Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy is a pluralistic Jewish day school for students in grades 6-12 from a broad variety of backgrounds. The school integrates a comprehensive and rigorous college preparatory curriculum with the teaching of essential Jewish and American values and texts.
Barrack prides itself in the diversity of its student body and faculty, but diversity alone is not sufficient to create a pluralistic environment. Pluralism is the energetic, intentional, and conscious engagement with diversity. At Barrack, pluralism is not just tolerance, but the active seeking of understanding. It does not imply that there are no absolute truths, nor does it demand that we consider all points of view to be equally valid. The language of pluralism is that of dialogue and encounter, give and take, criticism and self-criticism. Respectful dialogue means both speaking and listening, and that process reveals both common understandings and real differences. Dialogue does not require agreement; rather, it demands that we bring our individual identities and deeply-held beliefs to a meaningful conversation with others.
In a rigorous dual curriculum that includes both in-depth college preparatory and extensive Jewish studies components, students in the Upper School become independent, curious, open minded thinkers. While mastering the content and skills of each academic discipline, each student develops an aptitude for critical analysis and a strong work ethic. Faced with the challenges of the 21st Century, Barrack students become proficient in oral, written and technological communication to complement their academic and spiritual development. We help create well-rounded adults who value education and their Jewish identity. Our graduates translate their Barrack experience into understanding, their understanding into commitment and their commitment into action in the Jewish community, the United States, Israel and the world at large.
