Admissions FAQ
General
Q. What grades are taught at Albert Einstein Academy?
A. Albert Einstein Academy is a Kindergarten through 6th Grade school. We also offer a once-a-week enrichment class for Pre-K students.
Q. Is Albert Einstein Academy accredited?
A. Albert Einstein Academy is accredited by the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools and the College Board. In addition, we are a member agency of the Jewish Federation of Delaware and a member of RAVSAK, The Jewish Community Day School Network.
Q. At what age does Albert Einstein Academy accept students into kindergarten?
A. Students who turn five by August 31 of their kindergarten year may apply. If your child has a fall birthday and you would like to have your child tested for early enrollment, then please contact our Director of Admissions.
Q. What are the school hours at Albert Einstein Academy?
A. Albert Einstein Academy doors open for drop off between 7:30 a.m. and 7:55 a.m. Students are expected to be in their homeroom no later than 7:55 a.m. The school day ends at 3:15 p.m. with pickup until 3:30 p.m.
Q. Is transportation to or from Albert Einstein Academy available?
A. While Albert Einstein Academy does not offer transportation to or from the school, the school is open to working with families in helping them succeed in setting up transportation should there be an interest. Many of our families organize carpools. Most students living in Southeastern Pennsylvania are eligible to receive free transportation through their public school district. Parents should contact the transportation department in their home school district to inquire about free transportation.
Q. Does Albert Einstein Academy allow transfer students?
A. Albert Einstein Academy welcomes transfer students. Mid-year transfers are accepted on a case-by-case basis. Transfer students can receive Hebrew language tutoring and support and are graded based on effort.
Q. What level of religious observance do Albert Einstein Academy families follow?
A. As a Jewish day school, Albert Einstein Academy follows communal religious standards that are guided by halachah (Jewish Law) as it is interpreted by Conservative Judaism. At the same time, Albert Einstein Academy draws from all branches of Judaism. Many students come from interfaith families and some of our students do not come from Jewish homes. Rabbis from all area synagogues are welcomed guests at Albert Einstein Academy. The goal of Albert Einstein Academy’s religious policies is to ensure that all children, regardless of their individual home observance, can feel at home and participate comfortably in school activities. We do ask all families to respect classmates’ levels of observance when planning celebrations, such as birthday parties.
Q. What is Albert Einstein Academy’s Kosher policy?
A. Albert Einstein Academy is committed to the observance of kashrut, the Jewish dietary laws. Ultimately, these laws are meant to foster a sense of kedushah (holiness); through them, the act of eating becomes holy. Albert Einstein Academy’s policy ensures that all of our students, regardless of observance level, will feel comfortable at school. All food and snacks that students bring to school must only be dairy or parve (foods that are neither dairy nor meat, such as eggs and tuna fish). Meat products, even if Kosher, may not be brought into the school. A more detailed description can be found in the AEA Parent Handbook.
Q. Does Albert Einstein Academy serve lunch?
A. Although Albert Einstein Academy does not have an on-site cafeteria, the school offers a hot lunch once a week that is prepared in the Siegel JCC Kitchen, which is under the Kosher supervision of the Vaad of Delaware. A flyer is sent home monthly with the details.
Q. What is Albert Einstein Academy’s dress code?
A. Albert Einstein Academy’s dress code requires each student to dress in a way that reflects respect for the learning environment and which meets appropriate standards of good taste, cleanliness, and neatness. Male students must wear a Kippot (head covering) during morning prayers and Jewish studies curriculum. On Fridays, students are expected to wear a white collared shirt, preferably with the school logo, and dark pants or skirt. The full dress code can be found in the AEA Parent Handbook.
Q. What type of extra-curricular activities and after-school childcare does Albert Einstein Academy offer?
A. Albert Einstein Academy offers a selection of lunchtime “clubs,” after-school enrichment programs, and sports activities throughout the school year. During lunchtime hours, students can partake in chess, stamp, and/or book club. After school, band and drama programs are offered, as well as soccer and basketball. The Siegel Jewish Community Center (JCC), with which Albert Einstein Academy shares a 30-acre campus, offers both after school and “School’s Out” programs. Students can sign up to attend on a daily or an occasional basis. Participants are escorted directly from AEA to the JCC, where the afternoon program runs until 6:00 p.m. daily. Contact the Siegal JCC for scheduling and pricing information.
Q. What schools do Albert Einstein Academy students attend after graduation?
A. Albert Einstein Academy has an excellent reputation among the public and private schools in the area. Some students elect to continue their educational experience at the Jack Barrack Hebrew Academy in Pennsylvania. The strong academic foundation that Albert Einstein Academy students receive prepares them for both the public and private schools that they attend after their Albert Einstein Academy graduation.