Kesher Talk

The proliferation of Jewish schools: Education in Jewish day schools is enjoying a boom across Long Island. More than 7,500 students attend these private schools -- a 50 percent jump in enrollments in 10 years.

At least 31 such schools, mostly Orthodox in religious orientation, now offer instruction across the region. Schools range in size from full-fledged campuses to small storefront operations. Many are concentrated in the Five Towns area, though there also is growth in other communities such as Great Neck and Jericho.

Along with traditional studies in the Bible and Judaic law, such schools are expanding secular classes. Hence, the demand for experienced public-school administrators such as Blumenstein.

Growth reflects the upward mobility of Jewish families -- many headed by sons and daughters of Eastern European immigrants -- who have moved to the suburbs in recent years from Brooklyn and Queens. The movement has brought with it a degree of well-publicized political friction that often revolves around contests for local school boards.

posted by William @ 1/07/2004 08:58:00 AM