Educational Philosophy/Curriculum

Stern Hebrew High School seeks to inspire students with the blend of academic excellence, intellectual curiosity and religious depth that only a Modern Orthodox day school at its best can provide. For four years we have an opportunity to take young adults, so filled with passion and insight, so in need of guidance and stability, and give them the tools and vision that will help them become the motivated Jews and Americans of the future. It is also our aim to help parents raise children committed to Halacha, and through that commitment guide them to becoming knowledgeable and thoughtful adults, able to share in both their people’s mission and mankind’s destiny.

The central goal of a school is to help students learn how to use their minds well. Our school has a second goal that complements and transcends this first goal: the development of young men and women who will become fully committed to a lifestyle of Torah as transmitted through the Mesorah. We believe that these goals can only be realized through fostering commitment to Halacha and curiosity about Torah shebikhtav and shebeal-peh. This commitment to Torah ideally inspires a desire to know the dimensions of G-d’s creations, a need to seek truth. In this sense our dedication to the investigation of the sciences and humanities is a fulfillment of the Torah imperative to become full human beings, the B’nai and B’not Torah of the future. Our academic program in both Judaic and secular studies seeks to provide our students with an environment conducive to scholarship, intellectual curiosity, love of learning, and creativity.

Academic Excellence in Judaic and General Studies

Our goal is to instruct and edify our students, rather than indoctrinate them. Our Jewish studies curriculum helps prepare our students to confidently study Torah in its fullness, as only a person at home with Tanach, Talmud, and our other classic texts can do. The General studies curriculum focuses on language skills, mathematical and scientific method, and philosophical and historical analysis; it nurtures the literary talents and artistic interests of our students. Athletic and extracurricular programming is provided to respond to a wide range of student interests. Upon graduation, our students are encouraged to attend the best Yeshivot, Michlalot and Universities.

Accreditation by the Pennsylvania State Board of Private Academic Schools and Mid-Atlantic States Accreditation is currently in process.

Equal Education for Men and Women

Our school offers its young men and women the same opportunities for a Judaic and secular education. We value the development of the academic skill, intellectual drive, and self-confidence necessary for each student to make a lasting contribution to the world in the manner of his or her choosing. There are separate classes for young men and women. The dress code reflects proper respect and modesty.

Fostering the Pursuit of Knowledge on an Individual Basis

To help each student understand the unique manner in which he or she learns, we take a personal interest in the emotional, academic, ethical and spiritual growth of each child who is accepted to Stern. To encourage this process, our teachers work together in teams to create a learning experience that is focused on each student’s development. Although a long day is necessary, we try to enhance each student’s ability to become involved with the subject matter.

Arts/Music Curriculum

We have an Art/Music curriculum for 9th through 11th grades. We aim to not only develop aesthetic sensitivities and abilities, but to create a picture of the significance of these sensitivities and abilities from a Jewish perspective.

Commitment to Israel

Our goal is to help our students mature into caring and self-assured members of the Jewish community, American society and the world-at-large. We encourage the growth of this maturity through thoughtful involvement with Jewish history, Zionism, current events and the positive aspects of Israeli culture. We promote among our students an appreciation of the State of Israel in the context of our world today.

Integration of Knowledge and Experience

The long-range impact of an education is not measured in grades alone. It is measured in what is incorporated into the student’s values, thoughts and ideals. In order to help our students live what they learn, our teachers provide positive role models and the school creates educational events that apply what is learned. We particularly want to foster a commitment to community service, and to that end we have implemented a Chesed curriculum that is coupled with active public service to a variety of organizations that serve people in need.

Parental Involvement

Education is a partnership among school, parents and student. We encourage families to become integrally involved in the life of the school through volunteer opportunities, serving on the Board and its committees, and in making the school a center of our intellectual and spiritual growth as a community.

In Conclusion

Our students receive the finest preparation to allow them admission to the best Yeshivot, Michlalot and Universities upon their graduation. Through academic excellence for young men and women, the integration of knowledge and experience and intellectual excitement, our students achieve their potential as observant Jews and loyal citizens in an ever-changing world.