Frequently Asked Questions
Q—When can we apply for kindergarten?
A—Applications are available in early September, one year prior to the start of school year. Kindergartners must be five years old by August 31st of the year they will begin (no exceptions can be made to this policy). The Kindergarten deadline serves as a guide for placement in grades one through eight. Gesher (pre-K) is for children who can benefit from an additional year of “school” experience and for children who will not be five years old until the end of December.
Q—Do siblings, Sinai Akiba Early Childhood Education Center students and Sinai Temple members receive priority?
A—As an integral part of Sinai Temple, we give first consideration to Temple members and to children who have siblings in our school. However, we are eager to welcome new families. The most important factor is determining if our program is a good match for the individual applicant.
Q—What if we do not speak or read Hebrew? How can we help our children with homework?
A—Most of our parents do not speak Hebrew and are neither able nor expected to assist their children in this area. Similarly, when children move onto higher levels of math or science, parents may not always be able to help them. Teachers are always ready to assist students who have made an honest effort but have not been able to complete a homework assignment.
Q—Is tuition assistance available if I need it?
A—Yes, we are strongly committed to a generous tuition assistance program and are happy to discuss your needs. We understand that the cost of a quality Jewish day school education may be beyond the financial reach of many families. We will work with you to explore your family’s eligibility for financial assistance.
Q—What about the student body? Is there a mixture of cultures and nationalities?
A—Sinai Akiba offers a culturally rich, caring community comprised of families from a diverse spectrum of the Jewish community. Our student body is representative of families from different cultures, with varying income levels. Each of these families comes to Sinai Akiba with a shared desire for a Jewish education and environment. The school’s commitment to tuition assistance helps it to maintain this dynamic and diverse community.
Q—Will the environment at Sinai Akiba Academy be more or less religious than our home?
A—Our student body also reflects a broad spectrum of religious practices, ranging from modern Orthodox and traditional Conservative to Reform. Practices such as kashrut and daily prayer are observed at school, yet our students learn that there are many approaches to Jewish tradition. We know that ultimately students will decide their own patterns of belief and practice as adults. Our goal is for students to carry with them warm memories and a firm foundation of knowledge and skills for building their Jewish identity—fostering deep feelings of connectedness with Israel, the Jewish community and religious life.
Q—Considering the comprehensive dual curriculum, will my child be missing some areas of general studies?
A—Sinai Akiba graduates have proven themselves to be extremely well-prepared for secondary school. That’s what our alumni and the faculties and staff of secondary schools tell us! The Judaic studies curriculum enhances the overall academic experience, and further developes critical thinking and analytical skills. The opportunity for young children to study Hebrew and Jewish history deepens their language skills and their appreciation for history.
Q—What schools do the children attend after eighth grade?
A—Sinai Akiba Academy has an outstanding reputation in the secondary school community. Our graduates are regularly accepted into top Jewish, secular/ independent and public high schools. High schools our graduates attend include: Milken, Harvard-Westlake, Brentwood, Buckley, Marlborough, Crossroads, Archer, Windward, Shalhevet, as well as Beverly Hills, Hamilton, Palisades and Santa Monica High Schools. Our middle school director serves as high school consultant, guiding eighth graders and their parents through the high school application process
Q—How does Sinai Akiba perform on standardized tests?
A—Beginning in third grade, we administer the Educational Research Bureau exams in May of each year. The California Association of Independent Schools requires this exam of all accredited schools. Our scores on these tests validate Sinai Akiba’s curriculum and quality of instrution. Our scores for all grades consistently fall within a highly competitive range.
Q-How does Sinai Akiba accommodate students with limited Hebrew
A- Sinai Akiba’s Hebrew Transition Program has been developed to accommodate incoming students with minimal to limited Hebrew skills. This supplemental program takes place during the school day in a small group setting, provided there are a sufficient number of students, to assist them through their transition into the school. There is an additional fee for this program. Please call our Judaic Studies department @ 310-481-3283 for more information.
