As an educator with more than three decades of experience in chinuch, I am often asked how to select the best middle and high school. Here is what I have learned during the course of my career:
1: Do a background check. For schools, that means asking about accreditation. To be accredited, schools need to have a track record of academic excellence and demonstrate they are following a set of tried and true standards set by national, regional, and state agencies. It is a rigorous process. SBTAG has been accredited for more than a decade by the Association of Independent Schools of Florida, the National Council for Private School Accreditation Commission, and Middle States Association on Elementary and Secondary Schools.
2: Know your child and find a school where she will have a variety of opportunities to shine. Some girls are Tanach scholars. Other thrive in math. Some play out their best moments on stage while others are all-stars on the basketball court. At Sha’arei Bina, we believe every girl has a talent, which is why we offer academic classes and a wide array of extra-curricular activities and leadership opportunities.
3: Meet the faculty and administration. Our faculty members and administration are experienced, licensed, and hold advanced degrees. Our teachers foster a strong learning environment, where they serve as both role models and mentors. They encourage dialogue and critical thinking. Equally as important, they reach out to develop relationships with students.
4: Alumni are a true reflection of a school’s character. This year we will be graduating our sixth senior class. In the five years prior, 100 percent of our graduates have studied in seminary and 100 percent have continued their studies in colleges and universities.
Our 100 percent rate is not an accident. Our limudei kodesh program is geared to ensure seminary acceptance and our general studies program is geared to ensure college and university acceptance. We offer a SAT prep courses, and application essay writing skills are taught as part of the 11th grade English curriculum.
In addition to the numerous advanced placement courses we offer during school hours, our students have the option of participating in a dual enrollment program at FIU where they can earn college credit.
5: Attend an open house. Watch the formal presentation, observe the informal faculty and student interaction, and then ask yourself, “Will my daughter be happy and successful here?”
In life there are no guarantees. However, Sha’arei Bina has a guaranteed track record. My promise to you is by choosing Sha’arei Bina, your daughters will be offered all the essential opportunities.
For more information on Sha’arei Bina, call 954-927-5544 or email [email protected].
