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 text-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, 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 – 13.
Registration for 2022-2023 school year is now full! To be added to the waitlist, please email Julie Wernick.
Learn more about Mensch Academy’s philosophy and vision through this episode on Contact Chai, Mishkan’s signature podcast!
PROGRAMS BY AGE
Preschool Family Cohort (3 – 4 year olds):
Adults will have the opportunity to learn alongside their children, and also get to cultivate their own Jewish ideas with other parents.
- One Sunday morning per month 10:00 am – noon (pre-k cohort with parents).
K – 1st Grade:
This drop-off program meets weekly on two different days. Families can choose from one session for the year.
- Mondays from 4:15 – 6 pm
- Wednesdays from 4 – 6 pm
2nd – 3rd Grade:
This drop-off program meets weekly on three different days. Families can choose from one session for the year.
- Mondays from 4:15 – 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. Families can choose from one session for the year.
- Mondays from 4:15 – 6 pm
- Tuesdays from 4 – 6 pm
- Wednesdays from 4 – 6 pm
6th – 7th graders:
This class is designed to support students as they transition into Jewish adulthood. Through study of weekly prayer service and torah stories, students build community and confidence as they take the next step in their Jewish lives.
- Tuesdays from 4 – 6 pm
Adults:
Mensch Academy’s school year is made up of 5 Learning Themes. In each Learning Theme students explore closely-translated primary source Jewish texts and 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 | $1920 |
| K – 1st | $1450 | $3,000 | $1920 |
| 2nd-3rd | $1450 | $2,000 | $1920 |
| 4th – 5th | $1450 | $2,000 | $1920 |
| 6th – 7th | $1250 | $2,500 | $1920 |
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. This year, 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 | $1250 | $937.5 | $625 | $3,000 |
| 2nd – 3rd | $1450 | $1087.5 | $725 | $2,000 |
| 4th – 5th | $1450 | $1087.5 | $725 | $2,000 |
| 6th – 7th | $1600 | $1200 | $800 | $2,500 |
*Family Buildership is a requirement to attend Mensch Academy, however first year families can sign up at any level of Buildership. If you’re not a Builder, learn more here and sign up.
Have general questions? Check out our FAQ’s or contact us!
Mensch Academy’s school calendar aligns with Jewish holidays, federal holidays, and Chicago Public Schools.
For the 2022-2023 school year, Mensch Academy will begin on September 12, 2022 and run through the end of May. A detailed calendar will be shared with all enrolled families in August 2022. For questions regarding our calendar, please contact Mensch Academy Director Aviva Stein at [email protected]
Mishpachton dates are as follows:
- September 18th, 2022
- October 23rd, 2022
- November 13th, 2022
- December 11th, 2022
- January 15th, 2023
- February 26th, 2023
- March 26th, 2023
- April 23rd, 2023
- May 21st, 2023
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For the 2022 – 23 school year, we will offer in-person classes at our Ravenswood office space.
Our primary objectives remain:
- Prioritize the health, safety and well-being of all members of our community
- Provide Mensch Academy kids with a nurturing and celebratory Jewish learning experience that upholds our authenticity and the core principles that shape Mensch Academy
- Create a safe and consistent space for Mensch Academy students to be brave, curious, and relational during uncertain times
In order to keep our community health and safe:
- Classes will be limited to 12 students
- Teachers and students will mask in accordance with latest CDC guidelines
- All community members must be vaccinated in order to enroll in Mensch Academy (exception for students under 5 as of 6/2022)
- We will regularly share and update our Covid policy with the community