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Draft:ADRABA

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ADRABA (Hebrew: אדרבא) is an Ontario-accredited online high school that offers a blend of academic and Jewish education. Established in 2011 by Frank Samuels, Sholom Eisenstat, and Dr. Dan Aviv, ADRABA serves students across Ontario, including Toronto, London, Hamilton, and Ottawa. The school operates under the Ontario Ministry of Education with BSID #885298 (Ontario Ministry of Education).

History and Mission

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ADRABA was founded to address the challenges of declining enrolment in traditional Jewish day schools in Canada, integrating Jewish studies into a flexible, modern educational model. Officially launched in 2019, the school offers students the opportunity to earn Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) credits while deepening their knowledge of Jewish history, culture, and ethics. (Hamilton Jewish News).

The school’s mission emphasizes the balance between secular education and Jewish learning, offering courses that integrate Jewish perspectives into academic subjects such as Canadian History, World Religions, and Media Studies. This approach has been described as "revolutionary incrementalism," reflecting its measured yet transformative contributions to Jewish education in Ontario. (CJN News).

Curriculum and Academic Model

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ADRABA’s curriculum meets the requirements for the OSSD, and classes are conducted through a blended learning approach. This approach combines synchronous group lessons via platforms like Zoom with asynchronous, self-paced study through curated online materials.

The school adheres to Ontario Ministry of Education standards, maintaining Ontario Student Records for students pursuing their OSSD. As of October 2024, ADRABA offers the following courses:

  • Canadian History Since World War I
  • World Religions
  • World Cultures
  • Media Studies
  • Philosophy
  • Chosen Food

These courses incorporate Jewish cultural elements alongside standard curriculum topics, providing a well-rounded educational experience.

Leadership and Community

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ADRABA’s leadership team includes experienced educators in Jewish education. Co-founder Dr. Dan Aviv has been instrumental in shaping the school’s vision and curriculum, while Co-founder Sholom Eisenstat contributes to the pedagogical approach, emphasizing student engagement and cultural enrichment. (Limmud Toronto).

ADRABA collaborates with families, communities, and organizations to support its students and is actively involved in broader discussions on the future of Jewish education in Canada. The school provides valuable insights and strategies to address the evolving needs of Jewish families. (Volunteer London).

References

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