As moms, we can read about class sizes, curriculum and programming all day long, but sometimes you just need to walk into a school to really get a feel for it. I recently had the opportunity to visit The Rashi School in Dedham, a Jewish independent school serving students from Pre-K through 8th grade, and I genuinely loved getting to experience it in person.
What stood out almost immediately were the things you can’t necessarily see on a website: happy kids walking through bright, colorful hallways, faculty greeting students by name and a real sense that everyone knew one another. It felt warm, welcoming and very much like a community.
That sense of community is woven throughout the Rashi experience. With students from Pre-K through 8th grade, younger and older kids have opportunities to interact, with older students taking on leadership roles and becoming role models for the younger ones. There are times when the entire school comes together and others when students break into smaller groups. I loved that balance. Kids get to feel part of something bigger while still having the closeness of a smaller school.
The small class sizes were another thing that stood out to me. Teachers have the opportunity to really know how each child learns, where they may need extra support and where they’re ready to be challenged. Rashi also has dedicated literacy and math specialists who can work with students outside of the classroom on both ends of the academic spectrum. As a parent, I love that approach because we all know kids don’t fit neatly into one academic box.
I was also honestly so pleasantly surprised by the campus itself. Rashi is a beautiful school. It’s bright, open and spacious, with colorful hallways and beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces for academics, art, athletics, play and community programming. It feels cheerful and kid friendly, and it’s one of those things I don’t think you can fully appreciate until you’re actually there walking through it.
Another plus for parents is that Rashi also offers after school programming with electives kids can choose from as well as drop-in options when families need it. This is a great option for families who need additional childcare. Kids can extend their day while participating in activities they’re actually excited about, something I know many busy parents can appreciate.
Rashi’s Jewish identity is also woven naturally into everyday school life. Values like kindness, responsibility and community are reflected in how students are encouraged to treat one another and think about their role in the larger community. Rashi welcomes families with different Jewish backgrounds and levels of observance, allowing children to build their own connection to Jewish life and traditions.
For NWN families, Rashi is also right in our backyard and convenient to Needham, Newton, Wellesley and many surrounding towns.
When I left Rashi, what stayed with me most was simply the feeling of the school. And that’s really what I want other moms to know: if Rashi is a school you’ve been thinking about for your family, go take the tour. Seeing the campus, walking the hallways, meeting the faculty and seeing the students in their everyday environment gives you a completely different feel for the school than you can get online.
Whether you’re looking ahead to Pre-K or Kindergarten or considering a change for an older child, I really think Rashi is one of those schools that’s worth experiencing in person.
Interested in seeing Rashi for yourself? Schedule a personalized tour and learn more on their website at Rashi.org.
This post was created in partnership with The Rashi School.
