Jewish Academy of Orlando

My child is going to start here this Fall. So far the welcome that we have received has been wonderful. We have been invited to welcome parties at three people's homes and already feel that this school is like a family. Just taking the tour I saw the difference in a JAO education vs another.
—Submitted by a parent

My son loves going to school at JAO! He's challenged academically and is being taught pride and community values. And the parents at the school are involved in the school and also have the same view on the importance of a top education as we do. Great community!
—Submitted by a parent

My children are receiving a top-notch general studies education while also benefitting from Hebrew and Judaica instruction every day. Holidays and Shabbat are celebrated, and every child matters at JAO. Do take a tour of the school; it is a wonderful community treasure.
—Submitted by a parent

I don't know who paid these people to write these phony reviews. Go and see for yourself...you'll leave with a horrible taste in your mouth.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is AMAZING! My son (now in 6th grade) has attended the JAO since pre-k and has loved every minute of it. Caring, nuturing teachers and staff, small classes and a challenging program have given him a wonderful foundation. All the kids are very nice, and there's superior parent involvement. The technology is incredible as my son has been using an IPAD for 3 years there! FABULOUS SCHOOL! Thank you JAO!!!
—Submitted by a parent

As a new parent at the JAO, I have to say, I am quite pleased. I absolutely love the staff. My son's teacher is amazing. He adores her. And, he's really into Hebrew! He thinks it's fascinating. He's learning to read, he does creative writing, and he has many responsibilities. I've seen him grow so much in just a short amount of time (Aug 2012 to Jan 2013). The other parents are very friendly and accepting to new families. There are tons of opportunities to visit the classroom, attend Shabbat, volunteer in the lunchroom, go on field trips, and more. The classes are small which is great for learning. The technology is terrific. Their equipment is up to date and each morning they present the "news" LIVE. It's a fun experience watching your child do the Pledge of Allegiance and sing the National Anthem in both English and Hebrew. The older children share current events, weather, what's for lunch, and sports. It's a fun way to start the day. If you're looking for an excellent school, I highly encourage you to take a tour of the JAO. We're already filling out our paperwork for next year!
—Submitted by a parent

This is our first year at JAO, we are already in love! What a warm nurturing environment that facilitates learning to the highest degree. The technology is second to none. The small class size is wonderful. My son wakes up every morning excited to go to school. His face lights up when he talks about all of the wonderful things he has does in class. The teachers are incredible! The head of school knows all of the children's names and takes a genuine interest in their well being and academics. Watching the children during a Friday Shabbat says it all...smiling faces, dancing, singing, and laughter. The JAO is truly a wonderful place to watch your children blossom into independent thinkers and confident children with a strong faith and love of the Jewish culture.
—Submitted by a parent

I have only experienced a loving environment and amazing curriculum at JAO. They work with different levels of students, and I appreciate that! They come home singing songs I learned as a child. The parent involvement is wonderful and I love being part of this community. My son is in first grade and already speaking hebrew! I love his teachers and he is happy - so I am happy!
—Submitted by a parent

I have worked at the Jewish Academy(formerly HDS) for 14 years and as a a non Jewish parent, if I could have, I would have done anything to have my children attend this school. I feel that Jewish Academy is a warm family environment !
—Submitted by a teacher

Love the school for what it teaches children about themselves and the community at large. Jewish values mixed in with individualized learning is a win-win! Small class sizes, committed, caring teachers & staff! No matter how "Jewish" you are, you will feel at home as there is a wide range of families. Go check out Friday morning Shabbat services with the kids and see for yourself!
—Submitted by a parent

Jewish Academy of Orlando is a private school (with Elemntary and Middle School, K-8) in the Maitland. I was excited to find the school not only because I want my kids to have a strong identity, but because of the values the school teaches, the amazing community of families that send their kids there and the education they receive there. The classes are small, and for my son that was important to me. The Director of the school knows every kid by name! Love it!
—Submitted by a parent

PLEASE I NEED INFORMATION FOR MY GRANDSON. HE COME FROM KADIMAH SCHOOL BUFFALO NY. GIVE ME INFORMATION WITH TUITION.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been extremely pleased with the education my daughter has received at HDS. In addition to strong secular and Judaic curriculums, she is also exposed to weekly art, music, library, technology, P.E., and gymnastic classes. The teachers and staff are amazing - each year she falls in love with her teacher. I can't imagine a better elementary experience and strong academic base for my child.
—Submitted by a parent

Both my children have benefitted from the excellent, well-rounded education they have received from HDS. The faculty and administration really go the extra mile to see that every student reaches their potential. A great place for whole-child growth/maturity.
—Submitted by a parent

What could be better than a school that educates children through a strong academic curriculum and the values of Judaism? I wouldn't send my child anywhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

Second to none secular education with a well rounded Judaic education. Our son attended K-8th and move on to Lake Highland and was well above grade level at entry.
—Submitted by a parent

What a fabulous school! The curriculum is creative and challenging. Teachers use all of their resources to provide these kids with a well rounded education. The technology at HDS is unbelievable. No other school in the area can compare. On top of the incredible secular education, our kids are learning to read Hebrew and study Judaism in a fun, creative environment. I think our kids are very lucky to be able to attend the Hebrew Day School
—Submitted by a parent

HDS has seen its better days (if it had them). There are many better choices in Orlando. You will do yourself a great service if you choose either Lake Highland or Park Maitland for your kid's education. As another parent wrote, discipline (or lack thereof) has become a major problem. Due to the fact that so many student's parents work at the school or the parents are donors, the principal is afraid to approach the parents about the child's behavior. The administration is either ignorant to the situation or too arrogant to believe there are any problems at the school. I believe it is both! Parents find that their children are academically behind when they leave HDS but they are simply too afraid or naive to speak up. I am just 1 voice but I have spoken to and heard this same critique from others.
—Submitted by a parent

Here is the bottom line with HDS. We have had our child there for 4 years. It is good for the gifted student. If your child is not motivated, they will get by with a mediocre education. We have spoken to both admission directors at Lake Highland and Trinity and they told us frankly that the HDS education is not on par with other private schools. I do appreciate the time spent on Hebrew and Judaica but it puts the HDS kids at a disadvantage when competing with other kids. Another fact is that HDS students take the SAT which is not a good standardized test because it groups the scores with all kids not the group of kids applying to Lake Highland or Trinity. HDS is the only school that takes the SAT instead of the Iowa Test which is graded against other private school peers. This leads to inaccurate scoring.
—Submitted by a parent

Very disappointed with the school. Poor academics, lack of disciple, unfriendly people.
—Submitted by a parent