Phoenix Hebrew Academy

The Jewish day school movement, initiated by Torah Umesorah – National Society for Hebrew Day Schools, numbered 35 day schools in the United States and Canada in 1940; that figure mushroomed to 300 schools by 1965.[2] In 1965 Joseph Kaminetzky, then head of Torah Umesorah, recommended Rabbi David Rebibo, an alumnus of Yeshivat Chachmei Tzarfat in Aix-les-Bains, France, and the Mir Yeshiva in Brooklyn, New York,[4] as the best choice to open a Jewish day school in the southwestern US city of Phoenix, which then had a population of 10,000 Jews.[5]

In 1965 Rebibo and his wife Odette moved to Phoenix, where he established the Phoenix Hebrew Academy, the city's first Jewish day school.[6] Rebibo's efforts were opposed by the city's non-Orthodox rabbis, who believed that Jewish students should be absorbed into the larger community.[7] Since most of the student body were not from Orthodox homes, Rebibo calmed parents' fears that their children would be "converted" to Orthodoxy by setting a policy accepting children from all streams of Judaism. In time, some of the parents most active in the school were those who belonged to the local Reform temple.[5]

The Phoenix Hebrew Academy opened on September 7, 1965, with classes for kindergarten and grades 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6. First-year enrollment was 40 students.[2] The school's first campus was a house at 337 East Bethany Home Road, where Rebibo spotted a "for sale" sign a few weeks before opening day. In the 1970s, the school purchased a larger facility at 515 East Bethany Home Road, its current location.[5]

The school's success spawned the opening of six other Jewish day schools in the Phoenix area,[2] including a "satellite" school in Mesa, Arizona, which opened in 1987 with 18 students in kindergarten through third grade.[8] The Mesa school closed in 1990 due to budget constraints.[2]

"Phoenix Hebrew Academy provides a warm, safe environment for children to grow, learn, and develop. Our program is designed to meet the diverse needs and interests of all students. Our teachers love children, and instructional planning strives to foster all facets of a growing child: social, emotional, and academic.  With smart technology in every classroom, a computer lab, and over 50 tablets available for in-class use, our staff is equipped with the tools necessary to engage 21st century students.

Our Judaic Studies include the use of  the acclaimed Lehavin U'lehaskil program to focus on chumash skills and Hebrew grammar.  We seek to infuse the students' davening with love and feeling as well as the meaning of the tefilot (prayers). We also focus on general Jewish knowledge, character development, the weekly parsha, conversational Ivrit (Hebrew), and Halacha (Jewish law), which includes the study of the chagim (Jewish holidays). Of course, a huge emphasis is placed on the fluency and accuracy of kriah (Hebrew reading) as the foundation of all other Torah study.  Navi and Mishna study begin in the fourth grade.

Our General Studies  include the use of  the Treasures series for reading, grammar, and spelling. In math we use the Go Math series, which is aligned to state standards, across all grade levels to ensure mastery.  Our science program follows the New Generation Science standards, and the students are exposed to a wide range of social studies, such as the study of communities, people, early civilizations in America, US geography and the 50 states, and American history up to the Civil War.

Middle School adolescence is a special time in life, and sometimes a difficult one. Our teachers recognize and respect this by striving to not only convey material in an engaging and clear way, but also be safe and trusted role models from whom our students are excited to learn.  With smart technology in every classroom, a computer lab, and over 50 tablets available for in-class use, our staff is equipped with the tools necessary to engage 21st century students.

Our Judaic Studies include the introduction and early development of the life-long journey of Talmud study for boys, with a focus on skills building and the development of a love for learning, while our girls have the opportunity to study Yahadut in depth using the highly engaging Living Lessons series. Chumash, navi, tefillah, halacha, the weekly parsha, and general Jewish knowledge are further developed both in scope and level of skills.  Fluency and accuracy in kriah (Hebrew reading) remain an important priority throughout all grade levels.

Our General Studies include a variety of reading materials, the further development of grammar, and a focus on the skill of writing in a wide range of genres as dictated by state standards. Math continues with the Go Math program to ensure continuity and logical development. Our students study earth, life, and physical Science in depth, as well as American history from the Civil War to the present day, early civilizations of the world, and civics and American government.

Physical education and the arts are staples of the curriculum, and STEAM learning is integrated throughout our students' educational experience."

A dress code is enforced for boys and girls.[9] In 2011, the school introduced separate-gender classes in Grades 7 and 8,[1] and has subsequently separated Grade 6 by gender as well.

Phoenix Hebrew Academy is the only Jewish day school in the Phoenix area to serve kosher hot lunches cooked in its own kitchen.[10]

In our Preschool, our philosophy is based on the belief that children learn by doing.  When provided with a happy, safe, and age appropriate environment, children’s minds will flourish and grow.  Our preschool provides each child with multiple opportunities for personal growth and a chance to develop a variety of warm and meaningful relationships. We encourage parent participation and invite you to join us in celebration of Jewish holidays and other special events throughout the school year.

The PHA preschool takes a balanced approach to early childhood education. At the core of our philosophy, we believe that each child is unique and therefore deserves individual attention and care. We incorporate the best practices from different theories and philosophies (child-centered, teacher-directed, project-based, theme-based, group collaboration) and create a warm and inviting Jewish preschool environment where the child is at the center of everything we do.

We encourage you to come and meet our team of dedicated educators, tour our vibrant and lively classrooms, and interact with our energetic staff and students.  You are sure to find a home away from home where learning is creative, fun and full of joy."[11]

• Rabbi David Rebibo, founder
• Rabbi Yisroel Weiner, Head of School
• Alyssa Zupnick, Early Childhood Director

• home page
• Arizona Jewish Historical Society, historical photo, 1997
• "Hillel students battle Phoenix students in Brachot Bee"