Hannah Otis

From a secular standpoint, I am proud of the education that I have received from Ida Crown. I have taken classes at many other schools, and classes at Ida Crown have matched or bested all others. I was particularly proud of my education when I went to Harvard last summer for a couple of courses in college-level mathematics. Because of my excellent education at Ida Crown, I was able to keep up with students from all over the country. When I was with all these bright students, it struck me that they were really no better prepared for college material than the students at Ida Crown. In fact, because of the rigorous dual curriculum, I felt that many students at Ida Crown were probably better prepared to handle college courses.

As a student at Ida Crown I have also learned much about what it means to be a Jew. I have learned our origins as a people in greater depth—how Hashem chose us and we chose Him. I have learned our history, a history filled with inspiring tales of patience and loyalty and faith. I have learned about our modern day contributions to the religious and secular worlds. My Judaic education at Ida Crown has made me proud to be a Jew, to be a member of this great people with such lofty origins, inspiring history, and noteworthy accomplishments. Directly as a result of my education at Ida Crown, I am stronger in my conviction to live a Jewish life to its fullest.

I am an incredibly proud student of Ida Crown, because it provides me not only with secular studies to rival those of any high school, but also with expansive, rigorous–and meaningful–Judaica studies.