LGA Schechter: The Solomon Schechter School of the Pioneer Valley - Home

Lander-Grinspoon Academy: Northampton MA

Frequently Asked Questions

We are an interfaith family or We are not religious. How do we fit in?
How do your current families manage the cost of attending LGA?
Why choose LGA when we have a perfectly good public school system here?
How do I support my child's work in Hebrew and Judaics if I don't have that knowledge myself?
It is very important that we expose our child to diversity.
Is there an after school program in place?
Is there transportation available?
Where does the school stand on Israel?
Do I have to keep kosher to attend your school?
What is the average class size?
Is the parent community very active in the school?
What arts opportunities exist for my child?
Are there outlets for physical activity?
What do you do to help my older transfer student feel welcome?
What do families do after 6th grade at LGA?

We are an interfaith family or We are not religious. How do we fit in?
The families at LGA Schechter represent a wide range of experience and engagement with Judaism and Jewish life — almost a third describe themselves as interfaith. Our teachers and staff are equally diverse in both their backgrounds and experiences. Administrative and curricular activities take this into account and every effort is made to help all families and children feel welcome and important.

How do your current families manage the cost of attending LGA?
All families who are able to pay full tuition are eligible to receive a $2500 non-need based grant (TIP) from the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. In addition, all children who have attended a Jewish preschool for a minimum of 1 year are eligible to receive an additional $1000 for both Kindergarten and 1st grade (PIP). Financial Aid is also available. However, since awards are generally more than $2500, Financial Aid applicants are not eligible to receive TIP. For all families, an additional $1000 tuition obligation can be met by any total combination of 5% of the purchase price for Stop & Shop scrip cards, the dollar amount of ads sold for the yearbook, and cash. The school also offers a 10-month payment plan (April-Jan).

Why choose LGA when we have a perfectly good public school system here?
There is no better start to a young person's education than a solid academic and social foundation. This is not only our philosophy, but how we treat each other, what we expect from each other, and how we teach our students every day. In addition, our focus on Jewish education inspires us to teach from a place of respect for others, tzedakah (charity), and tikkun olam (repairing the world).

How do I support my child's work in Hebrew and Judaics if I don't have that knowledge myself?
Many parents have little experience in these subjects and find their child's learning experience inspiring and influential in regards to exploring a Jewish life at home. Children are taught holidays and rituals, but also to examine, ask questions, and think critically about the stories they are learning. Parents may find a connection through discussions with their children about these topics. Parents often experience delight, too, as their child begins to speak Hebrew at home in the course of the day.

The Judaics Coordinator sends emails to parents educating them about the various Jewish holidays with links to activities going on in the general community. Adult education classes also take place throughout the Pioneer Valley, including Hebrew classes and discussion groups and local synagogues (open to non-members). The school also welcomes any parent initiative in regards to organizing parent education classes.

It is very important that we expose our child to diversity.
It is true that every student that attends LGA Schechter is being raised by at least one Jewish parent. In addition, we believe that we are adding to the diversity of our local community and beyond, by educating children to be confident of their heritage. Beyond sharing this Jewish connection, however, our students, families, and staff have varied backgrounds and experiences. Many families are interfaith, multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, or adoptive. Families are also diverse economically, religiously, and regionally — our families come from 20 different towns! Teachers, too, share all the same diverse qualities as our families. At our school, no matter what their background, each person is made to feel special for his or her own unique qualities.

Is there an after school program in place?
Several parents take advantage of local afterschool programs at Universal Kids and the YMCA. Universal Kids provides van pick-up from school to their facility in downtown Northampton, as well as childcare during vacations and Jewish holidays. The school also runs after school classes in 6 week sessions, 3:15-4:30pm. The schedule varies session to session and may include Homework Club, Girl Scouts, art classes, Ultimate Frisbee, etc.

Is there transportation available?
The school currently has 2 vans operating from the Amherst area. LGA Schechter is a wonderful option for Amherst students and families and the school is committed to making transportation available. Families from other locations are welcome to inquire. Parents often set up carpool arrangements.

Where does the school stand on Israel?
At home, LGA Schechter families and staff have a variety of political viewpoints in regards to Israel. At school, however, the focus is on culture and Jewish history as a way of developing a connection with the State of Israel.

The creation of the State of Israel is one of the seminal events in Jewish history. Recognizing the significance of the State and its national institutions, we seek to instill in our students an attachment to the State of Israel and its people as well as a sense of responsibility for their welfare.

Do I have to keep kosher to attend your school?
Families do not have to keep kosher to attend LGA Schechter. The school does have a vegetarian-only policy, allowing only fish or dairy to be brought in for snacks, lunches, and community events. Children are also not allowed to share snacks and lunches, out of respect for children who do keep kosher. Birthday snacks for the whole classroom, or food served at community events, should have a kosher symbol.

What is the average class size?
Currently, the average class size is 13. In the coming years we expect that number to increase slightly.

Is the parent community very active in the school?
LGA Schechter is fortunate to have an active and social parent community. The PTO is one group that facilitates parent involvement, such as library assistance, coordinating and helping with social events, and helping teachers with holiday celebrations. Many parents choose to participate on their own in ways such as chaperoning class field trips, sharing special skills in the classroom, volunteering in the office, or by offering professional services in limited or advisory ways. Ultimately, parents are encouraged to become involved in ways that feel meaningful to them.

What arts opportunities exist for my child?
When visitors tour the school, they see and hear no shortage of visual and performing arts. The community, in general, holds the arts in very high esteem and everyone works together to ensure a high level of experience and exposure for the students. Our music specialist comes to each class weekly and provides an introduction to Western classical music, musical notation, musicianship, Judaic music, American folk music, instrumental experiences, and singing. Our school chorus is also an option for any child who wishes to participate. Visual arts are incorporated into daily classroom activities and curriculum and every child has opportunities to perform in both class productions and the end-of-the-year Talent Show. Several teachers and students have also formed the T'fillah Band, and regularly practice together. A great number of our students participate in their local community theatre groups and music schools, and it is not unusual to see parents performing at school functions.

Are there outlets for physical activity?
All students have recess for ½ hour each day, while K-2 have an extra ¼ hour of recess in the afternoon. A new play structure and swing set was installed in the summer of 2008. The school play area extends all the way around the building, where (as seasons permit) there is a large grassy area for an organized game every recess. In winter months, students are able to go sledding and dig in the snow, while scooters are available in the warmer weather. Students also walk across the street to the YMCA for their Physical Education class every Wednesday.

What do you do to help my older transfer student feel welcome?
Integrating new students begins with the application process, when students are invited to visit the school and spend a day with their peer group. After families have made the decision to attend the school, staff will help connect new students with peers through play dates and family social activities. In the summer, current families also invite new families into their homes to socialize in a relaxed atmosphere. By the time students arrive in the fall, they already know several classmates.

What do families do after 6th grade at LGA?
Students attend a mix of private and public schools for middle school. In our short history (since 1996), we have seen most graduates then attend public high school. The 6th grade teacher plays an integral part in helping parents and students learn about middle school options in the area. An alumni organization is currently being started by 2 of our graduates who are now in high school.