Jewish teens want to form meaningful relationships with others, understand where they fit into the world, and be active participants in shaping a better future. Our Kulanu teen program is a combination of hands-on action opportunities for teens to put their Jewish values into direct action, social connection and friendship opportunities, and learning and growth in our classes.

Kulanu Teens is inspired by the work done by Dr. David Bryfman of the Jewish Education Project and his studies about Jewish teen engagement. We acknowledge that Judaism is not one size fits all, and we want our teens to immerse themselves in a type of Judaism that is meaningful for them.

7th-8th Grade: My Judaism – FOSTER FRIENDSHIPS

Jewish tradition enables us to confront the timeless, timely challenges of our everyday lives. As such, students will grapple with the question, “How does Judaism have relevance and meaning in my life today?” 7th-8th Grade will meet 15 times throughout the year. 5 sessions will be family sessions designed for teens and their parents (or other guardians) to learn together, and to engage with our tradition. Sensitive to the schedules of our teens, specific class dates and times will be determined based on enrollment and majority availability.

9th-12th Grade: Jewish Learning Experience Through American Jewish University – EARN COLLEGE CREDIT

Students enrolled in the Jewish Learning Experience (JLE) will participate in college-level classes and are eligible to earn undergraduate-level college credits at American Jewish University. The course will be a combination of coursework completed online and in-person, facilitated by Rabbi Schwartz and Rabbi Carrie Vogel, Director of the Jewish Learning Experience at American Jewish University.

Note: Once sufficient enrollment is reached, class schedules will be finalized, incorporating both distance and in-person learning methods. Regular homework, readings, and assessments will be assigned. Although designed as a one-semester course, we are adapting it into a full-year program, providing greater scheduling flexibility and enhanced learning opportunities.

Class offered in 2025-2026 school year: History of Jewish Immigration (3 credits)

In this class, students will explore the idea of immigration as a Jewish narrative. Beginning with the more well-known instances of moving from one place to another – Abraham and Sarah’s journey and the Exodus from Egypt – students will explore what logistics, emotions, joys and struggles go into transitioning to a new place. Students will learn about the first Jewish communities in the US, explore immigration from Europe to the United States in the 1900s, the waves of Aliyah to Israel, emigration from Ethiopia, Russia and Iran and immigration to countries in Asia. In each instance, students will reflect back on what aspects are similar to the journeys that our biblical ancestors took, and which are related directly to the time and context in which they occurred.

7th-12th Grade: Team Madrichim – EARN VOLUNTEER HOURS

“Madrich” (m), “Madrichah” (f), or “Madrichim” (plural/neutral), meaning “guide,” refers to teens who assist teachers in classrooms, gaining leadership, communication, and teaching skills while embodying Jewish values and serving as role models for younger students. Madrichim will spend their Sunday mornings supporting our teachers in executing lesson plans, helping with classroom management, and most importantly, serving as a role model to our younger students. During the first half of the year, Madrichim will take a Sunday leadership class to build their skills and earn volunteer hours for school and community requirements.

Tuition Schedule

• 7th-8th Grade: $450 (before July 1); $550 (after July 1)
• 9th-12th Grade: $1,500 (American Jewish University course fee, plus incidentals). Note: $400 needs based scholarship available through American Jewish University. Additional scholarship available through Kulanu.
• Team Madrichim: $118 (flat fee) to cover costs of learning materials and incidentals.