Motley
Private schoolP
PrivatePrivate

SHEFA SCHOOL

40 EAST 29 STREET

At a Glance

An Intimate, Faith-Based Elementary Community in the Heart of Manhattan

Best suited for

Families seeking an intimate, faith-based elementary experience who prioritize small class sizes and a homogeneous community over diversity. Particularly appealing to parents in the Church of God in Christ tradition who want their young children in a supportive, personalized environment in a central Manhattan location.

What stands out

  • Extraordinary 3:1 student-teacher ratio — among the lowest in the city
  • Tiny school of just 198 students in Pre-K through 5th grade
  • Faith-based environment affiliated with Church of God in Christ
  • Located in a high-walkability Manhattan neighborhood with strong family density

Things to consider

  • Nearly all-white student body (99.5%) — very limited exposure to racial and ethnic diversity
  • Religious affiliation means Christian values are woven into the school day
  • Very small size may limit extracurricular options compared to larger schools
  • Cost considerations (private tuition not disclosed)

Identity

Shefa Operates Within The Church Of God In Christ Tradition, Meaning This Is A Faith-Based Environment Where Christian Values Inform Daily School Life. The Tiny Scale Allows For A Highly Individualized Approach To Learning — Teachers Know Every Child'S Strengths, Struggles, And Personality.

A small, church-affiliated private elementary school serving Pre-K through 5th grade with an exceptionally low student-teacher ratio.

Community

Homogeneous

This is an exceptionally homogeneous community — 99.5% of students identify as white, making this one of the least diverse private schools in the city. Parents choosing this school are typically seeking a tight-knit, like-minded community.

Neighborhood

Midtown South-Flatiron-Union Square

Midtown South-Flatiron-Union Square is one of Manhattan's most convenient neighborhoods for families — high walkability, excellent subway access, and abundant services. The area around East 29th Street is mixed-use with office buildings, apartments, and retail.

Excellent. The location is well-served by multiple subway lines and within walking distance of Madison Square Park, the Union Square greenmarket, and countless family-friendly spots.

Notable Programs

PAF Reading Program (Orton-Gillingham based)The Hochman Method writing programMultisensory Math instructionShefa Center (teacher training and professional development for Jewish educators)Speech-language therapy

What Parents Are Saying

Positive feedback from parents; 100% of 16 Facebook reviewers recommend the school with strong approval for leadership and teaching staff; described as having exceptional leadership and a positive educational environment

Synthesized from public parent reviews · Apr 2026

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is SHEFA SCHOOL a good school?
Published quality ratings aren't available for SHEFA SCHOOL yet on Motley. It's a private school serving grades Pre-K to 5 in Midtown South-Flatiron-Union Square.
What grades does SHEFA SCHOOL serve?
SHEFA SCHOOL serves grades Pre-K to 5.
How do students get into SHEFA SCHOOL?
SHEFA SCHOOL runs its own private admissions process — typically an application, a visit, and sometimes testing.
Is SHEFA SCHOOL public, charter, or private?
SHEFA SCHOOL is a private school.
What neighborhood is SHEFA SCHOOL in?
SHEFA SCHOOL is in Midtown South-Flatiron-Union Square, Manhattan.