At a Glance
A very small Staten Island Jewish day school betting on intimacy, structured academics, and character.
Best suited for
Jewish Staten Island families — especially those not deeply observant who want a small, structured, character-focused elementary education — who are comfortable with a very small school and willing to drive.
What stands out
- A genuinely tiny school (115 students, 7.4:1 ratio) where every teacher knows every child by name.
- An explicit mission to serve Jewish families who are not otherwise observant — a relatively unusual entry point for a day school.
- Structured academic backbone built on Singapore Math and Orton Gillingham, two well-regarded explicit-instruction methods.
- Hands-on elementary science lab work at a school this size is uncommon and signals real investment in STEM.
- SHSAT and Regents prep begin here, indicating the school is oriented toward competitive middle and high school placement.
Things to consider
- Parent reviews are mixed (rated 2.5 out of 5 across 12 reviews), with recurring concerns about academic rigor outside math, teacher turnover, and communication.
- The school only runs through fifth grade, so families face another middle-school transition and admissions process.
- The student body is unusually homogeneous — families prioritizing a more diverse classroom experience may want to look elsewhere.
- Reviews mention additional fees layered on top of tuition (especially for after-school), so ask for the all-in cost picture.
- There is no realistic subway commute — driving is essentially required, which limits the draw radius.
Identity
A coeducational, pre-K through fifth-grade Jewish day school that frames itself around three pillars: a Jewish education for unaffiliated families, rigorous secular academics, and character development. The school presents itself squarely as a Jewish institution, with Judaic studies woven into the day alongside a college-preparatory academic orientation that includes SHSAT prep before students leave for middle school.
Community
With 100% of students listed as White and a diversity index of 0, this is an exceptionally homogeneous student body, reflecting the demographic profile of the surrounding Staten Island neighborhood. The very small total enrollment means teachers genuinely know each child and families tend to be tightly woven into school life.
Neighborhood
The school sits on Richmond Road in Todt Hill, one of Staten Island's more affluent enclaves, where median household income is over $107,000 and 42% of adults hold a bachelor's degree. The area is residential and car-oriented rather than walkable to shops or transit. Families should expect a driving commute and a quieter, suburban feel rather than a city-school experience.
The school is well beyond an easy subway commute — Oakwood Heights on the Staten Island Railway is about a 17-minute walk, so most families drive.
Notable Programs
What Parents Are Saying
Mixed reviews; a 2.5/5 rating from 12 reviews. Positive: families described as phenomenal, respectful teachers, positive relationships. Negative: concerns about academics in ELA/Social Studies/Science, poor handling of parent feedback, inconsistent teacher turnover, poor organization, tuition increases with additional fees for after-school.
Synthesized from public parent reviews · Apr 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Is STATEN ISLAND HEBREW ACADEMY a good school?
- Published quality ratings aren't available for STATEN ISLAND HEBREW ACADEMY yet on Motley. It's a private school serving grades Pre-K to 5 in Todt Hill-Emerson Hill-Lighthouse Hill-Manor Heights.
- What grades does STATEN ISLAND HEBREW ACADEMY serve?
- STATEN ISLAND HEBREW ACADEMY serves grades Pre-K to 5.
- How do students get into STATEN ISLAND HEBREW ACADEMY?
- STATEN ISLAND HEBREW ACADEMY runs its own private admissions process — typically an application, a visit, and sometimes testing.
- Is STATEN ISLAND HEBREW ACADEMY public, charter, or private?
- STATEN ISLAND HEBREW ACADEMY is a private school.
- What neighborhood is STATEN ISLAND HEBREW ACADEMY in?
- STATEN ISLAND HEBREW ACADEMY is in Todt Hill-Emerson Hill-Lighthouse Hill-Manor Heights, Staten Island.