Hillel Academy was established in 1962 by a small group of dedicated and visionary people in order to provide quality and intensive Jewish and secular education to the children of the community.  They recognized that the future of the Jewish community and its continuity is dependent upon preparing knowledgeable and educated leaders for the next generation.  Over the years Hillel has expanded to serve the full K-8 spectrum of students.

Our community with a Jewish population of about 2,000 people, is among the smallest in the United States to house a Jewish Day School, and the school continues to be one of the most important factors in encouraging people to relocate to the Broome County area.  Despite its small size, over 650 children have attended the school and almost 175 have graduated from the 8th grade. 

Our graduates enter High School at advanced levels, having successfully completed several High School level courses and exams while at Hillel.  They complete their High School Language requirement by taking the Hebrew Language Regents exam, earning 3 years credit;  they complete one year of High School Science and take the Earth Science regents exam, earn 2 years of High School Math with the appropriate regents exam, and earn advanced placement in Spanish.

As a community school, Hillel Academy students come from all area congregations.  Families affiliated with the conservative, orthodox and reform congregations join with those who are not affiliated to send their children to the school.  A microcosm of the Jewish community, we emphasize the need to work cooperatively, respect each others beliefs, traditions and practices, while studying our classical Jewish sources and modern Hebrew language together.  An excellent and highly individualized secular program assures that our students are prepared for higher educational opportunities and expectations.  Indeed, our alumni have taken their place in the Jewish and general world as leaders in their communities and renowned in their professions.

Since its formation, Hillel Academy has been known to be an outstanding institution which provides educational excellence.  The primary factor responsible for this well deserved reputation is our faculty.  Each an expert is his/her field, professional and experienced, and brings to the school a wealth of expertise, knowledge and skills.  Many of our teachers are long term members of our school community and contribute their unique talents to our very special program.

In recognition of our excellence, Hillel Academy was selected in 1988 by the U.S. Department of Education's National School Recognition Program as “one of the nation’s most outstanding schools”.  We at Hillel Academy are not satisfied with achievements of the past and we continue to strive for excellence in our educational programs.  Our goal is to provide the best possible secular and Judaic education to the Jewish youth of our community.

Hillel Academy facilities include two computer labs, a library, a modern, fully equipped science laboratory with state-of-the art equipment, an individualized learning center, and an enclosed outdoor play area. Besides the standard academic curriculum, programs in the areas of Spanish, Music, Art, Computers, Library and Physical Education are also offered.

IN 1991, Hillel Academy instituted the highly successful WRITING TO READ program.  We now have installed a complete computer lab so that no more than 2 children need to share a computer.  This computer-based program has proven to be an invaluable educational tool in teaching kindergarten students the joy of writing and reading.  Hillel Academy is one of the only schools in our area to offer this program in kindergarten.  Having an expanded, full-day Kindergarten program since 1997, we have already created a curriculum which enhances the child’s readiness for first grade – something that other schools are just beginning to plan.  Hillel Academy also runs the collaborative Pauline Piaker Ganeinu Pre-K Program together with, and housed at, the JCC.

Hillel Academy takes great pride in providing our students with a nurturing educational environment, the highest quality instruction, state-of-the-art technology, and a caring, dedicated staff.  We also take great pride in providing them with a sense of place and time in history...a sense of their own heritage, to help them become knowledgeable, responsible Jews with a commitment to Jewish living, Jewish values and the American democratic tradition.