mensch • men(t)SH/
Noun: 1. a person of integrity and honor. 2. The kind of person you want your kid to be.
Mensch Academy is inspired, down-to-earth Judaism for kids and families. At Mensch Academy, kids build character, confidence, and curiosity through inquiry-based Jewish learning, and students are empowered to ask big questions. Our low student to teacher to ratio and trained staff supports students developing their own Jewish identity. Respecting each person’s mind and spirit and grounded in four core values, Mensch Academy is a space where kids feel loved enough and safe enough to take risks and experiment with Jewish tradition, making it their own and becoming the best versions of themselves.
Mensch Academy is a Jewish educational program for ages 3 – 11 (preschool through grade 5).
Registration for the 2024-2025 school year is underway!
PROGRAMS BY AGE
Preschool Family Cohort (3 – 4 year olds):
Adults will have the opportunity to learn alongside their children, while also cultivating their own Jewish ideas with other parents.
- One Sunday morning per month 9 – 11 am (pre-k cohort with parents).
K – 1st Grade:
This drop-off program meets two Sundays a month.
- Sundays from 10 am – noon
2nd – 3rd Grade:
This drop-off program meets weekly on three different days. Families can choose from one session for the year.
- Mondays from 4 – 6 pm
- Tuesdays from 4 – 6 pm
- Wednesdays from 4 – 6 pm
4th – 5th Grade:
This drop-off program meets weekly on three different days. Students will explore texts through the use of Hebrew skills, such as identifying letters and root words with focus on skill acquisition. Families can choose from one session for the year.
- Mondays from 4 – 6 pm
- Tuesdays from 4 – 6 pm
- Wednesdays from 4 – 6 pm
Adults:
Throughout the year at Mensch Academy, students will encounter Jewish texts, concepts, and rituals. They will be guided by experts and educators as they build out their own Jewish ideas and interpretations. Caregivers, parents, and the wider Mishkan Chicago community are invited to our Showcases where students have the opportunity to share with us what they’ve learned.
Tuition
| Grade | Standard Cost of Tuition | Actual Cost to educate | Family Level Buildership* |
| Pre-K Family Cohort | $700 | $1,215 | $2150 |
| K – 1st | $950 | $1,500 | $2150 |
| 2nd-5th | $1450 | $2,000 | $2150 |
Sliding Scale Tuition
We understand that the full price of Mensch Academy tuition may be a barrier for some, and we want to make it possible for families to select the tuition that works for their budgets in a way that prioritizes dignity and access. We are proud to offer sliding scale tuition to all Mensch Academy families. For more information on sliding scale tuition, please check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
| Grade | Standard Cost | 25% off Standard Cost | 50% off Standard Cost | Actual Cost |
| Pre-K Family Cohort | $700 | $525 | $350 | $1,215 |
| K – 1st | $950 | $712.5 | $475 | $1,500 |
| 2nd – 3rd | $1450 | $1087.5 | $725 | $2,000 |
| 4th – 5th | $1450 | $1087.5 | $725 | $2,000 |
*Family Buildership is a requirement to attend Mensch Academy, and we encourage families to join at the Family Level if possible. Family Buildership is a requirement to attend Mensch Academy, and we invite families to join at either our Transparent or Family Level as possible. If you’re not yet a Builder, you can learn more here and sign up.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
We understand that things come up and plans change. If you need to cancel your child’s enrollment in Mensch Academy, please let us know ASAP. If you need to cancel in the first 6 weeks of the academic year, we are able to offer a prorated refund. For cancellations after the first 6 weeks of the academic year, we will do our best to fill the space with our waitlist. If we are not able to fill the spot, we ask that your family consider donating your remaining tuition. This helps us to ensure we can continue to run the high quality program with the staff that we contracted based on initial enrollment numbers. If you choose not to donate your remaining tuition, families who cancel Mensch Academy enrollment before our winter break will receive a 30% refund. From our winter break through the end of the school year we can not offer refunds for canceled enrollments.
Please be in touch with any questions. Check out our FAQ’s or contact us!