What is the total enrollment?

The Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy enrolls nearly 235 boys and girls in grades K–12, drawn from communities all over Greater Kansas City.

What size are your classes?

HBHA maintains a low student-to-teacher ratio. An average HBHA class has 18-20 total students, divided into half groups for instructional time.  Each Lower School grade has a lead teacher in General Studies and in Jewish Studies. We use teaching assistants and resource specialists to ensure that every student receives developmentally appropriate, individualized attention.

How old does my child need to be to enter Kindergarten?

Children need to be 5 years old by August 31 of the enrollment year in order to enroll in the Kindergarten class.

How long is the school day?

HBHA opens its doors to students at 7:45 a.m. Formal learning begins at 7:55 a.m. Kindergarten ends its day at 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Grades 1-12 finish at 3:40 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Friday dismissal for grades 1-12 takes place at 2:50 p.m. in preparation for Shabbat.

Does HBHA have a uniform policy?

Yes, students in the Lower and Middle schools have a formal dress code. Upper School students must abide by school guidelines for appropriate dress.

Do you need to be “religious” to go to a Jewish day school?  I don’t know if our family is “Jewish enough” – will our child feel comfortable at HBHA?

What is great about HBHA is that our population – students, parents and staff – represents the entire spectrum of the Jewish community. Our students come from different backgrounds, different levels of Jewish knowledge and different levels of home observance.  We foster an environment of mutual respect in which we appreciate differences and learn from each other.

Our child has never attended a Jewish day school, and is entering third grade (or beyond).  Is it too late to start?

No, it’s not too late! We have a program in place for those who come to the school without benefit of a strong Hebrew and Jewish studies background. We provide one-on-one or small group tutorials at age-appropriate levels.   Most students are able to join their grade’s Hebrew class after two to three months in the pull-out program. 

Does HBHA offer “specials” and after school activities? 

HBHA students have the opportunity to experience a variety of special classes as part of their curriculum.  In the Lower School students have music, P.E., computers, art and library. Middle School students have P.E., art, computer and drama, and Upper School students choose from a variety of electives.  Additionally, in conjunction with the Jewish Community Center and with generous funding from the Menorah Legacy Foundation, HBHA offers the Krigel Wellness Program for students in grades 1-8. Krigel Wellness is an afterschool activities program offered Monday through Thursday. Courses have included: Chinese Art and Calligraphy, swimming, sculpture, nutrition, Spanish, marine biology and Israeli Dance. The course offerings vary from session to session.

What do snack and lunchtime look like?

Students bring Kosher lunches and snacks from home. Food brought to school must be dairy or pareve. 

Is financial assistance available?

HBHA is committed to maintaining an economically diverse community and we have a confidential Financial Assistance process.  Families who feel they cannot pay full tuition are encouraged to participate in the Financial Assistance process to see if they qualify for reduced tuition.

Our child has never attended a Jewish day school, and is entering third grade (or beyond).  Is it too late to start?

No, it's not too late!  We welcome lateral entry students to the school who do not have a strong Hebrew and Jewish Studies background.  In the summer prior to their student's start at HBHA, families are requested to arrange one-on-one or small group Hebrew tutoring with HBHA-referred tutors.  During the school year students are provided Hebrew and Jewish Studies resource assistance and lateral entry students, 4th grade and above, attend an after school Hebrew/Jewish Studies enrichment program to assist in bringing them up to class level.