Question 1

Does WHHS provide transportation for students?

Accepted Answer

We offer round-trip bus transportation for students from Westchester,Connecticut, Rockland, Riverdale, and Manhattan. We carefully select the service provider, checking for safety and insurance. We also have a van pick-up at the start of school and at the end of the day to the Mamaroneck Station of Metro-North. This enables students to take the train to points north as well as Grand Central Station.

Question 2

How long is the bus ride from NYC to Mamaroneck?

Accepted Answer

The ride takes about forty-five to sixty minutes.

Question 3

What happens if my child stays for co-curricular activities or sports after school?

Accepted Answer

Students who drive, parents, and coaches will carpool and/or do a drop-off at the Mamaroneck Station.  Students typically arrange to stay overnight at a friend’s house when they are retuning late from an away sports game.

Question 4

What is different academically at a boutique, small Jewish High School?"

Accepted Answer

With an average class size of 10-12, students are fully engaged, and easily able to participate and question their teachers. Instead of getting back a red-marked paper, teachers personally meet with students to review essays and research papers and explain what was done well and how work can be improved. Students are not permanently tracked—they can freely move across levels at any time during the year in both Judaic and General Studies courses, depending on their individual needs.

Question 5

What is different socially at a boutique, small Jewish High School?"

Accepted Answer

Inter-grade friendships are common at WHHS.  Socializing with fellow students from any grade is part of our school culture.  This multiplies exponentially the number of friends every student makes.  In fact, at WHHS it is “cool” for freshman to socialize with friends in any grade. We find that students share their experiences over the years and mentor one another.

Question 6

Does Westchester have any special honors program?

Accepted Answer

Qualified students are able to take honors level and Advanced Placement college level courses. Prospective students are recruited for the WHHS Scholars Program based the recommendations of their middle school, their character, academic record, diverse interests and commitment to Judaism. These students receive individual financial scholarships and participate as a group in special workshops and programs. If you believe you qualify for this opportunity, please contact the admissions office.

Question 7

Do most graduates take a gap year in Israel before going to college?

Accepted Answer

We provide guidance for both college and Israel gap year programs. Students are encouraged to complete the college application process, select a school and defer their admission so that they can take a year to study or serve in Israel. Approximately 60% percent of our graduates do so.

Question 8

Does Westchester have athletic teams?

Accepted Answer

WHHS students compete in the Yeshiva League.  Boys’ teams include basketball, hockey, soccer, baseball and golf and girls teams include volleyball, softball, basketball, hockey, and golf.   All students are encouraged to join a team, and everyone has an opportunity for playing time.  We think it’s better to play and win some/lose some than either not make a team at all or sit on the bench for every game.

Question 9

Does Westchester have academic teams?

Accepted Answer

A select group of students, chosen based on their written and oral presentations on current affairs, form the WHHS Model UN team.  The team meets weekly in preparation for a number of Model UN competitions throughout the year, including YUNMUN, a three day national convention and HESCHMUN.

Question 10

Are electives offered to students?

Accepted Answer

At Westchester Hebrew High School we have the flexibility to encourage and help students explore their interests and passions through online, fully accredited classes offered by the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, Virtual High School and the Online Judaic Studies Consorium, all of which are supervised by WHHS faculty.  This is truly unique for a high school experience.  Internal electives include AP Psychology, Creative Writing, Criminal Law and Financial Accounting.  Judaic Studies electives include Mussar: Practical Ethics, Perek Hachovel-Advanced Talmud, and Exploring Jewish Identity and Texts Through Art.

Question 11

What if a student has limited or no formal day school background?

Accepted Answer

We want any Jewish family to be able to send their child to WHHS. Our Mechina Program enables students to study the same Judaic Studies curriculum on a modified basis. They strengthen their Hebrew language skills as they learn the essential tenets of Judaism.

Question 12

What if a family wants their child to delve more deeply into Torah study?

Accepted Answer

Qualified students may apply for our special program in Torah studies, where they will study individually with a member of our rabbinic staff.

Question 13

How does Westchester instill a love of Medinat Yisrael in its student body?

Accepted Answer

Israel is at the heart of life at Westchester Hebrew High School. Our Ivrit and Judaic studies classes provide students with opportunities to learn about Israeli history and culture.  A number of our history seminars focus on the History of Zionism and Israel Advocacy. Student-led clubs organize special events to raise awareness about current events in Israel in the Middle East and coordinate fund raising and Chessed activities.

Question 14

Does WHHS provide academic support for students?

Accepted Answer

Our first-class Learning Center enables students to receive content-based academic help from our own faculty. Students with an Individualized Educational Plan may also receive skill based support from members of the Mamaroneck School District. There is no pull-out program—support periods are built into student’s individual schedules.

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