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I attended OHDS from kindergarten - 8th. What I loved most was the connection I made with younger students. OHDS taught us how to be leaders and role models. I graduated a few years ago; my closest friends today are the people I graduated with. We all agree that OHDS completely prepared us for all of the academic challenges of high school. Beyond academics, the Judaic studies also helped us form Jewish identity. This past summer, I went to the Ukraine to run a camp for underprivileged Jewish children. There is no way that I could have done this without having the solid foundation that OHDS gave me. Most of all, OHDS taught me that it was important to never sit back and let others do things for you. I was always encouraged to stand up for what I believed in and get involved in anything important to me.
I read the review dating August 1, and I could not disagree more. I am also a graduate of OHDS, and there is not one friend of mine who would write or agree with this. OHDS is a fantastic school, with incredible teachers. The academics are challenging, and they really prepared me to take honors courses in high school and succeed in all of them. I learned how to manage my time and think for myself. No other school better teaches kids how to learn, through general and Judaic studies. Because of the school, I am a stronger writer, I love Biology, and I speak Hebrew really well. I enjoyed playing on team sports and learning computer animation thanks to the OHDS/PIXAR class. Plus, OHDS teaches how to be kind and thankful; so that is why the previous posting surprised me so much. It s pretty rude, if you ask me!
Speaking as a graduate of OHDS, I would not recommend this school. I attended OHDS for 9 years (K-8) and graduated several years ago. I now attend a secular college-preparatory high school in the Bay Area. Coming out of OHDS, I felt very underprepared academically, particularly in math, science, and history. I found both the math and science curriculums to be very substandard, and I entered high school far behind my peers in almost every academic area. I know that most of my classmates from OHDS experienced the same problems. All the emphasis and time placed on the Judaic studies led to serious holes and deficits in the quality of the secular education (math, science, history, english, geography etc). However, I do not feel like the Judaic education was excellent either- my entire class came out of OHDS speaking only minimal Hebrew- nowhere near the level of fluency the school promises.
Excellent Judaic studies and general studies curriculum. Loving and dedicated teachers who frequently go above and beyond. My fourth grader loves school. A bonus with the dual curriculum is her fluency in Hebrew, which will be culminated in the 8th grade trip to Israel with her class. Although my children and husband are Jewish, I am not, and am still happy with the educational standard.
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