Golda Och Academy - West Orange, New Jersey

Golda Och Academy: A Comprehensive Guide

Main Services

• Private Educational Institution: Golda Och Academy (GOA) is a private, independent, Jewish day school that serves students from diverse backgrounds.
• High School: GOA offers a rigorous high school program that prepares students for college and beyond, with a focus on critical thinking, creativity, and ethical decision-making.
• Middle School: The middle school program fosters a love for learning and helps students develop independence, resilience, and a strong moral compass.
• Preparatory School: GOA's Lower School, serving students from Kindergarten to Grade 4, provides a strong foundation in academic and social skills.

Location and Access

Golda Och Academy is located in the suburban town of West Orange, within the New York metropolitan area. The Lower School campus is situated at 1418 Pleasant Valley Way, while the Upper School campus is about two miles away. Both campuses are easily accessible from major highways, including the Garden State Parkway and Interstate 280.

For those traveling by public transportation, GOA is approximately 25 minutes from New York City. The Academy is also served by several public bus routes, and the Upper School is conveniently located near the South Mountain Reservation, offering students and staff a serene and picturesque setting.

Parking is available on both campuses, with designated spaces for visitors, faculty, and staff. Both campuses are wheelchair-accessible, with reserved parking spaces and automatic doors at entrances.

Featured Characteristics

Academic Excellence

GOA is committed to providing a challenging and engaging academic curriculum that prepares students for success in college and beyond. The school offers a comprehensive range of courses across various subjects, including math, science, language arts, social studies, and world languages. GOA also emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and ethical decision-making, with a focus on cultivating well-rounded, responsible individuals.

Jewish Identity and Values

As a Jewish day school, GOA integrates Jewish values, culture, and heritage into its curriculum and daily life. Students participate in Hebrew language instruction, Jewish history and thought, and Shabbat and holiday celebrations. The school also encourages students to engage in tikkun olam, or repairing the world, through community service and social action projects.

Extensive Co-Curricular Programs

GOA offers a wide range of co-curricular activities to enrich students' learning experiences and foster personal growth. These include:

• Arts programs, such as visual arts, music, drama, and dance
• Athletic teams and physical education classes
• Clubs and organizations, like student government, environmental action, and community service groups
• Cultural and academic competitions, such as debate, Model UN, and math competitions

Practical Information

Admissions

GOA welcomes applications from students of all backgrounds. The admissions process includes an interview, academic records, and standardized test scores. Financial aid is available to help families afford tuition.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition fees vary by grade level and are subject to change. GOA offers a variety of payment plans and financial aid to help families afford tuition. The school also provides scholarships and need-based grants.

Accreditation and Affiliation

GOA is accredited by the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS) and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). The school is also affiliated with the Jewish Community High School Project and the Solomon Schechter Day School Association.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

Although Golda Och Academy has 0 reviews on Google My Business, the school's website and other online platforms feature testimonials from parents, alumni, and faculty members highlighting various positive aspects of the school:

• Small class sizes and individual attention
• Diverse and inclusive community
• Strong sense of Jewish identity and values
• Comprehensive and challenging academic curriculum
• Extensive co-curricular programs and athletic offerings
• Committed and dedicated faculty and staff
• Beautiful and well-maintained campuses

While there are no reviews on Google My Business, these testimonials provide insight into the positive aspects of GOA, as experienced by those who have been a part of the school community.