Gann Academy

Gann Academy

The Gann Academy Seal
Address
333 Forest Street
Waltham, MA, Middlesex, 02452
United States
Coordinates 42°23′42″N 71°13′01″W / 42.39513°N 71.21703°W / 42.39513; -71.21703Coordinates: 42°23′42″N 71°13′01″W / 42.39513°N 71.21703°W / 42.39513; -71.21703
Information
School type Private Independent coeducational secondary
Religious affiliation(s) Jewish
Denomination Pluralistic
Established 1997
Status Open
President Alan Crane
Head of school Rabbi Marc Baker
Grades 9–12
Classes 13
Average class size 12
Student to teacher ratio 5:3
Hours in school day 9
Classrooms 65
Colour(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
Publication Perspectives Hatichon
Newspaper Shevuon Hatichon
Yearbook Yameinu
Tuition $37,750.00[1]
Website www.gannacademy.org

Gann Academy

Founded in 1997, Gann Academy is a coeducational Jewish high school located in Waltham, Massachusetts. The mission of Gann Academy is to educate, to inspire, and to empower intellectually confident, passionately engaged, ethically responsible Jews who, through critical thinking and the contribution of their unique voices, will create a vibrant Jewish future and build a better world where human dignity will flourish. As one of the nation’s leading pluralistic Jewish schools, Gann serves as a model and an important resource for educators and others seeking to build pluralistic communities that enhance students' intellectual and personal development. Gann Academy is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools. Gann Academy was accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges in the spring of 2004.

History

Gann Academy was founded in 1997 as "The New Jewish High School of Greater Boston." "New Jew" (as it was casually nicknamed) was originally adjacent to Brandeis University. The school opened with 48 students in the 9th and 10th grade. Seeking larger facilities and a more permanent home, the school moved to the top four floors and basement of the Fleetbank 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 names in 2003 in honor of philanthropist Joseph Gann who donated $5,000,000 to the school. In the fall of 2003 the school moved into its current building in Waltham, on land formerly occupied by the Murphy Army Hospital.

Athletics

Gann offers a variety of athletic programs, both team and recreational athletics, including basketball, soccer, tennis, ultimate frisbee, baseball, cross country running, fitness, martial arts, yoga, table tennis, Basketball, and soccer.[2] Gann has sent athletes onto play in elite college programs. In 2006, 2007, and 2009, the Boys basketball team won the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association Division IV State Championships.

Clubs

Academics

As an independent Jewish high school, Gann offers a unique curriculum—one that combines a rich and rigorous 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.

Technology

Gann Academy emphasizes technology in the classroom. Each classroom has a digital projector installed projecting onto a SMARTBoard and the whole building has a 802.11a wireless network. Each teacher has a laptop, which they are expected to use every day in order to take attendance and use the SMARTBoard for class notes.

College and university matriculation

100% of Gann Academy graduates advance to colleges, universities, and other educational post-high school programs. Click here for the latest college matriculation list.

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 well-formed and professional student voice to school life that assists the administration in meeting students needs. By advocating for student interests and designing their own original 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 9 departments: English, World Languages, Hebrew, Jewish Studies, Arts, Athletics, Mathematics, Science, and History. Click here for a list of requirements.

References

  1. ↑ "Gann Academy Tuition Information".
  2. ↑ "Gann Academy List of Athletics".
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