Why Choose Rashi?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total enrollment?
The Rashi School enrolls nearly 300 boys and girls in grades K–8, drawn from over 30 communities.
How many years has the Rashi School been in existence?
As the only Reform Jewish day school in New England, and one of only seventeen Reform Jewish Day Schools in North America and Israel, the Rashi School has implemented its unique vision since its inception in 1986. Its founders fashioned an educational setting that mirrored contemporary American Reform Jewish life and was based on a fully integrated curriculum of general and Jewish studies. Since then, Rashi has grown into a K-8 school with nearly three hundred students and has developed a reputation for a solid academic program, a spirit of community, and a visible and ongoing commitment to social justice.
What are the school hours?
8 am to 3 pm
Are there Extended Day programs?
Yes, We recognize that many parents work full time or do not live close by. There is early morning drop-off at 7:45 a.m. Also, there is an enriching Extended Day program Monday-Thursday from 3:00-6:00 pm. The Extended Day program provides a supportive environment with a variety of organized activities as well as restful, independent time for quiet activities and homework. Many optional activities are offered. For example: piano, violin lessons, drama, Band, martial arts.
How old does my child need to be to enter Kindergarten?
Children need to be 5 years old by September 30th in order to enroll in the Kindergarten class. In some specific cases, we will work with the child’s preschool to determine what is the correct and appropriate placement.What is the class size and how many classes are there per grade?
There are two classrooms per grade of 20-22 children per classroom.This number gives children a wide range of social interactions. Academically, Rashi is child-centered, aiming to differentiate instruction such that all children are challenged and nurtured to learn to their potential. We do this with two regular classroom teachers and often a third or even fourth teacher (specialist, division directors, intern) working with children in small groups of 6-8 children. In this way Rashi meets the needs of a wide range of learners, from high flyers to those who need extra support.
If my child comes to Rashi in an older grade, does he/she need to know Hebrew?
No. We welcome children into the Rashi community who have limited or no Hebrew language instruction. Although you may consider offering your child a Hebrew language tutor initially, the children who come to Rashi in later grades do extremely well learning to speak and read Hebrew. It’s not too late!
Where do Rashi School students go for their high school years?
Rashi successfully graduates young adults who are proud of their Jewish heritage, naturally turn to Jewish tradition to mark life’s milestones, and possess strength of character, choosing friends wisely and making well considered decisions. Students and alumni consistently cite an intellectual, informal and supportive environment in which learning is hands-on and fun.
Over the last five years, 50% of Rashi eighth graders chose to apply to private independent high schools; 95% were accepted by at least one school, and overall, 63% of their applications were accepted to schools typically admitting 15 %. Click on the Alumni section for acceptance rates and a list of secondary schools.
Now that I have the Application, what do I do next?
If you have not visited the school, schedule a tour/interview by calling 617-969-4444 ext. 255. In addition, we offer Open Houses several times during the academic year. A Parent Interview, which is held in conjunction with a tour of the school, is required as part of the admission application. The application deadline is January 30th. Decision letters are mailed on March 10. Parents have one month, till April 10 to return the signed contract with an enrollment deposit.
