The Jewish day schools, supplementary schools and early-childhood schools offered by the Jewish community of Cincinnati this year are listed below:
Adath Israel Congregation – Jarson Education Center
3201 E. Galbraith Road
Cincinnati, Ohio, 45236
Contact: Rachel Brown
Director of Education and
Youth and Family Programming
Phone: 513-793-1800, ext. 104
Fax: 513-792-5085
Email: rachel@adath-israel.org
Website: adath-israel.org/school
Grades: Pre-kindergarten (Pre-Gan)-8th Grade
Contact for start dates.
Affiliation: Conservative
Adath Israel’s focus is to give students rich educational opportunities that make it fun to be Jewish together. We offer an exciting program that incorporates immersion in Jewish culture and the study of Hebrew, prayer, and music, as well as a dedicated Bar and Bat Mitzvah Training Program.
We serve students in Pre-Kindergarten (age 4) through 8th grade. Special seventh & eighth Grade Program on Sunday evenings.
New this year: Elective classes for grades three through six, and optional virtual one-on-one Hebrew enrichment with Adath teachers.
Atara Girls High School
6701 Elbrook Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio, 45237
513-366-3946
Beth Israel Congregation
Schul School: Ann E. Strauss Religious School
Address: 50 North Sixth Street, Hamilton, Ohio 45011
Director of Education: Dr. Justin Binik-Thomas
Office: 513-868-2049 or
BethIsraelHamiltonOH@gmail.com
Grades: Kindergarten to Bnei Mitzvah
Calendar: New students 27 Aug/Community service 16 Jul/ First class 1 Oct
Affiliation: Conservative
Academic Statement: The integrated curriculum stresses the relevance of Judaism in our lives and reinforces methods to live both Jewishly and authentically. We’ll enjoy schul days, community days, and holidays together. Students can connect current events to the weekly Torah portion and understand the impact of daily mitzvot performed and observed. Students can continue their studies post-bnai mitzvah as a madrichot.
Chai Tots Early Childhood Center
7587 Central Parke Boulevard
Mason, OH 45040
Contact: Rochel Kalmanson, education director
Phone: 513-234-0600
Fax: 513-234-0711
Ages: 6 weeks-6 years
Hours: Flexible hours from 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Classes are currently ongoing.
Affiliation: Entire Jewish community
The Chai Tots Early Childhood Center is a Jewish community school, serving the entire Jewish community in the Mason/Deerfield/Loveland/West Chester area. Chai Tots students range from ages 6 weeks to 6 years and reflect the diversity of the Jewish community coming from a variety of Jewish affiliations and backgrounds. It is the first Jewish Montessori school in Ohio and offers infant care, toddler and preschool programs, and kindergarten.
Chai Tots provides a blend of Jewish Montessori education offering strong academics stressing life skills, interpersonal relationship skills, and nurturing a love of life-long learning.
They customize a curriculum for each student facilitated in expansive naturally lit rooms, with low student-teacher ratios. Offering year-round child care, a flexible “design-your-own-schedule,” webcams, state-of-the-art computer lab, yoga, music, Hebrew, Spanish, art, Tae Kwon Do, after-school enrichment and a “drop-off” sitting service. Separate Discover Hebrew School. Now enrolling.
Cincinnati Hebrew Day School
2222 Losantiville Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45237
513-351-7777
Cincy Journeys
Cincy Journeys is a grant program that enables hundreds of Jewish Cincinnati children, teens, and young adults to attend overnight Jewish camp or travel to Israel each year. These grants are not based on financial need.
Overnight Jewish Camp and Israel travel give our young community members the skills, experience, and desire to become tomorrow’s Jewish leaders.
Funded by The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati and administered by the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, Cincy Journeys is the most generous grants program in the country.
Congregation Beth Adam Religious School
10001 Loveland-Madeira Road, Loveland, Ohio, 45140
Contact: Rabbi Judith Lewis
Phone: 513-985-0400
Grades: Preschool to teen program
Hours: Religious School – Sunday, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Classes start September 10.
Affiliation: Humanistic
Under the direction of Rabbi Judith Lewis, Our Village (the Religious School of Congregation Beth Adam) continues to break new ground in what Jewish education can and should be. You and your children will find this innovative, creative and immersive Jewish experience to be meaningful and relevant. The value-added lessons learned and skills developed will last a lifetime.
Our Village will prepare students to be kind, confident, collaborative, critical thinkers. They will learn to be change-makers and social justice advocates through the lens of Jewish history, thought, and practice. Students will learn skills to enable them to be successful in the wider world in which they live.
Discovery Hebrew School
7587 Central Parke Boulevard
Mason, Ohio, 45040
Contact: Rochel Kalmanson, Discovery Hebrew School Educational Director
Phone: 513-234-0777
Ages: 6-13
Hours: Sundays, 10:00-
11:30 a.m.
Classes start September 10.
Format: In person at the Jewish Discovery Center, Mason. Remote Alef Champ Hebrew Reading option.
Affiliation: Entire Jewish community
Promoting Jewish awareness and education, Discovery Hebrew School offers a stimulating, friendly environment where students embrace their Jewish identity and gain a sense of Jewish pride through fun and meaningful activities.
The school provides an academic and enjoyable environment where children of all levels of observance and affiliation acquire a broad knowledge of Judaism, nurtures positive character building, and features the acclaimed Alef Champ program for Hebrew Reading. Students also receive free membership in CKids in Action Club, which creates community through shared activities and community projects beyond school.
Through Hebrew reading, writing, Jewish history, holidays and more, students come to appreciate the joys, values, and traditions of the heritage as it is brought to life by teachers whose creativity make every lesson a unique and dynamic learning experience.
Discovery Hebrew School assures that your child will:
– Attain a strong sense of love of Judaism and pride in being Jewish.
– Discover and explore the Torah (Bible), the incredible history of the Jewish people & see its relevance in today’s day & age.
– Gain an understanding of the practices & traditions of Judaism.
– Know the morals, values & ethical behavior taught in the Torah.
– Have a hands-on experience and appreciation for all Jewish holidays.
– Master Hebrew skills of reading and writing.
– Understand basic Hebrew words.
– Learn basic prayers so that the students will feel comfortable when attending services.
– Identify with the land of Israel and its inhabitants.
– Allow for students to express their opinions and questions about G‑d, Torah & religion.
Isaac M. Wise Temple Kehillah: Building Community Through Learning, Friendship, and Discovery (Pre-K through 8th Grade)
8329 Ridge Road
Cincinnati, Ohio, 45236
Contact: Courtney Anthony, Director of Education
Phone: 513-793-2556
Grades: Pre-K–8th grade (Sunday mornings); Hebrew Connect (online midweek Hebrew program for Grades 4-6)
Hours: Sundays 9:15-11:45 a.m. (Pre-K-8th Grade); Weekday afternoons (Hebrew Connect)
Classes start September 10.
Affiliation: Reform
We are thrilled to announce the launch of Kehillah, a brand new, comprehensive youth engagement and education experience at Wise Temple designed to promote community, friendship, and energized learning experiences in our Sunday morning program! Kehillah is not the religious school you knew, but a re-envisioned approach to Jewish learning and living for our students in pre-k through eighth grade. Our curriculum, goals, and even our Wise Center classroom furnishings are brand new for the 2022-2023 school year, with rooms now featuring cutting edge modular furniture designed for versatility and collaborative learning. The education which takes place during class time will be enhanced by an array of new enrichment experiences built into the Sunday morning program, including art, nature, and team building.
Wise Temple also features an online Hebrew learning experience for grades 4-6. Hebrew Connect is an interactive, synchronous program that allows families to choose class session times that work for their busy schedules, and students to join their teachers and classmates for interactive Hebrew lessons from the comfort of their own homes.
Special family services, social justice experiences, and holiday celebrations occur throughout the year at Wise Temple.
At Wise Temple you will find engaging, interactive, experiential learning at its best.
Kehal Kodesh School of Rockdale Temple: Our Sacred Community
8501 Ridge Road
Cincinnati, Ohio, 45236
Contact (Rockdale Temple): Rabbi Erin Binder, Assistant Rabbi & Educator
Phone: 513-891-9900
Grades: Preschool-Grade 8
Hours: Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-noon; Hebrew School: Tuesday afternoons online
Contact for start dates.
Format: In-person at Rockdale Temple unless otherwise noted
Affiliation: Reform
Kehal Kodesh offers learning experiences for students in preschool through eighth grade, and a Hebrew program for students in third through eighth grade. Our curriculum infuses Jewish values, holidays, Bible stories, and Israel into each learner’s experience. With community building as a core value, we hold weekly family t’filah (prayer), an annual family retreat, and several family learning opportunities throughout the year.
There are youth groups and social programs for all grades: Club 456 welcomes students in fourth, fifth, and sixth grades; Rak Noar is designed for students in seventh and eighth grades; and students in ninth to twelfth grade are encouraged to participate in Rockdale’s Senior Youth Group – YGOR, the Youth Group of Rockdale.
As a Reform congregation we embrace every family, every child, and every learner. Children in interfaith families who are being raised in the Jewish faith are encouraged to actively participate in the life of the congregation.
Early Childhood School at the Mayerson JCC
After Crew (after school)
8485 Ridge Road,
Cincinnati, OH 45236
Phone: 513-793-2122 (Early Childhood School);
513-722-7245 (After Crew)
New Community Hebrew High School
Shelanu is Cincinnati’s Hebrew High School. We bring together teens from six synagogues in Cincinnati: Adath Israel Congregation, Northern Hills Synagogue, Rockdale Temple, Temple Sholom, Valley Temple and Wise Temple. Rabbis from all of these Synagogues teach at Shelanu in addition to a talented teaching staff. Together we stimulate and challenge teens as they begin their independent Jewish lives. Shelanu is created from the former Mercaz and Kulanu schools.
Northern Hills Synagogue Religious School
5714 Fields Ertel Road
Cincinnati, Ohio, 45249
Contact: Idit Moss
Phone: 513-931-6040
Grades: Preschool-Grade 8
Hours: Preschool-Kindergarten (Kef Katan), Sunday, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. NHS School, Sunday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.; once a month the students will join the Shabbat service instead of Sunday school. In addition to Sunday/Saturday, the students will have an online Wed classes. Native Hebrew tracks, Wednesdays online. In addition to regular classes, once a month, family programs such as field trips and mitzvah projects.
Contact for start dates.
Affiliation: Conservative
Northern Hills Synagogue Religious School offers classes in Pre-K through grade 7. During their time at NHSRS, students will learn about the Torah, holidays, Israel, life-cycle events, the portion of the week, prayers, and Hebrew. We have an engaging online curriculum that provides a challenging learning experience via discussions, debates, and practice. This year, we proudly offer a Hebrew class for native Hebrew speakers. This class will be taught by a native Israeli teacher and will follow a curriculum for Israeli students.
We welcome Preschool and Kindergarten students to our Kef Katan class. During Kef Katan class, the students will learn Hebrew through fun songs, games, and dance. They will also hear stories and practice selected blessings. NHSRS registration is open for members and non-members.
Ohr Torah, Cincinnati
4131 Matson Avenue
Deer Park, OH 45236
513-351-1482
Rockwern Academy and Rockwern Academy Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC)
8401 Montgomery Road
Cincinnati, Ohio 45236
Contact: Rabbi Laura Baum, head of school
Phone: 513-984-3770
Fax: 513-984-3974
Grades: Preschool–grade 6 (Rockwern Academy) and 14 months-PreK (ECEC)
Hours: For Rockwern Academy, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. with flexible options for preschool, before and after school care for all students from 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
For ECEC, Half-day and full-day options, including early care at 7 a.m. and extended care program to 6 p.m.
Contact for start dates.
Affiliation: Jewish Community Day School
Founded in 1952, Rockwern Academy (formerly Yavneh Day School) is an independent, Jewish community day school in the Cincinnati/Kenwood area serving over 200 students in preschool through grade 7. Rockwern offers an academically rigorous and integrated general and Jewish studies program, enriched by a nurturing environment. Students learn in a safe, supportive community that reinforces their Jewish identity and values and builds self-esteem. A Rockwern education ensures that every student achieves high academic standards, knowledge, skills and qualities required to become a confident, productive citizen in a changing, diverse world, as well as a knowledgeable and committed Jew. Students may enter at any grade. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
Serving children from toddlers to 5 years, Rockwern Academy’s ECEC provides a warm, nurturing Jewish environment.
The foundation for learning Jewish values and traditions begins at this earliest level. The ECEC’s developmentally appropriate curriculum emphasizes academic, social and personal growth, including Jewish identity and Hebrew language.
Additional curricular features include academic orientation through math, literacy, reading readiness, and fine motor skill activities. The curriculum recognizes that a child’s primary method of learning is through play. Newly designed, well equipped, safe indoor and outdoor play areas are used for preschool children to develop gross motor skills. In addition, the children receive physical education, music, yoga, and Hebrew enrichment.
Temple Sholom Religious School
10828 Kenwood Road
Cincinnati Ohio, 45242
Phone: 513-791-1330
Valley Temple Religious School
145 Springfield Pike
Wyoming, Ohio, 45215
Contact: Rabbi Austin Zoot, Rabbi/Educator
Phone: 513-761-3555
Grades: Birth-Grade 12
Hours: Gan Emek: babies/toddlers with a parent/grandparent; Religious School: PreK-Grade 6 on Sundays, 10 a.m.-noon; Grades 7-8, a unique program including online chat room, and hybrid Sunday meetings and field trips; Grades 9-12 Sunday 5:30-7:10 p.m. at New Community Hebrew High School; Grades 4-6 Hebrew Tuesday 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Contact for start dates.
Affiliation: Reform
Valley Temple’s classes have a strong emphasis on Torah, Israel, holidays, traditions and values. Highly skilled and experienced faculty nurture the students and help them develop their Jewish identities. Valley Temple also offers family education for all grades and a Hebrew program for grades 4, 5, 6. Families must be temple members to enroll students.
