Please click on the questions below for their answers:
What are the school hours?
Grades Kindergarten-8th
8:00 AM – 3:25 PM Monday-Thursday
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Friday
*Tiny Tots (18 months) – EC4
EC-AM - 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Early Drop (optional) - 7:00 AM – 8:45 AM
EC-PM (optional) - 12:00 PM – 3:25 (M-Th) and 3:00 (F)
* Choose 2, 3 or 5 day schedule
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Are there after school activities?
Yes, we offer a wide array of after school programs for students in 1st-8th Grades each semester. Our programs provide opportunities for students to engage in physical activity, drama, yearbook, chorus, Talmud and more.
As campus partners with the Charleston Jewish Community Center, AHA students from 18 months – 8th Grade can attend after care programs until 6:00 PM. Please contact the JCC for fees and more information.
What is the average class size?
Our Early Childhood Program (EC) is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). One of the many standards we follow is maintaining an ideal student-teacher ratio. Our EC ratios are:
- Tiny Tots (18 months) - 4:1
- EC2 - 6:1
- EC3 & EC4 - 10:1
Research reveals what teachers and parents intuitively know: class size does matter. Smaller classes lead to deeper, more meaningful learning experiences and higher student achievement. Our Kindergarten-8th Grade classes typically have between 12 and 15 students. As a result, our teachers are able to spend more time differentiating instruction and working individually with students.
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Why should I choose Addlestone over a fine charter or public school in my neighborhood?
It's true. There is a cost associated with Independent school. Some parents feel they can't afford to send their children. Parents who have chosen Addlestone feel they can't afford NOT to. Consider these facts:
- Independent schools maintain small class sizes, so students have opportunities to work individually with teachers and learning specialists, and to be challenged to the level of their ability.
- Independent school students generally perform better than their public school counterparts on standardized achievement tests. At AHA, students routinely score above the 90th percentile on standardized tests when compared with students at public.
- Independent schools are not subject to the limitations of state education budgets, and have more freedom in designing curriculum and instruction. At AHA, students typically exceed South Carolina standards by at least a grade level in all curricular areas.
- Between the ages of 5-13, a person's value system and sense of religious identity are most fully developed. Studies show that day school graduates express an extraordinary sense of responsibility towards influencing social values, helping those in need and affecting social change. With nurturing and the advantages that come from being part of a community, AHA fosters children into strong human beings who have a firm Jewish identity and a strong moral compass.
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We are concerned about diversity. How does AHA address that?
Jewish day schools are more diverse that you may think. Families at our school come from different Judaic backgrounds, interfaith and non-Jewish, socio-economic backgrounds and countries. We address diversity implicitly through our curriculum and advocacy programs. What's more, research shows that Jewish day school students enter the world with a confidence to engage with other people and places without losing their own heritage. At AHA, students know who they are, and they emerge with the ability to draw strength from their colorful Jewish heritage, adding to the diversity of the world.
Where do AHA graduates attend high school?
Addlestone students are sought after by the finest high schools and Jewish boarding schools throughout the country. Since 2005 our alumni have attended the following schools:
Independent High Schools
- Ashley Hall
- Charleston Collegiate
- Porter Gaud
Boarding Schools
- The American Hebrew Academy, Greensboro, NC
- Cooper Yeshiva, Memphis, TN
- Fasman Yeshiva, Chicago, IL
- Margolin High School, Memphis, TN
- Maimonides School, Boston, MA
Public High Schools
- The Academic Magnet High School (ranked in the top 10 nationally)
- James Island Charter (International Baccalaureate program)
- School of the Arts
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Does a child starting at AHA in an older grade need to know Hebrew?
We welcome children into the Addlestone community who have limited or no Hebrew language instruction. Although we often suggest a Hebrew language tutor initially, children typically do well learning to speak and read Hebrew. It's not too late!
Will my family feel comfortable with the level of Judaic practices?
At Addlestone, Judaism's traditions are celebrated every day with purpose and joy. We are here to provide students with knowledge and understanding, and respect each family’s right to choose how Judaism is practiced at home. We fully respect the diversity of religious practice with the Charleston Jewish community and the unique customs of each congregation.
Will my child visit the school?
All children come for a visit as part of the application process. Children applying for Early Childhood (Tiny Tots – EC4) will be scheduled for a small playgroup session in January or February. Older children (applying into grades Kindergarten and up) will come for a partial or full day visit to an AHA classroom at their current grade level. Screenings and visits are scheduled once the application and application fee are received.
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Do you have a school lunch program?
AHA follows the national school lunch program with respect to nutritional guidelines and style of food service. Nutrition and wellness are among our highest priorities
Children, from families whose incomes are at or below the levels shown on the government scales published at the beginning of the school year, are eligible for free or reduced price lunches from the Federal School Lunch Program. If your income is greater than that shown, but you have unusually high medical bills, shelter costs in excess of 30% of your income, special education expenses due to the mental or physical condition of a child, or disaster or casualty losses, your children may still be eligible. To apply at any time during the school year for free or reduced price lunches for your children, please request the proper forms in the school office.
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What is the policy about kosher food?
Our kosher guidelines seek to create an environment where all of our families are comfortable eating together. In order to include all children and families in school-wide programs such as birthdays, holiday celebrations, or class events, food brought into the classrooms must be prepared in the school’s kitchen or have a Rabbinical kosher certification on the label. AHA is part of a Kosher Campus, which along with the JCC, is under the supervision of BSBI. Please contact the school office if you have any questions regarding kashrut.
Is Addlestone accredited?
