Only two weeks into its inaugural year, students and faculty at The Idea School have experienced an outstanding introduction to what lies ahead. Enrolled in the first fully immersive project-based learning Jewish high school in America, 14 students from Bergen County, Riverdale, Monsey and Brooklyn have begun a journey that promises to be academic, inspirational and rewarding.
On October 14, The Idea School will host a Chanukat Habayit at the JCC in Tenafly to celebrate the opening of the school. The keynote speaker for the event will be Gary Jacobs. Jacobs founded the High Tech High charter high schools in San Diego, California, which are project-based learning interdisciplinary schools. Jacobs is also the incoming chair of the JCC Association of North America, making him a most suitable fit, being an advocate for both this educational model as well as the JCC establishment. Other speakers will include Tikvah Wiener, head of school, and Jordan Shenker, CEO of the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades.
“This program is about breaking down walls between school and the world,” Wiener explained. “The JCC offers the ideal environment for this model.”
The JCC and The Idea School share a similar mission, which facilitates a meaningful connection. “The Kaplen JCC on the Palisades is proud to be partnering with The Idea School. We share the same goals to enrich and serve the needs of our Jewish community. That we can achieve this objective working together more effectively than either of us can independently underscores the benefits to both our organizations as well as the community of this partnership. We are very excited about a long successful future together,” said Shenker.
The introduction of The Idea School at a time when the greater Bergen County community is expanding rapidly and kids’ educational needs are more diversified provides a desirable option for Jewish high school students. “The Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey is proud to be a partner with The Idea School as it seeks innovation in Jewish education. The Idea School’s approach to integrated project-based learning is unique and exciting and we share their enthusiasm for the new model. We have no doubt that the school will be a positive addition to our Jewish community and serve as a global pilot for academic innovation,” commented Jason Shames, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey.
Wiener believes most students will be successful in this program. Project-based learning speaks to both creative-minded learners and conventional learners. “We are all born with creativity,” said Wiener. At The Idea School, students are exploring while learning and comprehending the material being taught. In more traditional environments, kids typically learn through rote memorization and standard teaching. Through project-based learning students learn in a more encompassing, unique way.
The system emphasizes real-life application. Even in the Judaic studies curriculum, learning is achieved through a hands-on approach to understanding Torah. Students not only learn about their Jewish values, but also how to use their Judaism to help others.
Project-based learning places a real focus on equity. Small-group instruction is typical to the classroom structure at The Idea School, which ensures all students get what they need. Students are all learning the same material, but in many cases it is packaged differently to accommodate individual levels of learning.
Tamara Levin of Englewood has a son enrolled at The Idea School. Levin was looking for an environment where learning is not cumbersome. When she learned about this model of education and how passionate the staff is about developing learners, she knew it was the right place for him.
“The objective is not just to offer a core curriculum, but to create an excitement to learn and to prepare students for life,” Levin explained. The normal pressure associated with attending a new school seems to be overshadowed by the positive experience he is having, she said. “There is definitely a significant workload, but at the same time he feels like he is enjoying school.” Levin believes that in many cases the best growth opportunities result from a hands-on practice. “An experiential approach to learning can yield long-lasting results that are far greater than memorization.”
The curriculum at The Idea School is in line with all academic requirements. Students will be prepared for college entrance exams as well as any other next step on their educational path. There is a profound emphasis on developing life skills with real-world application, which Wiener believes is the ultimate goal. “To know how to meet deadlines and have a conversation with an adult are critical components in a child’s development,” she said. Thinking ahead to the future, Wiener hopes to grow the school’s enrollment while maintaining the individual focus that is a key fundamental of The Idea School.
The event will take place on October 14 (5 Marcheshvan) at 6:45 p.m. There will be a VIP reception at 6 p.m. for those who have donated over $1800. Attendees can register at https://www.jfnnj.org/calendar/theideaschoolevent/.
By Andrea Nissel
