By Gigi Yellen-Kohn, JTNews Correspondent
A lot can happen in 30 years. On Sunday, Feb. 29, parents, students, faculty, staff, friends and supporters of Northwest Yeshiva High School will reflect on just how much has changed—both in the school and in the Seattle Jewish community—at NYHS’s Annual Dinner, to be held at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in downtown Seattle. The theme for this year’s event is “Celebrating the Past, Imagining the Future.” In addition to honoring the school for 30 years of service to the Seattle Jewish community, the evening’s program will trace the history of this dynamic institution that began—literally and figuratively—in a basement.
This was a time in Seattle when parents who wanted a Jewish day school education for their high school-aged children were required to send them out of state. As a result, many of the most committed young Jews in the community did not return to the Seattle area after completing their education. This exodus represented a tremendous loss of talent and resources for the community as a whole.
In 1974, Rabbi Daniel Rosenthal established the first Yeshiva. Originally called Yeshivat Or Hazafon, the school was initially an extension of the Seattle Hebrew Academy. Classes were held in the basement of SHA on Capitol Hill. The first class consisted of six pioneering young men.
Three years later, the Yeshiva emerged as an independent entity. In 1979, Rabbi Morton Moskowitz relocated to Seattle to become Rosh HaYeshiva—the head of Yeshiva—and today’s students continue to learn with Rabbi Moskowitz, who continues to hold the title.
The Yeshiva also welcomed its first female students that year. For the first time, Seattle Jewish parents looking for intensive Jewish learning at the high school level combined with a solid academic foundation had a real choice.
After guiding the school through its first decade, Rabbi Rosenthal left in 1984. For the next two years, the school’s board of directors experimented with a variety of administrative structures.
Then, in 1986, Rabbi Bernie Fox assumed the role of dean of the high school. Under Rabbi Fox’s guidance, enrollment increased, as did academic standards.
In September 1992, the Yeshiva realized the dream of acquiring its own campus. A property located on Mercer Island was purchased and renovated to accommodate the projected “maximum” enrollment of 65 students.
Enrollment at NYHS increased steadily reaching 55 students in 1995. There was, however, concern that the school would not continue to grow.
In a dramatic and strategic move, the Samis Foundation and NYHS initiated a pilot Tuition Reduction Program. The program effectively lowered annual tuition to $3,000 per student, per year. As a result, many families who did not view full-time, high-school-level Jewish education as a viable option began to reconsider their choices. Enrollment increased dramatically, and by 1996, the campus was renovated to accommodate increased enrollment and projected growth. By 1998—with an enrollment of over 100 students—it was clearly evident that additional space was needed. Consequently, modular classrooms were added to the site in 1999. Today, the NYHS student body numbers almost 125 students.
With the increased enrollment, there also came greater variety in the school’s curriculum and programming.
As the student body became larger and more diverse, a broader range of curricular alternatives and extracurricular activities was introduced. These include a variety of elective courses such as Fine Arts, Drama, and Introduction to American Law, extracurricular activities including multiple drama productions, and a wide range of interscholastic athletics.
The Yeshiva has come a long way from that handful of young men in the basement of SHA. The school’s roster of alumni includes more than 300 graduates.
Today, Northwest Yeshiva High School is recognized as one of the State’s premiere high schools. In two separate evaluations—one conducted by the University of Washington and another by the Seattle Times—NYHS was judged one of the top academic programs in Washington State.
According to an annual ranking conducted by the UW Admissions Office, NYHS graduates once again earned the highest average freshman grade point average at the University of Washington.
The Seattle Times 2003-2004 School Guide rated NYHS’ General Studies program as competitive with other outstanding Seattle-area college preparatory programs. NYHS’ Judaic Studies program is designed to instill a lifelong appreciation of Jewish learning.
As a result, NYHS graduates are recruited by some of the finest colleges and universities in the nation, as well as the foremost Yeshivot and religious seminaries in the U.S. and Israel. Most importantly, over 80 percent of NYHS graduates continue their Jewish education beyond high school.
In addition to attending this year’s Annual Dinner, supporters can sponsor an acknowledgment in the NYHS commemorative dinner journal.
To ensure reservations and/or inclusion in the journal, call the school office at 206-232-5272 or contact Debi Willner at 206-723-5456.