At Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy (HBHA), the concept of diversity extends beyond cultural, racial or religious differences. While HBHA is an all-Jewish school, its diversity takes many forms, from neurodiversity to linguistic variety and differing levels of Jewish observance.
Supporting neurodiverse learners
Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in how people think, learn, behave and process information. HBHA supports neurodiverse learners, and its Student Services team works collaboratively with educators and families to provide personalized support tailored to each learner’s needs.
HBHA’s flexible classroom spaces are designed to enhance student learning by accommodating diverse needs. These spaces promote movement and sensory breaks while offering differentiated seating options to support individual learning styles. Lower school classrooms may include quiet areas for self-regulation and multi-sensory learning stations, and middle and upper school students benefit from quiet study spaces and access to technology that aids in executive functioning and independent learning.
HBHA also works to enrich students across the learning spectrum, including gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) students — those who are both highly capable and face learning or developmental challenges. The enrichment coordinator works closely with teachers to provide differentiated instruction, advanced coursework and project-based learning opportunities that challenge and inspire high-achieving students.
Recognizing that best practices in education benefit all learners, HBHA has invested in research-based training for its faculty. All lower school general studies teachers are trained in Orton-Gillingham, a structured, multisensory approach to literacy instruction that is especially beneficial for students with dyslexia. Additionally, teachers have received training in multi-sensory math techniques to ensure a strong foundation in both literacy and numeracy.
“At HBHA, we are committed to providing a Jewish education that meets the diverse needs of our students,” Lower School Student Services Director Wendy Snitz said. “We recognize that learning differences are not barriers but opportunities to teach in new and meaningful ways.”
HBHA Lower School Student Services Director Wendy Snitz.
HBHA employs a range of best practices, including 504 plans, differentiated learning plans, executive functioning coaching, and pull-out and push-in services. These strategies are implemented to collectively support the academic, social and personal development of students. Lower school students receive targeted literacy interventions and sensory support, while middle and upper school students have access to additional resources such as time management coaching and study skills development to foster greater independence.
“As students progress through middle and upper school, their academic and personal needs evolve,” Middle/Upper School Student Services Director Laura Severin said. “Our goal is to work closely with students and teachers to ensure every individual has the resources and tools they need to become confident, independent learners.”
HBHA Middle/Upper School Student Services Director Laura Severin.
HBHA’s commitment to supporting neurodiverse students is strengthened by its partnership with Sasone, which provides professional development grant funding for the Student Services team. This team consists of a lower school director of student services; a middle/upper school director of student services; a K-12 child development and wellbeing specialist; an enrichment coordinator; an English Language Learner specialist; resource educators and principals.
Language diversity: Supporting English language learners
Another aspect of diversity at HBHA is language. While English is the primary language of instruction, several students come from homes where English is not the native language, and Hebrew, Russian or French are.
HBHA introduced English Language Learner (ELL) support through Student Services in 2024. The program provides individualized instruction and small-group interventions to help students strengthen their English reading, writing, speaking and comprehension skills while maintaining their connection to their home languages. Teachers work with the ELL specialist to implement research-based strategies that integrate language development into all subject areas.
Beyond formal instruction, HBHA embraces linguistic diversity in daily school life. Hebrew is infused throughout the curriculum, from early childhood through upper school, to help students — regardless of their home language — engage with Jewish texts, traditions and Israeli culture.
A Jewish community that celebrates many paths
A wide range of Jewish observances and practices are represented in the school community. HBHA welcomes students from Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist, interfaith and secular backgrounds.
The Judaic studies curriculum introduces students to a variety of perspectives, encouraging them to explore different customs, halachic interpretations and historical narratives. In addition to classroom learning, students engage in daily prayer, celebrate Jewish holidays together and participate in school-wide Shabbat experiences, all while respecting individual family traditions.
“Our students don’t just learn about different Jewish traditions — they experience them firsthand,” Head of School and HBHA parent Annie Glickman said. “By growing up in a school where classmates and teachers practice Judaism in different ways, they develop a deep appreciation for the richness of Jewish life. It is this richness of Jewish life that enhances our entire community.”
“At HBHA, I’ve grown up celebrating Shabbat, holidays and traditions in so many different ways — sometimes in ways that are different from what I do at home,” middle school student Talia Freeman said. “It’s helped me understand that Judaism itself is diverse, and that’s something to appreciate, not divide us. I love that my friends and I can have different traditions but still share the same sense of community.”
More information about HBHA is available at hbha.edu or by emailing .
