February 5, 2016
Someone asked me recently how we measure our success. Certainly we are proud that our alumni are thriving in rigorous high school environments, that they score well on college entrance exams (the middle 50 percent of last year’s seniors scored 31-33 on the ACT) and that they are being accepted with merit scholarships to fine universities.
Our own ERB test scores also confirm that our program is solid, as our students perform equal or higher to the best independent schools, and significantly higher than area public schools.
But test scores mean little unless our students also grow up to be kind, ethical people who make thoughtful decisions as they go through life.
Here’s how we measure our success:
Leadership: We intentionally nourish leadership skills in our students. Torah reading and preparation builds grit and confidence. Presentations make public speaking feel ordinary and natural. In a recent survey of alumni parents, 92 percent said that Mirowitz prepared their child to be seen as a leader by her or his peers. 
Social Responsibility: Yes, our graduates are being accepted into Harvard, Penn, Duke, Northwestern and Vanderbilt…but they also are standing out as ethical leaders. They incorporate tzedakah into their lives, organize projects to help the environment and those living in poverty, and contribute to causes that move them. 100 percent of alumni parents surveyed say that Mirowitz prepared their child to be an advocate for others.
Jewish Involvement: Both our own surveys and national studies show that day school strengthens Jewish identity, connections and behaviors. They stand out from their public and private school peers for their involvement in Jewish youth group, campus organizations and synagogue life. They feel well informed about Israel and able to confidently take a stand. We love that community rabbis rely on our graduates to teach their religious school classes, to lead youth services and to serve as youth ambassadors to their board. 100 percent of alumni parents surveyed say their Mirowitz graduate was involved in Jewish studies and community organizations during high school. (Photo above is of alumni on a NFTY trip.)
Our greatest achievement is raising well-rounded, intelligent young leaders who think deeply about how their daily life impacts others. One alumni parent said in the survey: I think it’s fair to say that my daughter’s sense of decency, compassion, responsibility and intellectual curiosity have their origin in the school choice we made!
THAT is success! I’m so proud to be a part of providing this kind of childhood!
Shabbat Shalom,
Morah Cheryl