable Jewish federation. However, one significant gap has persisted: a Jewish high school within the city limits.
A parent-driven initiative aimed at establishing a Jewish high school in Chicago is now gaining momentum. With a building currently under contract, engagement from the city’s Jewish federation, and increasing interest from families, plans are solidifying.
The objective is to launch the high school by 2027, providing an option for graduates of the city’s three non-Orthodox Jewish day schools, ensuring they have a local educational choice aside from public and secular private schools.
This initiative arises as both public and private high schools have been scrutinized for allegations of antisemitism within the city. Last year, the Department of Education announced an investigation into Chicago Public Schools over claims of antisemitic discrimination linked to the support of a student-led pro-Palestinian walkout.
Additionally, the elite Latin School of Chicago is currently facing a lawsuit that includes severe allegations of antisemitism, including an incident where school band members allegedly performed the Nazi anthem.
Amid these troubling developments, parents like one from Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School express growing concern about the safety and climate for Jewish students in public and private educational institutions.
“The climate has gotten very scary for Jews and for our kids,” the parent remarked, emphasizing the seriousness of considering the new Jewish high school initiative.
Beyond safety concerns, families are also motivated by the prospect of continuing a Jewish education without the burdensome commute to distant suburbs. Currently, Rochelle Zell Jewish High School—the only egalitarian high school option in the metropolitan area—is over an hour away during rush hour from Anshe Emet’s Lakeview neighborhood.
Ida Crown Jewish Academy, another option, is closer but is located in the suburbs and is primarily Orthodox.
Lonnie Nasatir, the head of the Jewish United Fund, expressed, “We’re one of the remaining cities that does not have a Jewish high school. Other cities, even of a smaller size, are able to do it. We see no reason why we can’t support such a thing.”
While the JUF has not yet provided funding for the new school, it has supported the founding team in their endeavor.
The founders are not yet available for comment, but a circulated job description for a head of school reveals a notable founding team.
Those involved include J.R. Berger, president of the Magellan Development Group, Ron Huberman, the former CEO and superintendent of Chicago Public Schools, as well as several leaders in education and community service.
The job description highlights a pressing need for a quality high school founded on Jewish values, preparing students—including both Jews and non-Jews— for roles as custodians of Jewish and American ideals.
Should this new school open, it would join a trend of Jewish educational institutions emerging in response to shifts within Jewish communities, particularly following recent assaults on Jewish identity and values.
Many Jewish leaders describe this moment as a surge in interest for Jewish engagement, prompted notably by the Hamas-led massacre in Israel on October 7, 2023, which has ushered in heightened incidences of antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiments in various locales, including educational environments.
A similar sentiment has been seen in New York City, where Emet Classical Academy recently opened to offer Jewish students an education rich in both traditional and classical studies, distanced from progressive educational values.
In Ontario, Canada, plans are underway to launch a new Jewish high school next year as a proactive measure against rising antisemitism and declining educational quality in public schools.
In Chicago, the initial outreach for this new school began last September, when the founding team conducted an interest survey across Jewish day schools, synagogues, and preschools in the area.
The survey received responses from 715 families, with a noteworthy 81 percent indicating they were either “very or somewhat interested” in the new high school option.
The founding team had prior communication with JUF during their research, reinforcing the belief in the necessity of this educational project.
“Our city needed it, and that gave them the people driving this project a lot of confidence,” Nasatir mentioned, underscoring the importance of community support in moving the initiative forward.
As discussions about the school circulate among families associated with the city’s Jewish day schools, enthusiasm is rising.
Karen Leavitt, the interim head of Bernard Zell, noted a stark contrast in enrollment patterns, indicating that typically only “one or two” students pursue suburban Jewish high schools due to the inconvenience of distance.
“This opportunity for continuity after eighth grade into high school is incredibly exciting,” Leavitt reflected.
At Chicago Jewish Day School, a non-denominational institution located in Logan Square, approximately one-third of students transition into Jewish high schools. Judy Finkelstein-Taff, the head of school, reported positive reception towards the initiative, particularly as one of the founders, Ira Weiss, holds a position on their board.
“Having more Jewish education just opens up more opportunities for more kids,” she asserted.
Akiba Schechter, another non-Orthodox day school situated on the South Side, finds that the lengthy commute to Rochelle Zell can take upwards of two hours during peak traffic.
“We were really excited to discuss this during our synagogue meetings, as it highlights more community aspects,” noted a parent whose child attends a secular private school in the area and is weighing high school options.
While the initiative is generating considerable excitement among families in the city, response levels have been lower in the northern suburbs.
Lena Kushnir, head of Solomon Schechter Day School, which is affiliated with the Conservative movement, pointed out that around 40% of students from their school continue on to Jewish high schools, primarily to Rochelle Zell and some to Ida Crown.
Kushnir added, “I don’t believe that Schechter parents are the primary target for the new school, as it is geographically pretty far from our community.”
Tony Frank, head of Rochelle Zell, expressed neutrality regarding the new school project. While he had not directly engaged with its founders, he emphasized the value of varied Jewish educational options.
“A strong Jewish education in all its forms strengthens our Jewish community,” Frank concluded, depicting a welcoming attitude towards all educational efforts aimed at cultivating future generations.
The parent from Bernard Zell, who wished to remain anonymous, conveyed a desire for the new school’s founders to soon share more concrete plans regarding leadership, curriculum, and overall vision for the institution.
“People are thinking about who will lead and what the school will truly represent,” she expressed, indicating thoughtful caution among families regarding the new endeavor.
Nonetheless, she also argued against the notion of students being considered ‘guinea pigs’ for this new initiative. Instead, she viewed potential enrollees as “trailblazers,” setting a path for future generations in Jewish education.
image source from：timesofisrael
