Hebrew Academy Orange County CA, Huntington Beach | Fees, Rankings, Address, Admission, Vacancies, Reviews & More

I visited the HA preschool and two others when my daughter was 2 years old. For me, this preschool was the best fit and now 5 years later I can say that they gave her an excellent foundation to enjoy learning with just the right balance of structure and free play. I am not Jewish, but my husband is. The kids have learned so much (Jewish-related and otherwise) that they come home and are so excited to teach us what they’ve learned. The staff is just wonderful. The Director Chanie called me midday during my daughter’s first day to assure me that my daughter was happy and fine. Anyone who has ever dropped off their child at a new preschool for the first time understands how difficult it is so I really appreciated her thoughtfulness. On my son’s first day, I was surprised with a photo of him playing and smiling via text. It’s these little things that make the school so warm and nurturing. I also appreciate the shade over the play area, and a covered swimming pool and kiddie pool on the property as well. We get e-newsletters on a regular basis and a CD with photos of our child over the years when they go off to Kindergarten!

I am so grateful to the Hebrew Academy for the stellar academic education they have provided my children. Not only are they receiving an elevated learning curriculum, they are also absorbing important values, such as gratitude, truth, respect, courtesy and generosity of spirit, that will shape and define them as people as they grow into adulthood. They are not just being taught facts, they are gaining the tools to analyze information and decide for themselves how to think. I can not say enough how satisfying it is, my children are benefiting from being in touch with their Judaic roots, and how much care and attention they receive on a daily basis.

If I could give this school a zero, I would. I’m an alumni of this school and I know people and whole families that have had terrible experiences here. The teachers are unqualified, untrained and unprepared for class, sometimes arriving long after school starts with no excuse. Kids with ADHD are not treated properly, physical education happens just once a week, lots of teachers quit or get fired within their first year, and schluchim’s kids are favored.

If you want a Jewish, warm environment for your child, search for another school where your kid feels welcome and happy, not confused and unwanted.

Thank you.