The Perfect Fit
For Desmond and Hilary Bernhardt, Akiba has been the perfect fit for their sons Danny and Yoni since day one:

”It was very important to us that our boys learn about all the traditions and customs of Judaism, as well as Hebrew and the important connection to Israel and Zionism. Akiba is just the perfect balance between exposure to the heritage and essence of being Jewish, while keeping in mind that we live in a secular world. “

“The Akiba education is outstanding.  We are extremely comfortable with the teachers, the level of education, both religious and secular, is wonderful.  Our boys are at ease and confident in their environment—they are excited to go to school everyday.  We also love that their confidence is tempered with respect, empathy and manners towards others.  We feel they are getting just what they need and what we want in every aspect of their education.”

“For us, Akiba is the right place – it’s just that simple!”

Newcomers to Dallas
Danny and Atara Guttman, along with their children [pictured here] Itai (6th grade), Ori (5th grade) Liad (3rd grade) and Liel (Chaverim in preschool) discuss the determining factors in choosing Akiba:

What were you looking for in a Jewish Day School?

“Having relocated to Dallas from Israel the summer of 2007 (due to my work here), my wife and I were looking for a Jewish day school for our kids that would continue in the spirit they were used to at their school "Da'at Mevinim" in Petach Tikva, Israel. This includes developing a strong identification with Israel while giving them a solid zionistic base, all in combination with Jewish studies such as Torah, Mishna, Gemara, Dinim, etc. Akiba Academy took on this challenge wholeheartedly, even arranging for special tuition in Gemara for our children so that they can keep up with what their peers are learning in Israel. Rabbi Silver's and other teachers' excitement to do everything to make our children feel welcome and accepted in their new environment made a huge impression on us. It was critical to us to find a school that would give our children the atmosphere of a warm Jewish learning place where also Israel is in clear focus of their learning. We want our children to be able to go back to Israel in the future without feeling too much that they have been away! We think Akiba is doing a great job from that perspective.”

Why Akiba?

“We believe the combination of Jewish studies together with a strong identification with Israel was a determining factor for us. The fact that Akiba also has children who come from homes with different levels of observance is, in our view, an advantage since our children get a chance to get a broader view of different Jewish families in the diaspora who all share the same basic elements as to the importance of providing a strong Jewish base for their children.”

On “meeting your children's educational and emotional needs”:

“We believe Akiba provides a good base for both general and Judaic studies. Studies in general in the United States are at different levels than in Israel. Since our children arrived with a very significant language barrier to bridge during their initial time in the US, it was a good thing that they were familiar with some of the teachings, so that they could focus more on the English language in the beginning. And in Hebrew, our kids are of course the stars in class...! On the emotional side, Akiba has exceeded their expectations. Everybody is so warm and embracing, and our children have already made several new good friends. If this trend continues, it may be a challenge to bring them back to Israel! We really want to thank Akiba's management, teachers, assistants, students and parents for making our move here so pleasant! Thank you all!”

The Weiss family
David and Barbara, daughter Sarah, an Akiba alumna and student at Yavneh Academy, and son Noah, 5th grade student at Akiba, share their views on Jewish day school education:

“Jewish Day school education is important to us because it provides an opportunity for our children to secure a religious education that imparts Torah and ethical values.  This education will allow our children to function in society guided by Torah principles. Our children will feel secure in their knowledge that if and when confronted by the outside world about their beliefs, they will have the tools and confidence to answer in a respectful and well-grounded manner.”

Why Akiba?

“Akiba was an easy decision for us. Its well-known reputation for both strong Judaic and secular studies combined with its Modern Orthodox philosophy was a strong selling point for us.  Additionally, Akiba fosters a learning environment that is respectful of Jews of varying backgrounds. When we initially visited Akiba, the faculty and administration embraced us with open arms.  We were impressed with the children’s middos when observing them on campus.”

On meeting their children’s emotional needs:

“Akiba meets our children’s needs with its accepting and warm setting.  The teachers go out of their way to understand the individual student needs. They are exceptional at working with the parents to help the children achieve their potential.  The faculty is always accessible if a problem arises. The administration believes that learning through one’s mistakes can be a valuable life lesson.  Besides being educators, the Judaic faculty has led by example and provided our children, Sarah and Noah, with strong role models throughout our community. Sarah has graduated from Akiba and moved on to Yavneh Academy and is well-equipped to handle their rigorous Judaic and secular curriculums.”

Schaffer, Ann, Jonathan (‘12) & Mike Ochstein
“Akiba Academy has given our family warmth, goodness, and learning opportunities not only for our children but for us as parents. Whether it's sitting in on a school-day lesson, sharing in Parent Child Learning, participating in a Family Holiday event, or taking in an adult learning program, Akiba offers it all.

”Our children have a strong sense of who they are as Jews and who they are expected to be as adults, as people in the greater world, because of the lessons they learn in their davening, in their math classes, and on the playing field. All of the staff, teachers, and administrators, care about the children at Akiba, and that is care that will last a lifetime.”

Barry, Jori (’08), Daley (’06), Dia, Zachary (’13) & Jason (’10) Epstein
"When our oldest child was finishing kindergarten, we visited different schools, seeking just the right one. We decided on Akiba because it would give our daughter the most latitude in her life. She would receive a Jewish education and be comfortable in any Jewish setting across the spectrum of religious observance. Eight years later, we now have all four of our children at Akiba.

”What Akiba has given our children is immeasurable. All schools nurture children's minds, and Akiba is no exception. Akiba, more than any institution we know of, nurtures children's souls. An outstanding General Studies education is critical, and can, in fact, be enhanced by being combined with an excellent Judaic education. From not speaking poorly of others to the importance of charity and respect for others, the teachers, rabbis, and school environment inculcate children with a deep, soul-level holiness that must be seen to be believed."

Toni, Jordan (’12) & Harold Gernsbacher
“Akiba represents to our family the spirit of Jewish education and teaching for our daughter. Jewish education, for us, is creating a caring, giving, and nurturing environment, submerged in Jewish values. Providing a strong general learning balance, to prepare her going forward, completes the platform that we sought when we moved to Dallas.

”The new Campus is truly incredible and as we learn our way in our new surroundings we have added a richness to the daily lives of the teachers, students, and parents. When we watch the growth of Jordan during Shabbat, spelling, or math, we know we have made a great decision to be at Akiba.”

Tziona, ASAF (’18), Rabbi Ari, Meira, Sarit (’14) & Elimelekh (’12) Perl
“We choose to send our children to Akiba Academy because of the fundamental Jewish values we share with the school. It is important to us that our children embrace the passion and commitment of Orthodox Judaism while developing a respect and appreciation both for Jews who practice differently and for humanity in general.

“The things we are looking for in a Jewish Day School education – a love of Torah and Jewish learning, a strong general studies program, Zionist support for the State of Israel, civic pride and duty, character refinement, and a sense of communal responsibility – are the core values of Akiba Academy. The superb administrators and highly qualified teachers are committed to providing an unparalleled educational experience for each and every child.”

Alex (’02), Dan, Stephanie, Jordan (’08) & Ethan (’06) Prescott
“We appreciate the love many teachers have for our children at Akiba, and we appreciate the pride they instill in our children for the State of Israel. Our family feels that we are doing our part by sending our children for a Jewish education. While I (Dan) never had the opportunity to go to Akiba, beyond kindergarten, we believe that giving our children a Jewish education beyond the aleph-bet allows us to put our money where our mouth is with regard to developing more educated Prescott
family members.

”If this trend continues with our boys, then generations that follow should be able to add to the strength of our People by being committed, well-educated Jewish adults.”

Ilana (’08), Sheryl, Stuart , Anna (’14) & Erin (’11) Wernick
“We started our first child at Akiba primarily because Stuart is an alumnus. We found such nurturing and loving teachers in the Pre-School that we never considered going anywhere else. As our children reached the grades, we realized that the dual general and Judaic curriculum provided an added educational benefit that could not be matched in any school in Dallas. Our children have learned to be proud of their Jewish heritage, as well as how to be a Jew in today’s secular world.

”We decided as parents to be involved in the school because we wanted a say in the education of our kids. This involvement has allowed us to get to know many of the teachers well and to better appreciate what a special place Akiba is. Most importantly, our kids are happy and have built lasting friendships, and they are getting a wonderful education.”

Leah & Cantor Itzchak Zhrebker, Hannah, Devora & Liora
“Since we first chose Akiba Academy nine years ago, recommended by many of our friends as having one of the best preschools in town, the school has become a second home for all three of our daughters. Akiba provides our children with a high quality General and Jewish Studies education while teaching them to be "mensches," in an atmosphere that none of them want to leave at the end of the day. At Akiba they learn a very important lesson that we hope they will remember as adults; to respect their Jewish friends equally no matter what background they come from Orthodox, Conservative, Reform or those who are unaffiliated. We are looking forward to a new school year as Akiba is moving to a new beautiful Schultz Rosenberg Campus with exceptional facilities and we hope that at the new Campus our "Akiba family" will grow and the school will become one of the best in the country.”

Rachel & Matthew Berke, Ari & Ezra
“As an Orthodox family, we always intended to send our children to an Orthodox school and we chose Akiba Academy so our sons could receive the best Judaic and General education that Dallas has to offer. Akiba provides a well-rounded curriculum in a warm and nurturing environment. Akiba will teach our sons Torah, Halacha (Jewish Law), Gemilut Chasadim (Good Deeds), and how these three pillars of Jewish education are relevant in our modern world. Synthesizing Judaic and General studies enables children to grow into confident, knowledgeable and observant Jewish members of society".

Miriam & Rabbi Meir Tannenbaum, Yitzy, Avraham, Nechama & Avigail
“We came to Dallas was to be part of the COTEL Kollel. While part of our mission statement was“ to infuse vibrant Torah study…in Akiba Academy”, I didn’t realize what Akiba would infuse our family with. The familial environment, and the concern for each student in all areas makes Akiba a wonderful environment both to work in and to send our children to. There is an atmosphere of learning and personal growth, at all age levels and from all age levels. Akiba is a place with a personality. Akiba Academy is a place that both warms our hearts and the hearts of our children. Nurturing of Torah and middos, education in General Studies and physical science are the fundamentals for every Jewish child – including our own. That is what we find here at Akiba. Thanks to all who make this synthesis possible”