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At Barrack, we are a family of dedicated teachers, students, parents, community members, and alumni. As a pluralistic school, we are dedicated to providing a challenging and inspiring education for our students, integrating humanities, the sciences, and Jewish studies in a trans-denominational and nurturing setting. We are a school that emphasizes the importance of building a diverse and inclusive community where all students are valued and welcomed. In September of 1946, our School, then known as Akiba Hebrew Academy, opened its doors as the first pluralistic Jewish secondary School. In this place, students experienced learning as a process of problem-solving self-discovery. Today, we continue to encourage our students to become critical and creative thinkers, understanding that questions are more important than answers in their journey of intellectual, creative, and spiritual growth. Forging strong ties with Israel is another hallmark of a Barrack education. Our 8th graders spend almost two weeks on an interdisciplinary fun-filled Israel experience. Our 11th graders have a unique opportunity to study abroad during their junior year at the Alexander Muss High School outside of Tel Aviv. They return with a lifelong commitment to Israel and pride in their heritage. Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy is a pluralistic Jewish day school for students in grades six through twelve from various backgrounds. The School integrates a comprehensive and rigorous college preparatory curriculum to teach essential Jewish and American values and texts. Barrack graduates value diversity, celebrate the richness of Judaism's language, culture, and history, and have a strong connection to Israel. Barrack prepares future leaders of the American, Jewish and global communities who work for a better world through acts of justice and compassion. Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy, an independent pluralistic community day school, was founded in 1946 as Akiba Hebrew Academy by a group of public-minded Jewish citizens, lay and professional, who were deeply concerned about preparing students to assume responsibility in their community as leaders and active citizens. Uppermost in their minds was the need to create a progressive, dynamic community of educated Jews. They would help ensure the survival of the Jewish people and Judaism after the Holocaust. Thus, they established an intensive program of Jewish studies integrated with a comprehensive college preparatory program. It was the founders' vision that Jewish middle and high school students come together to study their common heritage in a pluralistic setting, learning to respect all positions and the sincerity with which they are held. This objective was intended to strengthen the Jewish identification of every student without compelling acceptance of one particular interpretation of the Jewish way of life. Barrack prides itself on its student body and faculty diversity, but diversity alone is not sufficient to create a pluralistic environment. Pluralism is energetic, intentional, and conscious engagement with diversity. At Barrack, pluralism is not just tolerance but the active seeking of understanding. It does not imply that there are no absolute truths, nor does it demand that we consider all points of view equally valid. The language of pluralism is dialogue and encounter, give and take, criticism, and self-criticism. Respectful dialogue means both speaking and listening, and that process reveals both common understandings and real differences. Dialogue does not require agreement; instead, it demands that we bring our identities and deeply-held beliefs to a meaningful conversation with others. From the School's inception, its educational philosophy has been responsive to significant education developments and maintains a dynamic approach to curriculum, both academic and experiential. We believe students learn through experiential and intellectual activities and therefore are committed to providing our students with a variety of opportunities. Recognizing students' unique needs, interests, and skills in grades 6 through 8, the Barrack faculty and staff are committed to the development of the entire child in a warm and nurturing environment. Academic, religious, physical, social, and emotional growth is the focal point of the dual curriculum, co-curricular, and extracurricular activities. Students are encouraged to think, question, learn, and make decisions based on Jewish and American values. As their innate creativity and curiosity are nurtured, Barrack's Middle School students are taught to respect themselves and others. Students are inspired by talented and involved teachers to develop the intellectual and emotional skills that prepare them for a seamless transition to high School. In a rigorous dual curriculum that includes both in-depth college preparatory and extensive Jewish studies components, students in the Upper School become independent, curious, open-minded thinkers. While mastering each academic discipline's content and skills, each student develops an aptitude for critical analysis and a strong work ethic. Faced with the challenges of the 21st Century, Barrack students become proficient in oral, written, and technological communication to complement their academic and spiritual development. We help create well-rounded adults who value education and their Jewish identity. Our graduates translate their Barrack experience into understanding, their understanding of commitment, and their commitment to action in the Jewish community, the United States, Israel, and the world. View full school