Student enrollment at Northwest Yeshiva High School (NYHS) has changed over the past two years, while the school adds students but still feels like a small, close community.

The number of students went from 57 in 2022 to 65 in 2023, then dropped slightly to 61 this fall. According to Beth Jacoby, director of admissions, enrollment was in the 40s six years ago

“We’ve always valued being a small school,” Jacoby explained. “Seventy-two students feels like the right balance — large enough for energy and activity, but small enough to keep our close community.”

Jacoby said many new students come from families looking for alternatives to public schools. 

The students who come to NYHS are usually from families looking for a smaller, more connected school where they can learn Hebrew, study Judaics, and be part of Jewish life every day according to Jacoby.

Many families come from public schools but feel like they are too big or do not include Jewish education, so they come here.

“They’re drawn to the NYHS curriculum and learning more about Judaism,” she said.

After years of seeing the school’s impact on students, Jacoby’s connection to NYHS is also personal.

“I feel strongly about our school and the education our students receive,” Jacoby said.  “I sent my own kids to NYHS and I can see the important value of a Jewish high school education first hand.” 

Jacoby is focusing on keeping the school welcoming and reaching out to new families. She said that new students often face challenges adjusting, but NYHS works to support them through its close-knit culture.

As enrollment trends shift, Jacoby added that the school is aiming for steady growth while holding on to the sense of community that defines NYHS.

“I look forward to continuing to support the growth of our program.”