JOIN THE COLLEGE PREP

ACADEMY

College-level learning.
Jewish connection.
A community built for teens.

The College Prep Academy for Judaic Studies at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley gives Jewish high school students in grades 10–12 the opportunity to explore Jewish history, texts, ideas, and culture in an engaging, college-style setting.

Each gathering begins with a relaxed communal dinner, giving students time to connect with other Jewish teens from across the Lehigh Valley. Dinner is followed by a thought-provoking lesson led by faculty from local colleges and universities.

Students will encounter big ideas, ask meaningful questions, strengthen their academic skills, and deepen their connection to Jewish life—without homework, grades, or additional assignments.

What Students Can Expect

Each session includes:

  • A communal meal with other Jewish teens

  • An engaging, college-level class

  • Faculty from local colleges and universities

  • Topics spanning Jewish history, Bible, culture, literature, and thought

  • A welcoming environment for discussion and connection

  • No homework or follow-up assignments

Students who attend at least eight sessions during the school year will receive a certificate of completion.

Fall 2026 Schedule

October 5
Prof. Hartley Lachter
What Is College?

October 26
Prof. Jessica Cooperman
How Professors Study Jewish History

November 12
Prof. Noam Cohen
Life in Ancient Israel

November 23
Prof. Daniel Leisawitz
A Super-Quick Tour of Italian-Jewish Poetry from the Middle Ages Through the 20th Century

December 7
Prof. Hartley Lachter
What Is Jewish Mysticism?

Spring 2027 dates and topics will be announced soon.

Program Details

Who: Jewish students in grades 10–12
When: 7:00–8:30 p.m.
Where: The Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley
2313 W. Pennsylvania Street
Allentown, PA 18104
Cost: $250 for the year

Each session is self-contained, so students can participate even if they are unable to attend every gathering.

Give Your Teen More Than Another Class

The College Prep Academy is a place for Jewish teens to learn from experts, build friendships, explore their heritage, and gain confidence participating in college-level conversations.

The College Prep Academy for Judaic Studies at JDS The College Prep Academy for Judaic Studies at JDS
The College Prep Academy for Judaic Studies at JDS
$250.00

College-level learning. Meaningful Jewish connection. One unforgettable experience.

The Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley is proud to introduce the College Prep Academy for Judaic Studies, an evening enrichment program for Jewish students in grades 10–12.

Led by professors from local colleges and universities, each session invites students to explore Jewish history, texts, philosophy, literature, and culture through engaging, discussion-based seminars.

Every evening begins with a communal dinner, creating space for Jewish teens from across the Lehigh Valley to build friendships before diving into thought-provoking conversations.

Program Highlights

• College-level seminars taught by university faculty
• Communal dinner before every session
• No homework, tests, or grades
• Self-contained classes—attend as many as your schedule allows
• Certificate of Completion awarded to students who attend eight or more sessions