Rodeph Sholom School

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked NY School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
  • Enrollment: 388 students
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 1
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Rodeph Sholom School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-8
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Hebrew as first language support program
Year Founded
1970

Student Body

Total Students
388 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
5%
State avg.: 40%
Students by Grade
Rodeph Sholom School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
110 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
4:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
64%
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
None

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Dec. 1
Tuition Notes
Please contact our Admissions Office for grade-specific tuition information.
% on Financial Aid
14%
Admissions Director
Janet Barzilay
Admissions Associate
Jess Shaviv

Sports

Total Sports Offered
8 sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
5 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Chess Club, Newspaper

Arts and Music Programs:
Drama, Instrumental Music

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Tennis

School Notes

  • The Rodeph Sholom School, affiliated with Congregation Rodeph Sholom, provides students with a unique learning environment, central to which are three critical components: an N-8 structure; challenging academics; and integrated secular and Judaic studies. Each facet allows students to learn important academic content while simultaneously internalizing core Reform Jewish values.
  • An N-8 Structure
  • The nursery school through 8th Grade learning environment allows students time and space to retain the wonder of childhood while simultaneously offering leadership opportunities and experiences that other structures preclude. As students progress through the grades, Rodeph Sholom offers appropriate challenges along the developmental continuum. From required public speaking to student council, choir, band, and drama productions, students have a wide assortment of opportunities for leadership, risk-taking, and experimentation. Moreover, students learn how to become valued members of an extended school and congregation community and how to serve that community in a variety of leadership and supporting roles. Emphasis on character building stems from the Jewish ethos of the school and extends to the athletic fields where students learn the importance of good sportsmanship and being good team members. The structure of the school also allows for students to be mentored by the adults in the community and to serve as mentors for each other.
  • Challenging Academics
  • Rodeph Sholom School prepares students for the full array of New York independent and selective public high schools. From the early grades, students learn the importance of critical thinking and textual analysis. Students build strong foundations in math and science, the humanities, foreign language, and the arts. The program encourages students to master not only academic disciplines, but also to discover their own potential and to become resourceful problem solvers. Students acquire strong public speaking skills by delivering d`var Torah speeches, giving presentations in their classes, leading prayer services, and participating in a host of other active learning endeavors. Technology plays a central role in the classroom where students use SMART Boards and laptops for everything from learning geography to creating their own webpages. Rodeph Sholom students graduate with extensive foreign language experience; study of Hebrew begins in the early grades and continues through Middle School, where students also add pursuit of a Romance language.
  • An Integrated Secular and Judaic Program
  • In keeping with Reform Jewish practice, students learn to question in order to analyze Jewish texts and to develop positive Jewish identity and strong moral character. Through this habit of study, individual students are empowered to make informed choices with the benefit of the entire community in mind. Rodeph Sholom School offers a fully integrated program in which Judaics and Hebrew are incorporated throughout the school day in distinct Jewish Studies and Hebrew classes, in the secular studies, and in the fabric of the school community. Jewish values are embodied in classroom contracts, school procedures, and the expectation that students practice mitzvot in their personal behavior. Community service is firmly grounded in the developmental needs of the students and in the content of the curriculum to embody the concept of tikkun olam, repair of the world through social action. Students and their families are integrally involved in the life of the synagogue and, like the congregation, Rodeph Sholom School maintains a commitment to Israel and enhances students` school experience with an eighth grade trip to Israel just prior to graduation.
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Ben Silverman - Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning media entrepreneur and visionary producer behind The Office is the Chairman and Co-CEO of Propagate Content, creating and producing all forms of content for distribution across a variety of platforms around the world.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are famous alumni from Rodeph Sholom School?
Rodeph Sholom School famous alumni include: Ben Silverman.
What sports does Rodeph Sholom School offer?
Rodeph Sholom School offers 8 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is Rodeph Sholom School's ranking?
Rodeph Sholom School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for: Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for Rodeph Sholom School?
The application deadline for Rodeph Sholom School is Dec. 1.

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (7 reviews)
5  
Having grown up in Manhattan, I wish I had known that Rodpeh Shalom School existed. I am so happy that my now 4th grader will have a full 10 years at RSS. It is everything one wants in a private school in terms of academic rigor and care for the whole student in small classes-- all in the context of a reform Jewish Day School with emphasis on Peoplehood, ethics, traditions, and Community. We're so lucky to be here.
- Posted by
5  
I cannot say enough good things about my family and our experience at Rodeph Sholom School. We have a current 3rd grader who has been at RSS since she was in the 2s. Every teacher has been better than the next and she has created strong friendships among her peers. The robust and active community is warm, generous, diverse, and very down to earth-something not common among many peer schools within NYC. The values our daughter has learned during her tenure at RSS are incredible and we cannot wait to see what the future holds in coming years.
- Posted by
5  
We have been a part of the Rodeph Sholom School community for over 8 years now, with children ranging from preschool through middle school. RSS is a warm, nurturing community, with a rigorous academic approach and a core foundation in building thoughtful, ethical leaders. Our children have grown tremendously through their years at Rodeph Sholom School, learning not just facts but applying rational reasoning and how to think about complex topics. It's a truly special place, and we feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to watch our children develop there.
- Posted by
5  
We have three children at RSS and our fourth will be joining them next year. We chose Rodeph Sholom because it offers outstanding preparation in the secular subjects while also helping our children deepen their Jewish identity. We feel good knowing our school is a true partner in instilling the values we hold dear as a family. We were not specifically looking for a school that ended in 8th grade but as we went through the process, RSS convinced us of the many benefits of being in such an environment (e.g., teachers that are passionate about teaching elementary and middle school students, students having a chance to be the school's leaders earlier on, students having time to grow up a bit more slowly without the influence of high schoolers, etc.) RSS is a special school community full of families with shared values, including that our children should grow up to be good and to do good.
- Posted by
5  
My children have been at RSS for 8 years and so far it's been a fabulous experience. Not only are they getting an incredible education, but they are growing up to be mensche's. The academics are rigorous but with a wonderful reform Jewish thread running through them. The community is especially tight-knit and supportive, coming together in good times and bad. Public speaking is instilled at a very young age and practiced in many different assignments year after year. Their love for Jewish Studies gives them a solid background in their lineage and a foundation they can build upon the rest of their lives. In Middle School the children are given the opportunity to shine and lead their peers, which is a fabulous learning tool for creating self-sufficient and confident children. We absolutely love the school and I know for a fact that my children wouldn't be who they are without it.
- Posted by
5  
We chose Rodeph Sholom for our third child after sending our older two children to an academically rigorous but not religious school because we realized that they were not getting what we considered an adequate Jewish education from Hebrew School alone (plus it made for a very long day). After considering all of NYC's Jewish day schools, we decided on Rodeph because it was the one we felt offered the best secular academics in addition to a comprehensive Jewish education. Plus, being an interracial family, we wanted a school that felt like New York City, where our child would not be the odd one out. We have been very pleased by the academics and, as an added bonus, the music and PE programs are first rate (they don't talk them up nearly enough). I would recommend Rodeph to any parent looking for a Jewish school with excellent secular subjects, too.
- Posted by
5  
Not only are all of our children incredibly happy with and appropriately challenged by their Rodeph Sholom School experiences to date, but we have found a community for our entire family. In looking at private schools in New York City, we very much wanted to give our children a top-tier academic program. At the same time, we were looking for a nurturing environment and a meaningful way to incorporate Jewish values and culture in their daily lives. RSS is truly unique in what it delivers--the academics are top notch, the reform Jewish education is the perfect fit for our family, and the school community in combination with Congregation Rodeph Sholom quickly has become the center of our family life. In addition, we know the N-8 structure will give them a rich and rewarding middle school experience. Having heard from many RSS alumni, we are confident RSS prepares students rigorously for high school and beyond, while giving them a base of friends and a community they can always come back to. We keep hearing that "Rodeph kids" are regarded at their next schools as leaders and the ones to go to for help with math among other subjects. For us, RSS is the best of all possible worlds--offering Jewish day school without sacrificing a top secular education and giving whole families a warm and committed community in New York City.
- Posted by

Endorse Rodeph Sholom School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
  • Academic or athletic awards
Endorse this school:

Recent Articles

Leadership, Legacy, and Learning: Pillars of Top Schools
Leadership, Legacy, and Learning: Pillars of Top Schools
We explore the key elements contributing to the success of leading private schools, highlighting the importance of strong leadership, a rich legacy, and a focus on comprehensive learning experiences.
Secrets to Becoming a Great School
Secrets to Becoming a Great School
Discover the essential ingredients that drive academic success and cultivate a thriving school community.
All About JROTC
All About JROTC
Explore the multifaceted advantages of Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) programs in private schools. Delve into how JROTC cultivates leadership, discipline, and citizenship skills among students, contributing to their holistic development and future success.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked NY School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
  • Enrollment: 388 students
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 1
  • Source: Verified school update

Request Information

Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in New York, NY is $42,877 for elementary schools and $48,288 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in New York, NY is 61% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

Related School Videos

Quick Links