Gann Academy

Gann Academy
The Gann Academy Seal
Address
333 Forest Street Waltham , Middlesex , MA 02452 United States
Coordinates	42.39513°N 71.21703°W / 42.39513; -71.21703
Information
School type	Private coeducational secondary
Religious affiliation(s)	Judaism
Denomination	Pluralistic
Established	1997
Status	Open
President	Frank Litwin
Head of school	Rabbi Marc Baker
Grades	9–12
Average class size	12
Student to teacher ratio	5:1
Hours in school day	9
Classrooms	65
Color(s)	Maroon and White
Slogan	Who Will You Become?
Mascot	Red Heifer
Nickname	Gann
Team name	Gann Heifers
Accreditation	New England Association of Schools and Colleges and Association of Independent Schools of New England
Publication	Perspectives Hatichon
Newspaper	Shevuon Hatichon
Tuition	$10,000 to $44,750
Website	www.gannacademy.org
Gann Academy

Founded in 1997, Gann Academy is a coeducational Jewish high school located in Waltham, Massachusetts. The school is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools and is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

History

Gann Academy was founded in 1997 as "The New Jewish High School of Greater Boston" and was originally adjacent to Brandeis University. The school, casually nicknamed "New Jew," opened with 48 students in the 9th and 10th grades. Seeking larger facilities and a more permanent home, the school moved to the top four floors and basement of the Fleet Bank building (BankBoston at the time of move in) at the intersection of Prospect St. and Main St. in Waltham and used the basement of the local Temple Beth Israel for additional classroom space. The school changed its name in 2003 in honor of philanthropist Joseph Gann who had donated $5,000,000. In the fall of 2003, Gann moved into its current building in Waltham, on land formerly occupied by the Murphy Army Hospital.

Judaism

Gann Academy is a pluralistic day school with students and faculty coming from a number of different denominations of Judaism. There are students of Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist, Secular, and Non-denominal backgrounds. Students have mandatory Tefillah two days a week but have a variety of different options as to what type they want to go to. The school as a whole keeps vegetarian dairy Kosher and students do not bring meat into the building.

Athletics

Gann offers a variety of athletic programs, both interscholastic and recreational athletics, including baseball, basketball, cross country, frisbee, lacrosse, martial arts, running, soccer, softball, table tennis, tennis, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, yoga.

Academics

As an independent Jewish high school, Gann focuses on an academic program in general studies with the study of Hebrew, Jewish thought and history, and sacred Jewish texts. It also emphasizes experiential learning, critical thinking, creativity, independent work, community involvement, and leadership.

Student Leadership

Gann's Student Council fosters connections among students, student organizations, faculty, and administration. The officers and grade representatives of Student Council bring a student voice to school life that assists the administration in meeting students needs. By advocating for student interests and designing their own programming, Student Council works to create a more vibrant, unique and welcoming community.

Jewish Life and Learning helps interested students assume leadership roles in the Gann community. Student leaders are present at the Freshman Orientation and All School Retreat welcoming new students. They speak at and help facilitate Gann's Open House, Step Up Day, assist on admissions tours and sit on a variety of committees to help plan programming for their peers.

Four students, who are elected to the Va'ad Hamishpat, focus on community matters and conduct. They, along with three elected teachers, act as the school's court system.

Departments

Gann Academy has 10 departments: English, Math, Science, History, Jewish Studies, World Languages, Hebrew, Computing Design & Fabrication, Arts, and Athletics.