Information and FAQs for Addlestone Hebrew Academy

Addlestone is accredited by AdvancED.  We are a member of PRIZMAH, the Jewish Community Day School Network, and SCISA (South Carolina Independent School Association). Our Early Childhood (EC) program is fully licensed by DSS.

Kindergarten-8th

8:00 AM – 3:30 PM (M-Th) and 8:00 AM – 2:45 PM (F)

Students may be dropped off as early as 7:30 AM

Early Childhood:

Tiny Tots (12 months) – EC4

EC-Mornings Only – 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

EC-Full Day – 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM (M-Th) and 8:00 AM – 2:45 PM (F)

Students may be dropped off as early as 7:30 AM

Lion’s Den After School Program:

Tiny Tots (12 months) – 8th Grade

3:30 PM – 6:00 PM (M-Th) and 2:45 PM – 4:30 PM (F)

Our Early Childhood Program (EC) is licensed by DSS which requires we follow a standard of maintaining a maximum student-teacher ratio.  

Required DSS ratios are:

Tiny Tots (18 months) – 6:1
EC2 – 8:1
EC3 – 12:1
EC4 – 17:1
KG – 20:1

While these ratios are required by DSS, we strive to maintain smaller classroom numbers in order to create an ideal, safe learning environment for all students.

Our 1st through 8th grade classes average 8 to 10 students per grade.

Research reveals what teachers and parents intuitively know: class size does matter. Excellent student-teacher ratios lead to deeper, more meaningful learning experiences and higher student achievement. As a result, our teachers develop a strong relationship with each student and are able to build on their individual strengths.

It’s true that there is a cost associated with independent schools. Some parents feel they can’t afford to send their children. Parents who have chosen Addlestone feel they can’t afford NOT to.

Consider these facts:

1.) Independent schools maintain excellent student-teacher ratios, so students have opportunities to work individually with teachers and to be challenged to the level of their ability.

2.) Independent school students generally perform better than their public school counterparts on standardized achievement tests. At Addlestone, students routinely score above the 90th percentile on standardized tests when compared with students at public schools.

3.) Independent schools have more freedom in designing curriculum and instruction than their public school counterparts. At Addlestone, students typically exceed South Carolina standard by at least a grade level in all curricular areas.

4.) Jewish Day Schools maintain three basic tenets: the study and familiarity of Jewish texts, the study and use of Hebrew language, and a connection with the land and people of Israel.

5.) Between the ages of 5-13, a person’s value system and sense of religious identity are most fully developed. Studies show that day school graduates express an extraordinary sense of responsibility towards influencing social values, helping those in need and affecting social change. With nurturing and the advantages that come from being part of a community, Addlestone fosters the development of a firm Jewish identity and a strong moral compass.

All children come for a visit as part of the application process. Children applying for Early Childhood (Tiny Tots – EC4) will be scheduled for a small playgroup session. Older children (applying for grades Kindergarten and up) will come for a partial or full day visit to an Addlestone classroom at their current grade level. Screenings and visits are scheduled once the application and application fee are received.

We welcome children into the Addlestone community who have limited or no Hebrew language instruction. Although we often suggest a Hebrew language tutor initially, children typically do well learning to speak and read Hebrew. It’s not too late!

At Addlestone, Judaism’s traditions are celebrated every day with purpose and joy. We are here to provide students with knowledge and understanding and we embrace each family’s right to choose how Judaism is practiced at home. We fully respect the diversity of religious practice within the Charleston Jewish community and the unique customs of each congregation.

Addlestone students are sought after by the finest high schools and Jewish boarding schools throughout the country. Since 2005 our alumni have been accepted to the following schools (this is a partial list):

Independent High Schools:

Ashley Hall

Charleston Collegiate

Porter Gaud

Boarding Schools:

The American Hebrew Academy, Greensboro, NC

Cooper Yeshiva, Memphis, TN

Fasman Yeshiva, Chicago, IL

Margolin Hebrew Academy, Feinstone Yeshiva of the South, Memphis, TN

Maimonides School, Boston, MA

Public High Schools:

The Academic Magnet High School (ranked in the top 10 public high schools nationally)

James Island Charter High School (International Baccalaureate program)

Charleston County School of the Arts (ranked 2nd in the state of SC)

Palmetto Scholars Academy

• • We offer a wide array of after school programs for students in 1st-8th Grades each semester. Our programs provide opportunities for students to engage in kung fu, basketball, drama, fencing, coding, robotics, and more. AHA students from 18 months – 8th Grade can attend Lion’s Den, our after care program, until 6:00 PM Monday through Thursday and 4:30 PM on Fridays.

Addlestone provides a kosher lunch each day that school is in session.  A hot entrée is served daily with an option of a sandwich prepared on wheat bread. Additionally, fresh fruit and vegetables are available as part of an inviting salad bar.  Addlestone’s campus and programs are completely nut-free. Sunflower butter sandwiches are available.

Our lunch program exceeds the National School Lunch Program standards with respect to nutritional guidelines and style of food service.  Nutrition and wellness are among our highest priorities and we plan menus accordingly. As each student’s health is important, we strive to accommodate food allergies; please contact the Administration to discuss alternative preparations for your child’s food allergy.  A doctor’s note concerning the food allergy is required for accommodations to be made.

Addlestone is a Kosher Campus which is under the supervision of BSBI. Our kosher guidelines seek to create an environment where all of our families are comfortable eating together. In order to include all children and families in school-wide programs such as birthdays, holiday celebrations, or class events, food brought into the classrooms must be prepared in the school’s kitchen or have a Rabbinical kosher certification on the label. Please contact the school office if you have any questions regarding kashrut.