Proud to be Learners
100% College Admission Faculty with Advanced Degrees
Proud to be Leaders
86% of Students Participate in at least One Sport
Student Clubs 20+
Proud to be Community
Students Live in 26 Different Zip Codes
Model UN Team Awarded Top Team Award for 11 Consecutive Years
60% of Families Benefit from our Affordability Program
20 Consecutive Years of the Senior Israel Experience 1:15 Teacher:Student Classroom Ratio
Proud to be RZ!
Since its establishment in 2001, Rochelle Zell has earned a national reputation for its commitment to academic excellence. Every year, more Chicago-area families are discovering how Rochelle Zell’s outstanding faculty, integrated general and Jewish studies curriculum, vibrant community and rich student life provide Jewish high school students with a unique opportunity to achieve their full potential.
We pride ourselves on the warmth of our community, the close relationships between teachers and students, and our commitment to the intellectual, spiritual, and ethical growth of each student. The individual journeys of our students are personal ones, to be sure, yet they are framed by the cumulative wisdom and experience of our Jewish traditions and values. Students at Rochelle Zell do not merely absorb the wisdom of others; they acquire their own wisdom. As our students work to define their faith, their identities, their connection to communities of purpose and their place in the world, they construct personal blueprints for living Judaism as responsible and involved citizens in the modern world.
We look forward to welcoming you to our community.
Sincerely,
Tony Frank
Staci Schachter Studnitzer Head of School Director of Recruitment & Admissions
Use this QR code to watch a shortvideofromTonyFrank, Head of School
Our Mission
Rochelle Zell Jewish High School creates a culture of academic excellence that inspires and prepares our students to think critically, achieve their full potential, and live Judaism as responsible and involved citizens in the modern world.
Proud to be Learners
Rochelle Zell Jewish High School offers an exceptional college preparatory program that blends academic excellence with a rich foundation in Jewish learning.
• Our integrated curriculum challenges students to think critically, make connections across disciplines, and explore today’s world through Jewish values, ethics, and traditions.
• Whether joining us from Jewish day school, public school, or secular private school, all students benefit from Hebrew and Jewish Studies curricula matched to their background and strengths.
• Our exceptional faculty are mentors and partners, building relationships that inspire confidence, curiosity, and self-advocacy – skills that serve our students in college and beyond.
Use this QR code to watch a short
videofromJasonLoeb , Academic Dean, and Stu Jacobs , Dean of Faculty
Proud to be Creators
Rochelle Zell is committed to providing students with a comprehensive and well-rounded high school experience, and our Arts & Electives program is an integral part of the school’s philosophy and curriculum.
• Our faculty members are trained professionals who strive to further students’ passion in the subject area, help them realize their full potential and cultivate an appreciation for the talents of their peers.
• Arts & Electives courses include Computer Science, Creative Expression, Culinary Arts, Debate, Model United Nations, Newspaper, Studio Art, Theater Arts, and Yearbook.
Highlights
Rochelle Zell Model UN has received the National High School Model UN Conference’s Top Team Award for eleven consecutive years.
Rochelle Zell’s yearbook has earned the Jostens’ National Yearbook Program of Excellence award.
Culinary Arts is taught by a local food blogger and cookbook author which culminates in a Top Chef competition.
Proud to be Jewish
Rochelle Zell students gain the knowledge, skills, and leadership opportunities to navigate the rich and complex landscape of modern Jewish life and become confident navigating the complexity of what it means to be Jewish in the modern world. Students develop a deep love for Jewish study and a meaningful connection to their heritage.
• Students and their families represent a wide spectrum of Jewish observance. Guided by the principles of the Conservative movement and recognizing that religious practices vary among the student body, Rochelle Zell works hard to ensure that students welcome and respect each other’s practice.
• The Jewish studies curriculum includes classes in Talmud, Tanach (Bible), Jewish history and Jewish thought.
• Tefillah (prayer) provides students with an opportunity to serve as shelichei tzibur (prayer leaders), to offer divrei Torah (brief discourses on the Torah), and to experience a variety of minyanim (focused prayer groups) to cultivate a personal spiritual connection.
• Our calendar is built around the rhythm of Jewish life and the school year revolves around the Jewish calendar. Throughout the course of the year, students and faculty observe religious celebrations as a community so that students learn to approach life with a love and reverence for Shabbat and the Jewish holidays.
• Rochelle Zell inspires students to exert a positive influence in the Chicagoland area and beyond. Students initiate and participate in numerous tzedakah (philanthropy) programs and chesed (good deeds) activities throughout the school year.
Proud to be Explorers
Trips & Shabbatonim
Community is built not just in the classroom but through shared experiences in Shabbatonim (retreats over Shabbat) and overnight trips.
• The Freshman and Sophomore Shabbatonim provide an opportunity for connection and bonding as a class. Seniors serve as mentors, fostering community and bringing our newest students into the culture of our school.
• Our Juniors embark on a three-day trip where they explore key institutions to learn about Jewish history, American connections, and the Jewish experience today. In recent years, Juniors visited New York City, Washington, D.C., and Boston.
• A favorite for students is our All-School Shabbaton where we gather as a school community and celebrate Jewish life, school spirit, and connections to each other.
Senior Israel Experience
The RZJHS Senior Israel Experience is the capstone of our students’ Jewish education. Developing a strong and sophisticated love and commitment to Israel is central to our school’s mission.
• Working with our Israeli travel partners, we craft an experience that reflects our students’ unique backgrounds and fosters lasting connections. Educators and guides bring history to life, while the experience strengthens class bonds and personal identity.
• The fall History of Israel course and post-experience seminar prepare students to take their experiences and values with them – ready to engage thoughtfully on college campuses and in life.
Proud to be Student Advocates
Our Student Services Team provides support for students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being so that they may thrive in high school and beyond. The team meets weekly to discuss students’ successes, identify challenges, and design interventions.
• Our Learning Specialists are a vital resource for students with identified learning, emotional, or medical challenges. They develop personalized learning plans based on professional evaluations and ensure accommodations are effectively implemented. By working closely with students, they also help build skills in organization, executive functioning and study strategies.
• The School Counselor and Social Worker collaborate closely in providing social and emotional support to students. The School Counselor is available daily to support all students, while the Social Worker provides targeted interventions when needed. Together they serve as advocates for the students and liaisons between the school, home, and outside resources.
Proud to be Leaders
A primary goal at Rochelle Zell is to enable students to develop the attitudes, skills and work habits necessary to excel in college and beyond.
• The college counseling program has evolved to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student population while continuing to adhere to the mission of the school.
• We offer a comprehensive and systematic approach to post-secondary planning, beginning early in the high school years, and culminating with a thoughtful, well-chosen plan for college, a gap year, military service and/or career.
• Our college counselor has broad-based knowledge, considerable experience in the field, relationships with fellow counselors, and strong connections to colleges and universities.
• Each year, approximately 75 college representatives visit the Rochelle Zell campus.
Proud to be Athletes
Rochelle Zell’s athletics program emphasizes the importance of good character, citizenship, sportsmanship, life skills and a healthy lifestyle.
• Our program teaches the values of integrity, respect, a strong work ethic and teamwork.
• Students of all ability levels have an opportunity to participate on a sports team, whether they have played a sport for most of their lives or are just beginning their athletic journey.
• Student-athletes are challenged to strive for excellence in athletics, in the classroom, and in the community.
• Athletic programs and extracurricular activities are scheduled to allow all to honor Shabbat and holidays.
Interscholastic Athletic Offerings 2025-26
Rochelle Zell is a member school of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) and a member of the Chicago Prep Conference (CPC).
Fall Winter Spring
Boys Cross Country
Girls Cross Country
Golf
Boys Soccer
Girls Tennis
Girls Volleyball
Boys Basketball
Girls Basketball
Baseball
Girls Soccer
Boys Tennis
Boys Track & Field
Girls Track & Field
Boys Volleyball
Use this QR code to watch a short video from David Martinez, Athletic Director
Credit: Noah Mishkin
Proud to be Spirited
Student life at Rochelle Zell is full of spirit and a tremendous sense of community.
• There are numerous opportunities for students to get involved socially through extracurricular activities, clubs, athletics, leadership programs, Homecoming, Prom, and other social events throughout the year.
• Rochelle Zell offers over twenty (20) student clubs in many areas including academic, community service, physical and artistic interests, and social justice. Students are encouraged to become leaders later in their RZJHS careers.
• Both inside and outside of the classroom, Rochelle Zell helps students engage in an understanding of identity and belonging, as Jews, as Americans, and as global citizens. Every student voice matters and is valued.
2025-26 Student Clubs
Art Club
Mr. Helbig’s Book Club
Chess Club
Community Service
DEAP
DECA
Environmental Club
Global Aid & Crisis
Holla for Challah
Interfaith Youth Core
Math Team
Media Club
Peer Tutors
Pride Club
RZ Cappella
Sports Analytics & Media
Student Ambassadors
US Politics Club
Va’ad HaGabbaim (Prayer Leaders)
Va’ad HaStudentim (Student Council)
Va’ad Shabbatonim (Retreats)
Va’ad Yisrael (Israel)
Proud to be Community
Parent Organization
• Our Parent Organization is active throughout the year, planning social events and adult education.
• Our parent volunteers to help us celebrate student birthdays, serve lunch at our festive Chanukah meal, show our staff appreciation, and more!
Grandparents and Special Friends
Alumni
• From college, graduate schools, the business world, non-profit organizations and the IDF to our very own RZJHS board members and faculty, our alumni continue to tackle the new challenges they face as independent young adults.
• We are proud of our 800+ alumni and keep in frequent contact with them. They visit the school often to see former teachers, speak to current classes, and to give their younger siblings rides home.
• Even after a student graduates, their families are still a part of our community! We invite our Alumni Parents to keep in touch and join us at the many opportunities we offer each year, such as our annual winter Parent and Alumni Parent Event.
• Grandparents and Special Friends are an integral part of the Rochelle Zell community.
• Rochelle Zell is proud to hold special programs and activities throughout the year for Grandparents and Special Friends, including a tefillah and breakfast in the fall, as well as a luncheon in the spring.
Proud to be Connected
Technology
• RZJHS offers students, staff, and faculty a range of technologies designed to support excellence in teaching and learning.
• Classroom technology includes interactive SMART Boards and document cameras, and we are proud of the Schechter/Bernat Family Innovation Lab which provides flexible space for students to work with specialized equipment.
• Students bring their own devices to foster a personalized learning experience. We use platforms including Canvas, Office365, and PowerSchool.
Food
• Rochelle Zell offers daily kosher meals for purchase with designated dairy and meat days. Once a month, our Va’ad HaStudentim (Student Council) selects a community kosher restaurant that students can order from as well.
• Every Friday morning, students gather for All School Tefillah and a complimentary breakfast.
• Students and staff also participate in community favorites including “Holla for Challah,” birthday treats, and special holiday lunches.
• Laws of kashrut (dietary laws) are observed throughout the school and at all school events so that students may observe Jewish law and life fully.
Transportation
• Carpool/Drive - Many RZJHS students drive or carpool. Parking passes are issued to all eligible students to park in our lot.
• Metra & CJE Bus - RZJHS students who live in Chicago and other North Shore towns to our south are able to take the Union Pacific North line to the Braeside station in Highland Park, where they are met by a CJE shuttle that takes them to RZJHS. The shuttle operates a return trip in the afternoons multiple times to accommodate student athletic and club commitments.
• PACE Bus - Bus #626 travels from the Skokie Swift station to RZJHS in the morning and returns at frequent intervals in the afternoon.
Proud to be Dedicated to Affordability
We are proud to offer personalized approaches to help families manage tuition. Our goal is to ensure that every qualified student has the opportunity to attend Rochelle Zell.
Affordability by the numbers:
• Approximately 60% of students benefit from our Affordability Program.
• Tuition for the 2025-2026 school year is $35,900 plus additional fees for books/ lab materials, activities, security, and the Parent Organization, as well as optional fees for athletics programs and travel experiences.
• All families elect a payment plan based on their needs, either in one, two, or ten payments scheduled during the year.
• Affordability awards for the 2025-2026 school year range from $2,000 to $30,000 per student
• Depending on the factors listed below, families with an income of up to $400,000 may qualify for our Affordability Program.
Affordability awards are primarily determined based on family income and assets. Other factors that are considered are family size, certain expenses, allowable debts, number of children attending tuition-charging schools and colleges, and costs associated with synagogue membership and Jewish summer camp. We also seek to maintain a similar level of awards over a student’s four years, provided that the family circumstances do not dramatically change.
An optional first step in our affordability program process is an initial conversation with Jim Baumstark, our Director of Finance and Operations. He can be reached via email at jbaumstark@rzjhs.org, and he’s happy to have a confidential conversation about affordability and family circumstances as well as walk families through the process.
Applying for the Affordability Program does not influence admission decisions and individual awards are held in the strictest confidence. All families seeking to participate in the Affordability Program are required to complete our application through the FACTS system, which is available on our website. Applications are due by January 15, 2026 for the 2026-2027 school year.
Use this QR code to watch a shortvideofromJimBaumstark, Director of Finance & Operations
We are delighted to announce that scholarships have generously been made available from the Legacy Heritage Fund for the upcoming academic year. A central mission of Legacy Heritage Fund is to support Jewish education in the US. Only families with a documented need for assistance are eligible to receive a scholarship and students receiving financial assistance must be in grades 9-12. These funds may be incremental to the scholarship already being provided to a family.
Join the Rochelle Zell Family Today!
A partner with the Jewish United Fund in serving our community.
Affiliated with Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools and LMAIS: Lake Michigan Association of Independent Schools. Rochelle Zell is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS).