Abraham Joshua Heschel School
Abraham Joshua Heschel School
The Abraham Joshua Heschel School in New York City is a Jewish day school located in New York city, USA. It provides courses from nursery to 12th grade and is named after the influential Jewish leader and activist Abraham Joshua Heschel School. The school is devoted to upholding the same principles that defined Rabbi Heschel's life, such as exploration, integrity, love, kindness, respect, community, responsibility, and a dedication to social justice. It is a diverse and inclusive community that welcomes families with varying Jewish backgrounds, beliefs, and practices.
Compared to other Jewish day schools, the Heschel School has a distinctive ideology. Its namesake, Abraham Joshua Heschel School, viewed Judaism as a means of connecting to an indescribable divine presence without criticizing those who believed in other intriguing concepts. The school places great emphasis on the diversity of its students, including their various religious traditions and the different ideas they bring to the table. While valuing those with divergent perspectives, the Heschel School does not actively encourage debate. It is worth noting that although there are other schools with the name "Heschel" located in Los Angeles, California and Toronto, Ontario, Canada, they are not affiliated with the New York City institution beyond sharing a similar name.
Programs in Abraham Joshua Heschel School
The Early Childhood program at the Abraham Joshua Heschel School places a strong emphasis on general subjects, which serves as the foundation for the students' future academic endeavors. However, the school's academic life is not limited to only general subjects; it also encompasses Judaic studies programming, college counseling, Holocaust Archives Center, and opportunities for performing acts of hesed, which is a Hebrew term for charitable deeds.
The school's educational philosophy is rooted in a well-rounded curriculum that encourages students to seek personal meaning and understanding. This approach recognizes the importance of balance between intellectual and emotional growth, with a focus on the development of the whole child. The school places a significant emphasis on moral education, values, and character development, which are viewed as essential components of a comprehensive education. The Abraham Joshua Heschel School seeks to foster a sense of inquiry and expression among its students, helping them to develop an understanding of themselves and others. The program is designed to provide models of excellence in both the staff and the curriculum, emphasizing the importance of hard work and dedication to achieving one's goals. Each school year's goals are viewed within the context of the broader vision of education as a lifelong developmental process. The staff at the school believe that children learn best through experience. They place great value on structured exploratory learning that cultivates inner discipline and freedom within boundaries. The Abraham Joshua Heschel School recognizes that the development of reliable routines is essential in facilitating purposeful investigation. The balance between freedom and boundaries is a core principle guiding the school's teaching approach. Ultimately, the Abraham Joshua Heschel School aims to develop individuals who are lifelong learners, integrating Jewish values into every aspect of their lives. The school seeks to instill a deep sense of responsibility towards the broader world within which its students live. By fostering critical thinking, empathy, and compassion, the school hopes to cultivate individuals who will make a positive impact on the world around them. The Abraham Joshua Heschel School's program for its youngest students is designed to create a warm, nurturing, and stimulating environment that reflects the school's deep respect for children. The program is guided by an understanding of how children learn best, and the school creates ample opportunities for students to interact with peers, teachers, and open-ended materials to foster curiosity and a love of learning. The school prioritizes the growth of each child as an individual and as a member of a caring community. The staff is committed to cultivating each child's Jewish soul and identity through daily prayers, blessings, acts of kindness, and celebrations of Shabbat and holidays. The Early Childhood program includes nursery, pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten classes, each with three teachers and specialists. The program is thoughtfully designed to provide a balance between active and quiet times, indoor and outdoor playtime, and time for children to select their own activities, as well as time for teacher-directed learning. This approach recognizes the importance of catering to the children's needs while providing a structured and supportive environment that fosters their development.
When studying at the Lower School at Abraham Joshua Heschel, you will witness students happily engaging in various activities that involve exploration and problem-solving. Both General and Judaic studies are incorporated throughout the day, allowing for integration and collaboration among students. The school prioritizes the children's sense of identity and confidence while cultivating competent learners and social beings. Acts of kindness and community outreach are part of the daily routine.
Abraham Joshua Heschel School offers vast resources, including teachers, specialists, administrators, and partnerships to support individual children and foster a sense of community. The school encourages a strong home-school connection, valuing parent communication and involvement in children's growth and development.
The Lower School uses the Responsive Classroom methodology, which centers on core values such as safety, respect, responsibility, community, and perseverance. Ceremonies and assemblies provide opportunities for the community to come together and celebrate milestones and holidays. Field trips enhance the curriculum, utilizing New York City as a classroom extension. The Middle School program at Abraham Joshua Heschel focuses on early adolescence development. Students explore sophisticated concepts in both general and Judaic studies, practicing abstract reasoning skills and participating in scientific and mathematical inquiry. The music program fosters musicianship and teamwork, while acts of kindness and respect are valued and celebrated through tefillah and Hebrew song and dance.
The High School programs at The Abraham Joshua Heschel School are designed to not only educate students, but also to empower them to pursue their passions with focus and dedication. Through a commitment to pluralism, the school provides a diverse and inclusive environment where students can develop their intellectual interests and abilities, while also cultivating a lifelong commitment to leading a Jewish life of integrity and purpose. The words of our namesake, Abraham Joshua Heschel School, continue to guide us as we strive to create a community where "intellectual efforts are stirred by a blazing passion."
Our talented and dedicated faculty are committed to guiding students as they develop the deep analytical and expressive skills needed to master sources and formulate their own informed positions on a vast array of modern problems and challenges that are fundamental and complex. Through class discussions and various co-curricular activities, students are encouraged to listen to the ideas and challenges of their peers, and to openly and honestly reassess their own positions.
At the Abraham Joshua Heschel School, students are given numerous opportunities to assume leadership positions and engage with the community in meaningful ways, through sports teams, clubs, social justice causes, and art experiences. Also, the school puts a great deal of value on differentiated instruction, with classrooms that extend outside the structure and into various New York City neighborhoods and beyond. As a result of this comprehensive approach to education, our graduates leave Heschel rooted in Judaism in a variety of ways and with the confidence to engage deeply with difference and make meaningful contributions towards bettering the community and the world.
The Abraham Joshua Heschel School invite you to join the students on this journey of growth, discovery, and self-exploration as the school works together to shape, stretch, challenge, and inspire you during your four years at Heschel High School.
Accommodation in Abraham Joshua Heschel School
The Abraham Joshua Heschel School does not offer accommodations for its students. However, there are other options for accommodations in New York City, USA.
One option is to rent an apartment or room near the school. The cost of renting an apartment in New York City can vary widely depending on the location, size, and condition of the apartment. According to a 2022 report, the median rent for a studio apartment in Manhattan is approximately $2,500 USD per month, while a one-bedroom apartment costs about $3,200 USD per month.
Another option is to stay in a homestay with a host family. This option can provide a more immersive cultural experience for international students, as they can live with an American family and practice their English skills outside of school. The cost of a homestay can vary depending on the location and the amenities provided, but generally ranges from $1,000 USD to $1,500 USD per month.
It is important to note that the cost of accommodations in New York City can be quite high, and students should plan accordingly to ensure that they can afford the cost of living in the city. Additionally, students should research potential housing options carefully to ensure that they are safe and provide the amenities they need.
Future Prospects after study in
Studying at the Abraham Joshua Heschel School provides a myriad of opportunities for further studies. International students who graduate from a higher educational institution in the US may have the opportunity to stay and work in the US through a post-graduation work visa. The most common type of work visa for international students is the Optional Practical Training (OPT) , which allows them to work in a field related to their major for up to 12 months after graduation. However, obtaining permanent residence or American citizenship is a more complex and lengthy process that requires meeting specific requirements and going through a legal process. It's important for international students to be aware of the visa and immigration requirements and to seek guidance from qualified professionals, such as an immigration attorney or an international student advisor at their school, to understand their options and make informed decisions about their future prospects in the US.
In case, if you need assistance with Homestay for international student in order to study in Abraham Joshua Heschel School or other schools in the USA, please fill in application below or contact us directly.