Private and parochial schools have some advantages that public schools don’t have.
But Ginny Galili, principal of Gross Schechter Day School in Pepper Pike, said a private school education has clear advantages, both academically and emotionally.
Gross Schechter enrolls about 260 students from preschool through eighth grade, she said.
“While there are many excellent public schools in the area, some parents consider the excellent private schools in the area because they believe they may be a better fit for their family,” Galili said.
She said there are many benefits, both academically and in deepening students’ Jewish faith at the school.
“We try to make the school like an extended family for our students,” Galili said.
Galili said Gross Schechter’s staffing arrangements allow teachers to quickly identify a child’s needs and strengths and focus on those differences.
“Every student here is unique, and we identify each student’s interests and passions,” she said.
Galili said that in addition to “deep diving” into the arts, sciences and other academic subjects, the school is “steeped in a family culture aligned with religious values.”
Gross Schechter students acquire a high level of Hebrew literacy that is not available in public schools.
The school also strives to develop leadership skills in its students.
According to Galili, “our students are not just learners, they are leaders,” and they often lead Torah readings and other activities that develop skills that can be applied to many other aspects of life.
Students will also have the opportunity to travel to Israel, reinforcing what they are being taught in school and giving them a chance to see “Jewish history” for themselves, she said.
The option to combine robust instruction in Jewish history and other religions with academic mentorship and leadership experiences can be a big advantage, Galili said, providing students with skill sets and character development they can carry into their next private or public high school and into adult life.
Kevin Corbo is a freelance journalist.
