Hebrew Academy

Why They Came Back to Say “Thank You” and What It Means for Your Child’s Future.

How six Hebrew Academy alumni returned home before stepping onto UCLA, Berkeley, CSULB, and into the New Year

Last June, while our students counted down the final bell, six graduates quietly returned to the Hebrew Academy campus in Huntington Beach. Their caps and gowns reflected where they’d been and where they were going—white, gold, maroon, and navy; honor cords cascading like confetti; medals clinking with every step.. Within weeks, they’d scatter to UCLA (three of them), UC Berkeley, Cal State Long Beach, and a gap-year program in Jerusalem. First, though, they needed to walk once more down Respect Road—the breezeway that has greeted every Hebrew Academy student for nearly six decades.

Though they left at different points—some after middle school, others before high school—each traced their success back to the same foundation. There was no formal program—just quiet visits from room to room, with hugs, laughter, and heartfelt thanks. Teachers marveled at how much their former students had grown. The grads returned the favor, crediting their early years at Hebrew Academy for the confidence and grounding that carried them forward. Each acceptance letter felt like a shared victory.

One Foundation. Many Paths to Excellence.

From engineering to music, from biology to physics, these six graduates forged majors as varied as Electrical Engineering, Biology, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Kinesiology, and Music—some even blending disciplines to reflect a broader range of passions. But behind each unique journey is the same launching pad: a place where curiosity, individuality, and Jewish values grow side by side.

For parents wondering how one school can prepare children for so many futures, Hebrew Academy’s answer is simple: rigorous academics, small class sizes, and project-based learning rooted in Jewish values and character. Our students leave with the skills to succeed in demanding college courses—and the clarity to seek purpose and community wherever they go. We don’t steer students toward one destination. We hand them the map, the compass, and the confidence to chart their course.

Why This Matters Now

Today’s families are seeking more than just academic excellence. They want a school that helps shape their child’s character and identity. Prizmah’s 2024 College Campus Impact Study shows that Jewish day school alumni are significantly more likely than peers who did not attend day school to say their Jewish identity is very important, feel close to the Jewish community, connect strongly with Israel, and participate regularly in Jewish life on campus.

Hebrew Academy’s data echoes this. When these six grads gathered in June, their excitement about campus life wasn’t just about majors—it was about Jewish life as well. The alum stories confirm it: day school graduates thrive academically, while leading with Jewish values and pride.

Looking Ahead—and Inviting You In

As the Jewish New Year approaches, Hebrew Academy wishes these graduates Hatzlacha Raba—abundant success—in labs, studios, lecture halls, and yeshivot. Their stories are a living syllabus for every child still walking our hallways: deep roots grow bold futures.

Take a personal tour, meet the people who make it happen, and imagine what this experience could mean for your child.

On your personalized tour, you’ll:

• Meet our administrators, teachers, and support staff, and ask every question, big or small.

• Step inside live classrooms to watch engaging classroom instruction in action.

• Explore the Makerspace, science labs, and outdoor play areas.

• Feel how Jewish values weave naturally through the school day.

Discover how Hebrew Academy inspires a bold future: hacds.org/Discover