Gann Academy
| Gann Academy | |
|---|---|
 The Gann Academy Seal | |
| Address | |
|
333 Forest Street Waltham, Middlesex, MA 02452 United States | |
| Coordinates | 42°23′42″N 71°13′01″W / 42.39513°N 71.21703°WCoordinates: 42°23′42″N 71°13′01″W / 42.39513°N 71.21703°W |
| Information | |
| School type | Private coeducational secondary |
| Religious affiliation(s) | Judaism |
| Denomination | Pluralistic |
| Established | 1997[1] |
| Status | Open |
| President | Frank Litwin[2] |
| Head of school | Rabbi Marc Baker[2] |
| Grades | 9–12 |
| Average class size | 12[1] |
| Student to teacher ratio | 5:1[1] |
| Hours in school day | 9 |
| Classrooms | 65 |
| Color(s) | Maroon and White |
| Slogan | Who Will You Become? |
| Mascot | Red Heifer |
| Nickname | Gann |
| Team name | Gann Heifers |
| Accreditation | New England Association of Schools and Colleges and Association of Independent Schools of New England[1] |
| Publication | Perspectives Hatichon |
| Newspaper | Shevuon Hatichon |
| Tuition | $10,000 to $44,750[3] |
| Website | www.gannacademy.org |
 Gann Academy | |
Founded in 1997, Gann Academy is a coeducational Jewish high school located in Waltham, Massachusetts. The school is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools and is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.[1]
History
Gann Academy was founded in 1997 as "The New Jewish High School of Greater Boston" and was originally adjacent to Brandeis University[4]. The school, casually nicknamed "New Jew," opened with 48 students in the 9th and 10th grades. Seeking larger facilities and a more permanent home, the school moved to the top four floors and basement of the Fleet Bank building (BankBoston at the time of move in) at the intersection of Prospect St. and Main St. in Waltham and used the basement of the local Temple Beth Israel for additional classroom space. The school changed its name in 2003 in honor of philanthropist Joseph Gann who had donated $5,000,000[4]. In the fall of 2003, Gann moved into its current building in Waltham, on land formerly occupied by the Murphy Army Hospital.
Judaism
Gann Academy is a pluralistic day school with students and faculty coming from a number of different denominations of Judaism. There are students of Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist, Secular, and Non-denominal backgrounds. Students have mandatory Tefillah two days a week but have a variety of different options as to what type they want to go to. The school as a whole keeps vegetarian dairy Kosher and students do not bring meat into the building.
Athletics
Gann offers a variety of athletic programs, both interscholastic and recreational athletics, including baseball, basketball, cross country, frisbee, lacrosse, martial arts, running, soccer, softball, table tennis, tennis, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, yoga[5].
Academics
As an independent Jewish high school, Gann focuses on an academic program in general studies with the study of Hebrew, Jewish thought and history, and sacred Jewish texts. It also emphasizes experiential learning, critical thinking, creativity, independent work, community involvement, and leadership.
Student Leadership
Gann's Student Council fosters connections among students, student organizations, faculty, and administration. The officers and grade representatives of Student Council bring a student voice to school life that assists the administration in meeting students needs. By advocating for student interests and designing their own programming, Student Council works to create a more vibrant, unique and welcoming community.
Jewish Life and Learning helps interested students assume leadership roles in the Gann community. Student leaders are present at the Freshman Orientation and All School Retreat welcoming new students. They speak at and help facilitate Gann's Open House, Step Up Day, assist on admissions tours and sit on a variety of committees to help plan programming for their peers.
Four students, who are elected to the Va'ad Hamishpat, focus on community matters and conduct. They, along with three elected teachers, act as the school's court system.
Departments
Gann Academy has 10 departments:[1] English, Math, Science, History, Jewish Studies, World Languages, Hebrew, Computing Design & Fabrication, Arts, and Athletics.