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In June 2010, Kehillah graduated 27 high school seniors. This fall, it welcomes 41 new ninth-graders — the largest freshman class to date. Kehillah’s enrollment in grades 9 through 12 now stands at 134 students, over 100 more than when it opened in fall 2002 with a pioneering freshman class of 33.
According to Head of School Lillian Howard, Kehillah’s growth “continues and reflects the recognition of the outstanding education and supportive community which we provide.”
Outside education experts agree. Long accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Kehillah recently received full accreditation by the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), the state’s largest and most respected independent school organization. In its report, CAIS highly commended Kehillah for its “creativity, devotion and efficiency in the running of the school” as well as the school’s “dedication to creating a warm and supportive learning environment for all students.”
In a move further acknowledging its permanent presence in the community, Kehillah has purchased its school building in Palo Alto this year and launched a Comprehensive Campaign for the future of the school. Says Howard, “We now control our destiny as an indispensible institution of Jewish high school education from San Jose to Burlingame.”
Kehillah’s continued success may be attributed in part to the launch of new courses and initiatives. In 2009-2010, the school introduced a number of new courses, including Comparative Judaism, The Ethics of Life and Death (co-taught by the Jewish Studies and Science faculty), Comparative Government (examining the political systems of the U.S., Israel and the U.K.) and Film Theory.
The school has instituted language choice and increased language choices (Hebrew, Spanish, French and Latin) and expanded Jewish studies offerings. Kehillah has increased Israel awareness on campus through new courses, programs and student activities through BASIS: The Israel Education and Engagement Project, generously funded by the Jim Joseph Foundation. The school community looks forward to the biannual junior/senior trip to Israel this year, and to learning from the enthusiastic students upon their return.
In the current school year, new courses are also on the horizon, including Digital Photography, Web Design, Poverty and Wealth, Sefer B’Midbar, The Zodiac: An Introduction to Jewish Time, AP Latin and World Film.
Kehillah’s partnership with its neighbor, the Taube Koret Campus for Jewish Life and Oshman Family JCC, now in its second year, continues to offer students many benefits and opportunities. Kehillah students enjoy full membership at the OFJCC, play and cheer at Rams basketball and volleyball games, compete on the swim team, perform music concerts at the Albert & Janet Schultz Cultural Arts Center, and volunteer to assist the Campus’ preschoolers and seniors.
For the first time in 2010-2011, Kehillah will be sharing a community shaliach (Israel ambassador) with the OFJCC, who will work to enhance the students’ experience of Israeli life and culture. Observes Howard, “It’s a very exciting time to be part of the Kehillah community.”
The school’s forward strides manifest most clearly in the enthusiasm on the part of the students and parents. One ninth-grade parent wrote Howard, “Our son is really loving his high school experience and is being challenged and learning a tremendous amount.” From another: “We are all very happy with Zac’s choice of high school. He is happy and independently working on his assignments. Kehillah is a great place for all of us.” A ninth-grade girl stated, “I am absolutely LOVING Kehillah! The kids in my class are super great, and the teachers are wonderful!”
Kehillah is busy recruiting the class of 2015 and held its first admissions open house on Oct. 17. It will host two additional open houses, one on Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010 and the other on Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011. All events are from 2 to 4 p.m. at Kehillah’s campus located at 3900 Fabian Way in Palo Alto. All middle school families are welcome.