Gann Academy

When you walk through the halls of Gann or explore the pages of this website, you will find it hard to believe that our school just turned 20 years old. The same kind of bold, innovative thinking that inspired our founders to create this new, international model of Jewish high school education continues to animate this dynamic community today.

High school is an incredible time in the life of a young adult. These four years are about developing skills and gaining knowledge, yes, but they are also a time for growth, exploration, and for discovering who you are. From the moment our students arrive in the morning until they complete their classes, sports, arts and extracurricular activities, sometimes late in the evening, they fill our campus with open and spirited debate, passionate engagement with ideas, and deep analytical thinking – all taking place on the foundation of a caring, compassionate, and joyful community.

Gann’s outstanding faculty sharpens our students’ intellects, challenging them to become both analytical as well as creative, out-of-the-box thinkers. Whether reading literature, conducting a science experiment, or deconstructing a Talmudic argument, Gann students learn that academic excellence requires the ability and the courage to ask interesting and essential questions, and the drive and the skills to explore various possible answers.

A Gann education also inspires our students to think deeply about what matters to them as people. What do you value and what do you care most about? Where do you come from, what communities are you part of, and for what future do you feel responsible? The power of being in a diverse Jewish community during these formative years is that our students learn to find meaning, inspiration, and purpose in their Jewish heritage as they navigate their human journey. The result is that our students develop into intellectually confident, ethically responsible, passionately engaged citizens and leaders, creators of the future and repairers of the world.

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.

Gann's curriculum is broad and deep and includes courses from introductory to advanced in the humanities, arts, sciences, World Languages, and Jewish Studies. Classes are discussion based and emphasize critical thinking and analysis. At Gann, excellence is not measured in a grade or score, but in the achievement and satisfaction that come from thoughtful work, intellectual growth and the willingness to embrace real academic challenges.

Gann is a pluralistic Jewish community that supports all students in exploring Jewish beliefs, practices, culture and traditions. Many of our students have previously attended a Jewish day school; for others, it is their first experience in a Jewish community. A variety of prayer and discussion groups represent diverse beliefs and practices.

From weekly assemblies to arts to sports to clubs to social activities and student organizations, a Gann education includes a wealth of extracurricular and creative opportunities to explore new passions and discover new talents. These activities extend classroom learning, encourage students to develop new skills such as collaboration and leadership, and inspire their compassion and curiosity.

Project-based learning, exploration weeks, and independent research are hallmarks of a Gann education. A Gann education culminates in a six-week academic and experiential program for graduating seniors. There is flexibility as well; students may choose to study in seminars with their teachers or experience the world outside of school through an internship.

At the heart of a Gann Academy education are its teachers, and Gann is committed to recruiting, developing, and inspiring outstanding faculty members. Our faculty cares about the growth and development of their students, not only as scholars but as unique individuals. Adult relationships are central to the Gann experience—every student has an advocate and a mentor at Gann.

At Gann Academy, we focus on experiential and project-based learning. With more than 150 classes offered each year, our curriculum is designed to develop the mind in all its facets: analytical, imaginative, and ethical. Ninth graders develop competence in the core subjects outlined in our curriculum guide, then deepen their skillset and understanding through our advanced and standard electives. As students progress, they learn to analyze complex situations, develop opinions, and express themselves both orally and in writing. Gann faculty are passionate educators and lifelong learners, chosen for their extensive experience and their ability to communicate both their subject and their passion for it.