Ready to explore a place of rigorous study? We are at Ida Crown Jewish Academy. It stands as a beacon of Modern Orthodox education. It is located in Skokie Illinois. This academy fosters intellectual and spiritual growth.
Ida Crown Jewish Academy’s story began in 1942. Leaders from the Associated Talmud Torahs and Hebrew Theological College met. They wanted to address growing educational concerns. Many Jewish children dropped their studies around bar mitzvah time. This led to assimilation and loss of tradition. The leaders planned to create a high school teaching Judaic studies. They hoped students would pursue Jewish higher education.
Initially named Chicago Jewish Academy it started on the West Side. The academy was at the corner of Douglas Blvd and St. Louis Ave. It began as a coeducational junior high school. Grades 6-10 were taught there. Subsequent grades were added each year. By September 1945 it became a four-year secondary school. The first commencement was in June 1946.
The school quickly outgrew its facilities. The Associated Talmud Torahs purchased the Metropolitan Masonic Temple building. It was in the Garfield Park area. The school moved there in 1947. The three-story building was remodeled. It accommodated the academy’s needs.
By the early 1960s the West Side of Chicago began to decline. The academy moved to the Torah Center in 1961. This led to a new branch a yeshiva. It was a section of the high school for boys. It included intensified Talmudic studies. A Girls’ school was established in September 1967. This satisfied parents’ needs and helped with overcrowding.
Overcrowding forced another move in 1968. The Associated Talmud Torahs started a campaign. They raised funds for a building to house 400 students. The new building in the West Ridge area was named Ida Crown Jewish Academy. This honored a generous donation from the Crown family.
The academy later dropped its junior high school. Both branches became separate Jewish high schools. The Yeshiva became Fasman Yeshiva High School. The Girls’ School became Hannah Sacks Bais Yaakov. The philosophy remained generally the same.
Ida Crown Jewish Academy moved to Skokie. This satisfied a student body primarily from the North Shore area. It also addressed overcrowding. The building officially opened on January 4 2016.
Today Ida Crown Jewish Academy thrives. It offers a dual curriculum. It combines Judaic and general studies. Students are prepared for both Jewish life and American society. The academy encourages students to spend a year in Israel. They attend a yeshiva or seminary. Then they attend top colleges.
The academy’s commitment to excellence is clear. It is the first choice for many families. They come from the Chicago area and beyond. The academy is known for its academics athletics and extracurriculars.
The school day is intense. It begins at 8:05 AM and ends at 5:39 PM. There are many student activities. These include sports clubs and teams. Students can form new committees and clubs. They need a faculty sponsor and ten students.
Notable alumni include David Draiman. He is the lead singer for the band Disturbed. Another is Yochi Dreazen. She is the deputy managing editor of Vox.
Ida Crown Jewish Academy continues to inspire. It molds future leaders. It prepares students for life. It emphasizes community service. The academy remains true to its mission. It provides a rigorous education. It integrates Jewish study with secular subjects.