Florida Hebrew Charter Schools Thrive

Tuesday's New York Jewish Week reports on the success of the five Ben Gamla Hebrew Language Charter Schools operating in south Florida which enroll some 1,500 students in kindergarten through 12th grade.  The state-funded charter schools, whose enrollment is 80% to 90% Jewish, have thrived despite initial concerns about church-state issues.  Each student studies Hebrew language at least one hour per day.  The schools serve kosher food, and make accommodations when students miss school on Jewish holidays.  An optional after-school Judaic studies program operates in other buildings near each school. Many of the Ben Gamla schools are located on Jewish Community Center campuses or in buildings of former Jewish day schools. The schools, founded by former congressman Peter Deutsch, aim at high quality education.