Our Mission: We nurture the unique potential of each student through an exceptional Jewish and general studies education.
Our Vision: Innovative Jewish thinkers begin their journey here. Our students explore the world through the lens of Jewish values and develop a love of learning, a personal relationship with the State of Israel and its people, and a commitment to the betterment of the world through tikkun olam.
Our Values: Love of Learning: We inspire a love of learning and encourage intellectual curiosity across all disciplines. Students learn to think creatively and independently in a community infused with Jewish tradition and values. Community: We establish a strong partnership between students, teachers, parents and the community beyond the classroom and campus. Our vibrant learning community focuses on the intellectual, social, and spiritual needs of each child. Respect: We encourage a shared responsibility for treating others and ourselves with respect and dignity. Our students and faculty practice empathy, menschlichkeit, and integrity when interacting with others. Love of Israel: We empower our students to develop an ongoing personal connection to Israel by studying its history, its culture, and the Hebrew language. Students learn the importance of Israel both in the classroom and within the land itself. Repair of the World: Our students learn the importance of communal responsibility and service both locally and globally through acts of tikkun olam (repair of the world) and gemilut hasadim (expressions of loving kindness). Jewish Life and Learning: We inspire our students to find joy and meaning in Torah, tefillah, rituals, and practices, including the teaching and celebration of lifecycle events, holidays, and traditions within our school community.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked NJ School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 453 students
- Yearly Tuition: $39,890
- Average class size: 11 students
- Application Deadline: Dec. 16 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Golda Och Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New Jersey for:
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
Year Founded
1965
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
453 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
3%
State avg.: 39%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
81 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
70%
Average Class Size
11 students
Number of AP Courses
4 courses
List of Courses Offered
Average SAT score
1340
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
29
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
No shorts or tank tops permitted.
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Dec. 16 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$39,890
Tuition Notes
Tuition cost varies by grade level. Visit our website for more information.
Admissions Director
Sari Allen
Admissions Associate
Jessica Wise
Endowment Size
$54.8 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
8 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
26 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts Club, Breast Cancer Awareness, Chess Club, Climate Activism, Community Service Club, Dance Club, High School Newspaper, Investment Club, LGBTQ+ Inclusion Club, Literary Magazine, Math Club, Math Olympiad, Model Congress, Names Not Numbers, National Honor Society, Racial Justice Club, Robotics, science enrichment, Social Action Club, Video Club, Women's Empowerment
Arts and Music Programs:
Arts In Action Night, Choir, High School Musical, High School Play, Middle School Musical
Arts Club, Breast Cancer Awareness, Chess Club, Climate Activism, Community Service Club, Dance Club, High School Newspaper, Investment Club, LGBTQ+ Inclusion Club, Literary Magazine, Math Club, Math Olympiad, Model Congress, Names Not Numbers, National Honor Society, Racial Justice Club, Robotics, science enrichment, Social Action Club, Video Club, Women's Empowerment
Arts and Music Programs:
Arts In Action Night, Choir, High School Musical, High School Play, Middle School Musical
School Notes
- Located in West Orange, New Jersey, Golda Och Academy is an accredited private independent school, educating students from pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade in a flexible and caring environment that nurtures their minds and their spirits. In the tradition of Solomon Schechter schools, we ground a rigorous academic curriculum in the culture and tenets of Conservative Judaism, while welcoming students and families from a range of synagogue affiliations and Jewish expression. Golda Och Academy is a vibrant learning community that focuses on the individual intellectual, social and spiritual needs of each child. We cultivate in students a lifelong love of learning within the context of Jewish knowledge and heritage. Our school is located on two campuses - one for the Lower School and one for the Upper School - located about two miles apart in West Orange, serving approximately 500 students from more than 70 communities across New Jersey.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Jessica Antiles ’15 - Swimmer
- Joanna Stern ’02 - Senior Personal Technology Columnist, The Wall Street Journal
- Steven Fulop - Mayor of Jersey City, NJ
- Daniel Och - Finance/Investment
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Golda Och Academy cost?
Golda Och Academy's tuition is approximately $39,890 for private students.
Who are famous alumni from Golda Och Academy?
Golda Och Academy famous alumni include: Jessica Antiles ’15, Joanna Stern ’02, Steven Fulop and Daniel Och.
What sports does Golda Och Academy offer?
Golda Och Academy offers 8 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Tennis and Volleyball.
What is Golda Och Academy's ranking?
Golda Och Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New Jersey for: Largest student body and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for Golda Och Academy?
The application deadline for Golda Och Academy is Dec. 16 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 16 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
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People that viewed Golda Och Academy also viewed these schools: Seton Hall Preparatory School, St. Joseph Elementary School, Abundant Life Academy, Jewish Community Center Metrowest Ross Campus and Aquinas Academy.
The nearest high school and elementary school to Golda Och Academy is Garden Academy (1.2 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Jewish Community Center Metrowest Ross Campus (0.9 miles away)
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School Reviews
5 8/19/2021
Golda Och Academy combines Judaic studies with excellence in general studies to give each student an exceptional educational experience (including a very small student-to-teacher ratio). Golda Och Academy develops children who are joyfully Jewish, fosters a strong sense of unity and, as these students grow into young adults, they assume a deep sense of communal responsibility to better the world. In many respects, Golda Och Academy graduates are better prepared to tackle the rigors of college academics due to their experience with a dual curriculum and commitment to critical thinking at every stage. I feel so fortunate my family is a part of this warm community and grateful our children are experiencing the gift of a Golda Och Academy education.
5 8/19/2021
Most amazing school and community. All of my very different children have thrived there. We are so happy we chose it.
5 8/19/2021
Kids are very happy at GOA! Excellent academics and supportive community!!
5 8/19/2021
Golda Och Academy is a warm, wonderful school and community. We feel very fortunate to have found this school for our child.
5 7/28/2021
We love GOA! It provides our children with the right mix of academic excellence, nurturing environment, and community!
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