joining our community
Are you ready to join the HT family?
Discover everything you need to know about being part of the Hillel Torah community and life in the greater Chicago area. We believe education is a true partnership, and we’re proud of the strong relationship we build with our families. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll feel the warmth, support, and shared commitment to our children’s growth and success.
Connect with a Hillel Torah Family
Don’t just take it from us, hear firsthand what life at Hillel Torah is like. Connect with one of our amazing Hillel Torah families! They’re happy to share their family’s experience and answer any questions you have about joining the community. Contact Hillel Torah Parent and Prospective Family Liason, Rachel Redlich.
“The warm, caring community feels like a second family, where everyone truly knows and cares for one another.”
HT Parent
Quick Facts
School Hours
Preschool: 9:00 am – 2:30 pm
Early Drop Off 8:00 am
Stay & Play 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm (Mon-Thurs, and Friday’s in spring)
Friday Early Dismissal 1:00 pm (Aug- March)
Grades K-6: 8:20 am – 3:50 pm
Early Drop Off 7:30 am
Friday Early Dismissal 1:30 pm (Aug- March)
Grades 7-8: 8:00 am (minyan) – 3:50 pm
Early Drop Off 7:30 am
Friday Early Dismissal 1:30 pm (Aug- March)
pro parent tip
Be sure to check the school calendar for additional early dismissals, such as on fast days.
School Day Structure
In our Early Childhood classes, Judaic studies and general studies are integrated throughout the day. In grades 1-8, half of the school day is dedicated to Judaic studies and half to general studies. Middle school begins in 5th grade with a departmental schedule. Students also engage in specials including gym, art, music, library, and STEAM.
Our Classes
Classes are coed and typically have two class sections per grade. Early Childhood classes average 15 students, and grades 1-8 average 20 students. Preschool through 4th grade classrooms have two teachers each.
Student Services
Our nurturing, dedicated team of professionals identifies and addresses the individual needs of each student, providing students with instruction and support in all areas of academic, organizational, social, and emotional growth. In partnership with parents, we encourage each child to reach their full potential.
pro parent tip
Connect with Student Services–they’re eager to collaborate with your outside providers to best support your child.
Dress Code
Starting in 1st grade, girls are expected to wear skirts that cover the knee when standing and sitting, and shirts with sleeves that reach the halfway point between the elbow and shoulder. Boys are expected to wear tzitzit and a kippah starting in preschool. From 1st grade, boys must wear a collared shirt and neat pants (no athletic pants). For more details, please see our Parent Handbook.
pro parent tip
Label all your child’s clothing, especially outerwear, to prevent mix-ups and lost items.
Transportation
Bus service is available to Skokie and West Rogers Park in the afternoon for grades K-8. Drop-off and pick-up for the preschool are curbside. Drop-off and pick-up from K-8 are in the circular drive in front of the main building.
pro parent tip
Enter the main building circular drive through the HTC/Fasman Yeshiva High School parking lot from Carpenter Road—it’s the only way into the circular drive for pick-up and drop-off.
Lunch
Hot Lunch is available for purchase through the PTA five days a week for grades K-8 and three days a week for preschool. Lunches must be ordered online, in advance during the designated sign-up period.
pro parent tip
Calendar your hot lunch dates to ensure you don’t mistakenly pack a lunch. (We have done that too many times.)
Athletics and After School Programs
Students in grades K-7 can participate in after school clubs such as Chess, Art, Musical Theatre, Robotics, and Sports (offerings
vary by grade and throughout the year). We have basketball teams for girls and boys in grades 6-8, competing against other schools
in our conference, and a cross country team for grades 5-8.
pro parent tip
Sign up early, classes do fill up, especially Musical Theatre!
Community
The Hillel Torah PTA offers many initiatives to help parents connect, support the school and teachers, and volunteer in
our community. Parent Ambassadors are excited to welcome and serve as a resource for prospective and new Hillel Torah
families. To connect with an Ambassador, contact Karin Felix, Director of Admissions, karin.felix@hilleltorah.org.
pro parent tip
The PTA would love your involvement; it’s a great way to get to know the community! Contact ptapresidents@hilleltorah.org.
Financial Information
Financial assistance is available for preschool and K-8 tuition. We are proud partners with the TAP Fund, a new tuition affordability program. For more details, on tuition and financial assistance contact Dov Shandalov, our Business Administrator, dov.shandalov@hilleltorah.org.
Our Mission
We are a dynamic, Modern Orthodox day school preparing the Jewish leaders of tomorrow. Our progressive, child-centered approach promotes academic excellence in Judaic and general studies. Rooted in Torah learning and values, we encourage children to develop a life-long commitment to Medinat Yisrael, the Jewish people and the global community.
Affiliations and Accreditations
We are a Cognia accredited school, an affiliate of the Associated Talmud Torahs of Chicago and a member of Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools. We have also been privileged to partner with institutions such as Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Walder Science Center, collaborations that have enriched our students’ educational experiences.
Why Chicago?
Chicago is home to one of North America’s most vibrant and welcoming Jewish communities. With over 50 Synagogues, 15 day schools and yeshivot, a wide range of kosher restaurants of all styles, multiple large kosher supermarkets, a thriving JCC, and more, the Chicagoland Jewish community offers everything a Jewish family needs.
The nearby neighborhoods of Skokie, West Rogers Park, and the northern suburbs offer rich opportunities for children and adults to connect and engage. Plus, the community’s easy access to downtown Chicago, world-class museums, cultural arts, lakefront parks, and top universities is all within reach.
With its blend of Jewish community resources, wholesome Midwestern values, and endless professional and cultural opportunities, Chicago is a wonderful place to raise a Jewish family.