SOMA Families at Schechter

Hi,

I'm looking for feedback on the current vibe at Schechter (aka GOA aka Goldilocks Academy), particularly in terms of observance level, among SOMA families and more broadly. Are most families shomer kashrus? Shomer shabbos? Are they exclusively conservative synagogue goers or are there any orthodox ones? TIA!

We were told there was a spectrum there when we investigated last year and I think that is true, although I cannot say how many Orthodox are there. We are on the less observant end of the spectrum and it has been fine for us.

Thanks for your feedback. Hoping to hear more about the experience for people on the right end of the spectrum...and how many there are. 

We were last there there about 4.5 years ago and things were moving in a less observant (or perhaps more diversely Jewish) direction at that point.

Just want to add that our kids benefited enormously from their education at Schechter. 

Thanks, JCSO. I actually very much like the diverse point but worry that means the more observant crowd is vanishing. Did your kids graduate or did you move them elsewhere? If the latter, can you tell me why? Thanks again!

Sent one to CHS after attending grades 2-8 at SSDS; he had had enough of prayer and religious education in general, and wanted to join the mainstream, as it were. (He later discovered that he missed aspects of what he'd left behind and considered returning for his senior year, but by the time he got serious about that it was too late to apply.)

Sent the other kid to SOMS and CHS after she went to SSDS from grades 1-5. She was simply ready for a bigger social environment, and found a lot of good friends in the local schools.

Hi there! 

We are new to GOA - I have a Pre-k and a Kindergartner.     We are not observant to orthodox or even conservodox standards, but are  very traditional and being jewish is a big part of our family life.    We do belong to a conservative shul.    I am finding there is a mix of observancy, but again, my kids are young, and the majority of the families I have come to know have similar aged kids and are also new to the school.    I think more observant go to Kushner. 

So far I have to say we love, love, love the school and what it is giving to our kids and what they are taking away from it already.  I also really love the environment and the community feel of the school.   Our intention is to have our kids go all the way thru.  

There are a lot of MAPSO families at GOA.    If you have any questions, feel free to message me. 

deiscane said:

Hi,

I'm looking for feedback on the current vibe at Schechter (aka GOA aka Goldilocks Academy), particularly in terms of observance level, among SOMA families and more broadly. Are most families shomer kashrus? Shomer shabbos? Are they exclusively conservative synagogue goers or are there any orthodox ones? TIA!

Thanks for the feedback. Do you mind telling me which shul you belong to?

Not at all.... We belong to Beth El.   There are a lot of GOA families there. 

Thanks. Makes sense. 

MichR said:

Not at all.... We belong to Beth El.   There are a lot of GOA families there.