Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy

Tucked away in Aspen Hill, with a Rockville address, stands the Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy. It’s a place buzzing with life, a testament to a rich history and a vibrant community. The Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy, often called simply “Berman” by locals, isn’t just a school. It’s a cornerstone of the greater Washington Jewish community. Founded in 1944, it stands as one of the first Jewish day schools established outside of the New York area. Imagine, back then, a small group of Orthodox Jewish leaders envisioning a place where their children could thrive, both academically and spiritually. That vision became a reality on Decatur Street, NW, in Washington, D.C. Since then, the Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy has grown and moved several times, finally settling in its current location in 1999. This site was once home to Robert E. Peary High School, a fascinating piece of local history in itself. The move coincided with a name change, honoring benefactor Melvin J. Berman, and marking a new chapter for the school. Today, the Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy serves students from pre-K to 12th grade, a total of about 700 students. Nearly 200 of those students are in the Upper School. The curriculum is a blend of secular subjects and Judaic studies, a balance designed to prepare students for the complexities of the world. The Hebrew language program, NETA, immerses students in the language and culture. The Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy is more than just academics. It’s a place where extracurriculars flourish, from Mock Trial and Model UN, to a robotics team that won second place in its first VEX competition. There’s even a school newspaper, the Hamodiya, and a thriving dramatic arts society, HADAS. Every four years, the entire Upper School embarks on a 10-day trip to Israel. This tradition, started in 2004, connects students to their heritage and encourages them to consider spending a year in Israel after graduation. Even the school’s logo reflects its dynamic spirit. The blue and orange colors and prominent “Berman” represent the school’s pride in being the Modern Orthodox Day School of the Nation’s Capital. From its humble beginnings on Decatur Street to its current vibrant campus, the Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy continues to shape young minds and build a strong Jewish community.