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Robbins Hebrew Academy

Canada, Toronto

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Hebrew
Fees Fees not listed
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 450
Type Co-educational
Opened 1957
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Canadian Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages Hebrew, French, English
Strengths Visual and Creative Arts, STEM, Languages
Clubs Leadership and Professional, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School
Introduction

Robbins Hebrew Academy is a private K-8 Jewish day school in Toronto. The curriculum blends General Studies aligned with the Ontario framework with Judaic Studies and Hebrew language learning. In Early Years, the program builds foundational Hebrew and Jewish values. Elementary uses an inquiry-based approach to 5–6 units per year across science, social studies and language arts. Hebrew is integrated throughout and strong ties to Israel. Middle School develops conversational Hebrew through Bible study and Rabbinics, with French recognized as an official language and field trips. The Imaginarium makerspace provides robotics, engineering and design tools. The library and technology are integrated across subjects. Arts, music and drama are woven into General and Judaic studies. Extracurriculars include the Academy of Excellence with dance, public speaking and film, plus 30 clubs. Leadership roles and the Israel engagement program with ShinShinim and a NYC grade 8 trip. The school emphasizes character and teamwork.

1700 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON M5P 3K3

The Essentials

Robbins Hebrew Academy has 450 pupils, instruction in English, Hebrew.

Location

Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Administration Office: 1700 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON M5P 3K3.

Stages

Early Years; Elementary; Middle School

Type

Private K-8 Jewish Day School

Country affiliation

Canada

Religious affiliation

Judaism

School day structure

JK & SK: dismissal 3:40 PM Mon–Thu and 3:05 PM on Fridays. Grades 1–5 begin at 8:40 AM and dismiss at 3:50 PM on Mon–Thu, and 3:15 PM on Fridays. Grades 6–8 begin at 8:30 AM and dismiss at 4:00 PM on Mon–Thu, and 3:15 PM on Fridays. Early closings may occur on Fridays at 2:30 PM from early November through February for Shabbat adjustments. Before Care begins at 7:30 AM; After Care runs until 6:00 PM; an After School program (Academy of Excellence) runs after school for about an hour.
Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership

The school is governed by a Board of Directors elected annually at the Annual General Corporation Meeting. Ex-Officio Head of School Claire Sumerlus. The 2025-2026 Board includes Chair Steven Bloom, Vice Chair Shawn Stern, Secretary Sigale Goldstein, and Treasurer Adam Lasky; Members include Jeff Baryshnik, Jeffrey Gottesman, Lauren Leinburd, Sam Nash, Stephanie Ray Berkal, Aaron Peters, Ryan Starkman and Joshua Strub.
Fees
Robbins Hebrew Academy — School Fees Overview

Application fees
- No publicly posted application fee amount is available. Families must contact the Admissions or Tuition Office to obtain the current non‑refundable application/assessment fee and any required enrollment deposit.

Tuition fees by school year (per term / per year group)
- Robbins Hebrew Academy does not publish tuition amounts by grade or term on its public tuition page. Tuition rates by year group and per‑term schedules are provided to families on request through the school's admissions/tuition office.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- A specific public billing schedule (for example: number of installments, due dates, early‑payment discounts, or late fees) is not posted. Families receive the detailed billing schedule and payment terms as part of the school's enrollment/tuition materials and contract. For information about scholarship application deadlines and timelines related to assessed tuition for the 2026–2027 year, the UJA Scholarship portal and the RHA Tuition Office are used for assessment and timelines.

Boarding fees (if applicable)
- Robbins Hebrew Academy operates as a Nursery–Grade 8 day school and does not offer boarding; therefore no boarding fees apply.

Other costs and fees (uniforms, activities, trips, aftercare, etc.)
- No comprehensive, publicly posted list of ancillary fees (uniforms, activity fees, field trip charges, aftercare fees, technology or security fees) is available. Ancillary charges may exist for specific programs, trips, extended care or optional activities; these are communicated directly to families in enrollment materials and per‑program communications.

Refund information
- No publicly posted general refund policy or schedule of refundable/non‑refundable deposits is available. Refund terms (including any non‑refundable enrollment deposit and conditions for withdrawal or refunds) are set out in the school's enrollment contract and tuition documents provided to accepted families.

Fee payment options
- Specific payment methods (credit card, bank transfer, cheque, online parent portal payment) are not published in a public fee schedule. The school maintains a parent portal (myRHA) and a Tuition Office / Director of Finance who manage billing and payments; families use those channels to arrange accepted payment methods. Contact addresses for tuition and financial inquiries are available.

Key contact points for fee details and financial assistance
- Tuition/Scholarship inquiries and assistance are handled through the RHA Tuition Office (tuition@rhacademy.ca) and the Director of Finance (nblankenstein@rhacademy.ca). The school uses the UJA Scholarship portal for the 2026–2027 scholarship cycle. These contacts coordinate tuition amounts, payment schedules, financial assistance and application timelines.
Academics

Robbins Hebrew Academy teaches Canadian Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum.

Curriculum

Nursery to Grade 8 education at Robbins Hebrew Academy combines General Studies with Judaic Studies and Hebrew language learning. The Early Years program fosters Jewish values and builds foundational Hebrew language and Judaic studies. In Elementary, students use an inquiry-based approach to 5–6 units per year across science, social studies and language arts within General Studies, with a curriculum grounded in research on the interconnected nature of knowledge. Hebrew language development and a strong connection to Israel are integrated throughout the curriculum as part of Jewish life. In Middle School, Hebrew is developed through conversational Hebrew with Bible studies and Rabbinics, and French is recognized as an official language; experiential learning opportunities, such as field trips, supplement classroom study.

Higher Education Progression

The vast majority of graduates continue to TanenbaumCHAT for high school. Others go on to public and private high schools.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

RHA supports the growth of well-rounded students through programs that foster social and emotional development. The school offers opportunities in physical fitness, art and dance as part of School Life. Through its student life programs, students develop motivation, concentration, confidence and teamwork. Menschlichkeit and Tikkun Olam are woven into school life, along with Israel Engagement and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. These elements foster ethical and compassionate Jewish leaders who will make a positive impact in the world.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

RHA delivers personalized learning from Nursery to Grade 8. It coordinates and provides a comprehensive range of student services and programs. The school welcomes students from different backgrounds and with different strengths. It provides a fully personalized approach to education.

Mental Wellbeing

Robbins Hebrew Academy promotes mental wellbeing by linking healthy minds, spirits and bodies. Daily Physical Activity is built into the routine for Grades 1-5, with gym time, daily activity and a variety of sports. All grades participate in intramural sports during lunch, promoting physical activity and social development. As a member of the Jewish Day Schools Sports League, students have opportunities to compete in team sports.

Safeguarding

Student safety is a top priority. The building entrance is secured by a guard and surveillance. There are strict sign-in/sign-out procedures for students and visitors. Faculty, staff and lunch and after-school instructors are required to submit a vulnerable sector police check and are educated in emergency best practices. Each teacher is given an emergency procedure manual covering a range of protocols, including missing students, threats, and evacuation procedures. Students receive evacuation and lockdown training, and everyone entering the building must show identification to the security guard, with a list of authorized pickup people on file.
Parent Experience

Community

RHA is a community of extraordinary students, parents and educators. It offers a wide range of student-life programs including athletics, art and dance, and programs that foster social and emotional development. Ceremonies and commemorations, Israel Engagement, Menschlichkeit, Tikkun Olam, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are part of School Life. RHA is based in Toronto, with an administration office at 1700 Bathurst Street.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The Parents' Association is the core of the RHA community. They are dedicated parents who volunteer to enhance the school and make RHA a joyful experience. The PA deepens Jewish holiday experiences and organizes events such as Lunch Program, Welcome Back Fun Fair, Book Fair, Shabbat Challah and Holiday Baked Goods Sales, and more. The PA funds programs and equipment at RHA, including gym shirts for new students, the yearly calendar, holiday celebrations for staff and students, anti-bullying programs, and more. All RHA parents are invited to attend monthly PA meetings; the PA Executive includes Co-Presidents, Co-Vice Presidents, and other officers.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The Imaginarium is a makerspace built to promote hands-on invention, with robotics tables and equipment for science, engineering, design, music and language arts. Students draw on disciplines such as science, engineering, design, music and language arts to build and test ideas in the Imaginarium. The library is integrated into the curriculum, supporting reading and information literacy and linking to curricular goals. Technology is integrated across all subject areas to enhance teaching and learning. The gym supports daily physical activity and hosts intramural sports, with morning gym sessions and cross-graded activity; there is an art room and classrooms that support arts integration.

Sports Facilities

The gym supports daily physical activity and hosts intramural sports, with morning cross-graded gym sessions. Intramural sports occur at lunch for elementary and middle school grades. Robbins Hebrew Academy participates in The Jewish Day School Sports League, organizing inter-school competition for junior and middle school students in cross country, soccer, basketball, ice hockey, softball and track and field. The athletics program emphasizes teamwork, sportsmanship and character development through competitive and recreational activities. Morning drop-in sports occur before classes, expanding opportunities for physical activity.

Academic Facilities

The Imaginarium provides a dedicated space for hands-on learning and makerspace activities with robotics tables. The library program integrates curricular, technology and literacy goals to support reading and information literacy. Technology is embedded across subjects to enhance instruction and learning. The arts are integrated through Visual Arts, Music and Drama, with an arts room and displays that connect to Hebrew learning. General Studies and Judaic Studies are delivered through interdisciplinary units organized around school-wide themes.

Extra Curricular Facilities

The school offers 30 clubs and teams. Daily Physical Activity and intramural sports are part of School Life, with morning gym sessions and lunch-hour activities. Robbins Hebrew Academy participates in inter-school competition through the Jewish Day School Sports League, offering junior and middle school events in cross country, soccer, hockey, softball, basketball, ultimate frisbee, volleyball and other sports. Intramurals emphasize cooperation, empathy, integrity and sportsmanship. Early morning drop-in sports provide additional opportunities for students to participate in physical activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

RHA's curriculum is at the cutting edge of academic innovation, with a pedagogy that invites students to explore, discover, debate and imagine—the very skills identified as essential for original thinking and principled leadership. The day begins with a homeroom program where global issues and thoughtful questions provide the context for rich discussions. General Studies align with the Ontario curriculum and Judaic Studies follow a staff-designed scope and sequence, with a strong emphasis on critical thinking. Grade 8 students take a four-day trip to New York City that provides cultural and educational experiences.

Arts & Creative

Creativity is integral to the learning experience, with Arts (Visual Arts, Music and Drama) playing a significant role in both General and Judaic studies. The school offers weekly arts programming for Elementary grades, and Middle School students engage in Art, Music, Drama and Computer Coding; every student also has opportunities to participate in the school play, on stage or behind the scenes. After-school offerings in the Academy of Excellence include dance, singing, performance, and technical pursuits such as movie-making, public speaking, and guitar, along with yoga, cooking, martial arts and multi-sport.

Cultural & Language

The school recognizes French as one of Canada's two official languages and supports learning three languages—English, Hebrew and French—through a program designed to develop confident, real-world communication. Hebrew language study is a core component, with Hebrew used for conversation and text study to connect students with Israeli culture and Jewish history. The Elementary and Middle School programs include French instruction and an inquiry-based approach to language across grades; Israel is also integrated through Judaic studies and global education focus. The Israel Engagement program includes ShinShinim (Young Emissaries) and videoconferenced collaboration with an Israeli twin school, and a Maker-space collaboration with Eilat through the Global School Twinning Network.

Social & Hobbies

The Academy of Excellence offers a wide range of after-school activities, including yoga, hip-hop, cooking, movie-making, public speaking, martial arts, multi-sport and guitar, with all students given opportunities to participate in the school play. Arts, Music, Drama and Computer Coding are incorporated into the Middle School experience, and Elementary students explore Visual Arts, Music and Drama as part of a broad arts-integrated curriculum. The school encourages social development through team-based activities, student leadership opportunities and inclusive, collaborative projects across grade levels.

Community & Service

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion create an environment of inclusivity, belonging and equality of opportunity, with a focus on character education and Jewish values such as tikkun olam and menschlichkeit to develop ethical and compassionate Jewish leaders. The school emphasizes the broader Jewish and global community through programs and shared standards for respectful behavior, and the RHA community actively works toward inclusion within its school life.

Leadership & Professional

Leadership opportunities are embedded across grade levels: Middle School students have roles in Student Council, the Yearbook Committee and the Tikkun Olam Committee; Elementary students participate in leadership roles such as the Buddy Program pairing older and younger students, Peace Maker leadership on the playground and morning gym leadership opportunities. These programs are complemented by global and Israel-engagement initiatives that foster collaboration, responsibility and initiative. Grade 8 also participates in a leadership-focused NYC trip that includes cultural and educational experiences.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Daily Physical Activity (DPA) is part of the routine, with Grades 1–5 participating in DPA every morning and a variety of sports, games and dances in the gym; students also take part in lunch-time intramural sports and participate in the Jewish Day Schools Sports League, which includes cross-country, hockey, soccer, basketball, softball, ultimate Frisbee and more. The Physical Education program emphasizes an active lifestyle, and students are encouraged to lead, participate in clubs, and engage in health and wellness discussions as part of the broader school program.
Languages

Language Provision

Languages taught are English, Hebrew and French. Hebrew Language Arts prepares students to be conversationally proficient in Hebrew. French is offered as a Middle School subject with emphasis on using the language in familiar contexts and understanding French culture. English is the language of General Studies with an English Language Arts program.

Bilingual Teaching

The school teaches English, Hebrew and French.
Reputation

Accreditations

CAIS; The Critical Thinking Consortium (TC2); UJA Federation; Prizmah
Admissions

Admissions

1. Ready, set, go! Start your journey by submitting an inquiry to Robbins Hebrew Academy. After you complete the inquiry form, the school will contact you to schedule a time that fits your family. The inquiry introduces the school's philosophy, curriculum, Hebrew and Judaic studies, and how the school can support your child's learning. This step initiates the admissions conversation and exploration of what RHA offers. 2. Talk: Connect with the Director of Admissions. Shira Unterman will discuss your initial inquiry by phone at 416-224-8737 ext. 137. The conversation covers the school's philosophy, curriculum, and the program level appropriate for your child, including Hebrew and Judaic studies. It provides an overview of the academic program, faculty, and inclusive community. 3. Apply: Receive credentials to access your child's admissions checklist. Submit an application with an initial $500 registration fee, which will be applied toward your child's tuition. The submission begins the formal review process as the school evaluates your child's fit and documentation. 4. Decision: Once the complete application is reviewed, the school issues acceptances with a formal letter. For accepted applicants, submit a $500 confirmation registration fee to secure the spot, which will be applied toward tuition. This confirms enrollment and moves you toward the next steps. 5. Welcome: The school looks forward to having your family join the Robbins Hebrew Academy community. You will meet new friends and RHA's faculty and leadership team along the way. The Welcome phase marks enrollment and ongoing engagement with the school community.

Scholarships

The school offers two scholarships: Generation Trust Scholarship, reviewed by the UJA Federation, and Day School Scholarship, reviewed by the RHA Tuition Assistance Committee. Step 1: Use the Scholarship Calculator on the UJA Dayschool Scholarships portal to estimate tuition and determine eligibility. Step 2: Confirm eligibility to apply: if currently enrolled or already applied, proceed to the UJA Community Scholarship portal to apply; prospective families should complete the inquiry form and a member of the admissions team will follow up. Step 3: Apply through the UJA Community Scholarship portal to identify and begin the applicable scholarship. Application deadline for both scholarships is March 13, 2026. Generation Trust Scholarship is actively reviewed by UJA Federation; Day School Scholarship is reviewed by the RHA Tuition Assistance Committee starting in April. For questions, contact tuition@rhacademy.ca or the Director of Finance at nblankenstein@rhacademy.ca; for technical help, ujahelp@re-solved.ca.
School Events
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