Looking At Schools? Know Someone Who Is?
by Carol Eisenberg, President, Board of Directors
Greater Portland is home to a number of excellent public and private
elementary schools. If you are looking for the school that is the best fit
for your child and your family, I hope you will consider Levey Day School.
Maybe Levey hasn’t made it onto your list yet because you think it costs
too much for you to afford, or you think it’s “too Jewish” for your family, or
you simply don’t know much about it. Levey, the region’s only Jewish
day school, might surprise you with its ethnic and religious diversity. Our
families are Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, and unaffiliated Jews, as
well as non-Jews. Perhaps you don’t know that we offer immersion
foreign language. You might be surprised that our program spans pre-
kindergarten through fifth grade, with a creative and challenging secular
program taught in small classes that allow for individualization. Levey is
also committed to making its education affordable, and with the
generous support of the Jewish community our tuition is a fraction of
other private schools, with financial aid available for kindergarten
through fifth grade.
My husband and I have been so pleased with our seventh-grade
daughter’s success in a large public middle school, which we credit in
large measure to her excellent preparation at Levey. We are enjoying
watching our fourth-grade daughter blossoming into an impressive
student at Levey, and we look forward to sending our two-year-old son,
who already says he’s going to Levey Day School “when I’m big.” Look
below for what some other parents have to say about what a special
school and community Levey is, then come visit us and consider
applying for admission:
Our son has attended Levey for three years and is in the second grade.
There isn't just one reason Alex is at Levey, there are many, and together
they form a perfect learning environment. First, all of the teachers, both
secular and Judaic, are fabulous. They are not only extremely able at
teaching the fundamentals and encouraging creativity, they can tailor
curriculum to the individual student's abilities because of the small
class size. Second, the children in Alex's class are lovely, well-behaved
(usually), and always eager to learn. We believe that no matter how
terrific the teacher is, his or her efforts will not be fruitful if the class is not
enthusiastic and focused. Finally, the whole environment is nurturing.
As you would expect, the teachers and administrators are kind and
helpful, but so are the children to each other. We believe this is a result
of the children learning important ethical lessons in their Judaica
classes, and the parents at Levey viewing these lessons as important.
Levey is not only equipping our child with an excellent education, it is
also giving him an understanding of what it means to be a mensch.
--Eva & Halsey Frank,
parents of Alex, 2nd grade
As the parent of one highly successful Levey graduate, as well as a
current fourth grader, I cannot sing the Day School's praises loudly
enough. My sixth grader has made a wonderful transition to a public
middle school this year. She is succeeding academically, socially, as
well as in extra-curricular activities. As much as she is enjoying Wescott
Junior High and its faculty, she still mentions Levey Day School as her
favorite school, and the teachers as her favorites, also. My children have
not only received the benefits of an extensive and solid secular
curriculum, but also a terrific Judaic experience as well. Congregants at
our synagogue are constantly amazed by their knowledge of Hebrew,
and of the service, and my answer is always "the Day School." Even
more importantly, I feel that because of the smaller class sizes, the
teachers at Levey have done so much to nurture their neshama, their
soul. All of the faculty and staff at Levey truly care about the students,
and always go the extra mile to give them the individual attention and
help that they need. I cannot encourage you enough to consider Levey
Day School for your children, it is truly an excellent opportunity not just for
the kids, but for your entire family.
--Melissa Montefel,
mother of Isabel, 4th grade, and Brianna, graduate
The school has helped grow a strong sense of Jewish heritage and
pride in our children, which was a primary goal. Sam loves his
kindergarten class, and is thriving. He is equally comfortable with
secular and Judaic studies, thanks to Morah Debbie's loving guidance.
Caitlin adores her teachers, and revels in the new discoveries she
makes with Morah Marissa and Morah Kristen. Her yiddishkheit is
getting stronger and more deeply ingrained through her time with Morah
Camille and Moreh Steve. We hoped to find a nurturing learning
environment which could challenge our kids, and Levey provides it.
--Lliam Harrison & Carol Nemeroff,
parents of Caitlin, 5th grade, and Sam, kindergarten
To really appreciate the magic at Levey, you should watch a science
class and see third-graders building electric circuits, sing morning
prayers with our enthusiastic group, or visit around the snack table with
Morah Debbie Kanter and the kindergarten. Call us at 774-7676 and talk
to Melissa Finberg or Ellie Miller to schedule a visit.
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Levey Day School
A Community Jewish Day School