Hebrew Academy

Finding More Than a School: The Morten Family's Journey to the Hebrew Academy

Rochie Popack

As parents, we carry so much on our shoulders. From the small daily choices to the bigger ones that shape our children's future, we constantly wonder: Is this the right decision for my child? Am I doing enough? And when it comes to their education, the stakes feel even higher.

Will my child feel comfortable? Will they be supported? Will the school give them the tools to grow and thrive, to discover who they are and what they can achieve? These aren’t just fleeting questions—they weigh on us even after we’ve made our choice.

For one family, these worries led to a choice that would profoundly shape their children’s future.

A Legacy and a New Beginning

Warren, a Hebrew Academy alumnus, has always appreciated the foundation the school gave him. He credits it with teaching him to think critically, a skill that shaped his success in law school and beyond. But as parents, he and Nikki weren’t just looking for what had worked in the past—they needed to know the school could meet their children’s needs today.

“I wasn’t sure at first,” Nikki admits. “We looked at several options. But from the moment we toured the Hebrew Academy, something felt different. It wasn’t just a school but a family where every child seemed truly seen and valued.”

For Nikki, the difference wasn’t just in the academics. It was in the way the school took the time to celebrate each child’s efforts, making them feel capable and valued for who they are. “It was more than just about grades,” she explains. “It was about helping kids see their potential and take pride in their progress.”

Even after enrolling their children at the Hebrew Academy, Nikki and Warren still worried—because isn’t that what parents do? We want the best for our kids, but even when we confidently decide, those lingering questions remain: Will they find their place? Will they feel supported? Will it work out the way we hope?

Thankfully, it didn’t take long for their worries to turn into relief. Their son, starting in 4th grade, quickly began to thrive. “He used to come home from school looking drained,” Nikki recalls. “But now, he’s

excited to share what he’s learning and the questions he’s asking.” One moment Nikki will never forget was when he was chosen as Student of the Month. “The pride on his face was unforgettable,” she says. “The way the Hebrew Academy celebrates effort and growth—it’s made such a difference for him.”

Starting middle school, their daughter entered a new environment with its own expectations. Nikki remembers her relief as her daughter settled in quickly, building deep friendships and excelling academically. “More than anything, I saw her embrace who she is,” Nikki says. “At the Hebrew Academy, she found the confidence to take pride in being Jewish and herself.”

Carrying Lessons Into the Future

Now, in public high school, their daughter thrives, drawing on the strong academic foundation she built at the Hebrew Academy. She confidently and purposefully wears her Magen David and has even created a Jewish social group at her school, proudly sharing her identity with others.

“She’s confident and unapologetic about who she is,” Warren shares. “She knows her values and isn’t afraid to stand by them. That’s something the Hebrew Academy gave her.”

Their son is thriving as a curious and engaged learner. He’s encouraged to think outside the box, ask bold questions, and explore different perspectives. “Just as the Torah has 70 interpretations,” Nikki shares, “he’s learning to see the value of multiple viewpoints and connect with his learning on a deeper level.”

As the Mortens continue to thrive, the Hebrew Academy remains a steady foundation—present in the values instilled and the confidence nurtured, knowing their journey is just getting started. As for the next success story? It could be yours. Take the first step. Schedule a tour at hacds.org/discover.