Brandeis Jewish Day School Study: Yet Another Case For Jewish Education May 15, 2007

The Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education (PEJE) released findings today on Jewish day school alumni. “This survey validates what we have long seen anecdotally across the country, which is that Jewish day schools are effectively preparing students for college, while ensuring they will carry a solid grounding in Judaism,” said Rabbi Joshua Elkin, executive director of PEJE.

Some of the topline findings of the study:

JUST SAYING NO: Former Jewish day school students are more resistant to social pressures that lead to binge drinking and other risky behaviors than their public and private school peers.– BURSTING THE SOCIAL BUBBLE: Jewish high school alumni develop diverse social networks that extend well beyond their day school connections. Only a small minority (11%) indicated that most of their friends continue to be those they met in high school.

– SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE: Students who attended Jewish day school for at least six years are more likely to become involved in socially responsible activities, such as community volunteerism and advocacy, than their public and private school peers.

The release notes that one ten-year span has seen Jewish day schools grow by “21,000 students (11 percent), with nearly 100 more schools open in 2003 - 2004 than in 1993 - 1994.”Ho-hum. Another day, another case for religious education.