Admissions FAQs

Why should I choose Cohen Hillel Academy for my child?

Hillel is known for its dedication to the highest level of academic excellence, its low student/teacher ratio, its caring faculty, its emphasis on character development and community responsibility. Hillel provides students with experiences that make them comfortable as Jews and as productive members of our local, national and global communities.

Are academics as rigorous at Cohen Hillel Academy as at other schools?

High schools report that Hillel students are better prepared than other students and close to 100% are on honor rolls at their secondary schools. Hillel students often score among the best on standarized tests.

How do Cohen Hillel Academy students perform in math and science?

Hillel students are over-represented in honors level classes across the board. New math and science initiatives at the school consist of the best of research-based programs and include inquiry-based activities that promote critical thinking. Respected scientists from leading universities and industry visit the school on a regular basis to consult with teachers as well as to work with the students.

Where do students go after Cohen Hillel Academy?

After students leave Hillel, they tell us that they are extremely well prepared for high school. They attend both public and competitive independent schools, and subsequently a substantial number enroll in top colleges and universities.

Can students enroll in Cohen Hillel Academy after kindergarten?

Students entering Hillel Academy after kindergarten have found the school to be an open, friendly place, and these students have quickly adapted to their new environment. We offer a buddy system, a one-on-one program through which new and transfer students and their parents are introduced to the Hillel family by their peers. In addition, we encourage school and classroom visits to familiarize students with our environment to help alleviate those first day jitters.

Do students participate in drama, art and music?

Hillel has a strong visual and performing arts program during the school day. The students have art classes once or twice a week and a performing arts forum once a week. In addition to our superb arts instructor, visiting artists come to the school regularly to share their expertise and engage the students in hands-on activities. Programs are integrated into classroom curriculum as well. There are also drama classes offered after school and an Upper School play is performed each spring.

Are there sports teams at Cohen Hillel Academy?

Beginning in grade five, Hillel students participate on soccer, cross-country, dance, ultimate frisbee and basketball teams. Both our girls and boys teams hold regular practices and play a full schedule of games with other independent schools.

Do families with different levels of Jewish observance enroll at Cohen Hillel Academy?

Our student body reflects a broad cross-section of the Jewish community, with many kinds of families practicing their faith in a variety of ways. Our teachers, too, are equally diverse in both their backgrounds and experiences. Interfaith couples find Cohen Hillel Academy to be a warm, welcoming place where children and parents alike learn and develop friendships.

Is transportation available?

Currently, many families take advantage of our bus service that transports students to and from several towns on the North Shore, including Beverly, Peabody and Middleton. Other parents join together to form car pools.

Financial FAQs

Can we afford the cost of a private school education?

As a community institution, we work hard to make Cohen Hillel Academy accessible to as many families as possible. Our unique financial assistance programs take into account the financial needs of individual families and are available to everyone. In addition, we have contracted with FACTS to administer flexible payment plan options for families.

Is financial assistance a loan?  Do I need to repay it?

The financial assistance award granted by the school is not a loan and does not need to be repaid.

Do families apply for financial assistance each year?

Yes, families requesting financial assistance must reapply each year.

How do I receive financial assistance materials?

Financial assistance materials may be picked up in the business office or accessed online.