Hausner is Thriving in Challenging Times

In a time when local school populations in Silicon Valley are shrinking*, I am proud to share that Hausner is not just surviving but we are thriving!

Our school has seen a 10% growth in enrollment since last year, coupled with an impressive 90% retention rate. Notably, many of the families who left did so due to relocating across the country and the globe. Even as the new academic year unfolds, we continue to welcome transfer students, with more expected in the coming weeks. Two of our grades are already at full capacity, and we have begun waitlisting new applicants for those grades. Moreover, we are receiving applications for the 2025-26 school year.

These remarkable numbers are a testament to the essence of Hausner and the exceptional experiences we offer. While my team is privileged to re-enroll families and recruit and onboard new ones, these successes reflect the true nature of Hausner and our unique offerings.

In this difficult time in the world for the Jewish people, Hausner's role has never been more critical. Our school has become a beacon of support, joy, and celebration of Israel and the Jewish people, drawing families from Silicon Valley who recognize and value the sense of community we cultivate.

And it's so much more than that. 

We are blessed to have an excellent teaching staff that not only possesses the expertise and talent to educate our children but also the dedication, bandwidth, and heart to nurture our children.

In a world where social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok often dominate cultural narratives, Hausner serves as a grounding force, connecting our children to millennia-old traditions and instilling both Jewish and universal values. Kindness, compassion, respect, honor, community, Israel, and a commitment to giving back to the world are not just taught; these values are lived every day at Hausner. This holistic approach, which we call “Darchei Hausner” – “The Ways of Hausner,” extends beyond academics to the very character of our students. In fact, our Upper School students are graded not only on their academic achievements but also on how they embody these values in their daily lives.

Our teachers are dedicated to educating the whole child, nurturing academic curiosity, emotional growth, social awareness, advocacy skills, and a commitment to both local and global communities. Over the course of ten years, our educators guide students to answer a profound question: “Who do you want to be in this world, and what impact do you want to have?” The beauty of Hausner is that each graduate emerges with their own unique personality, yet they all have a strong sense of self and a guiding moral compass. 

The academic program is also uniquely Hausner. Our small but mighty size allows for personalized attention and differentiated learning, ensuring that each child is appropriately challenged and supported. Take, for example, our lower school’s approach to math and reading: students are divided into four to six differentiated groups, with teachers focusing on enhancing each child’s love for and mastery of the subject at their own pace and level.

In the Upper School, our small class sizes ensure that all students are met where they are academically. Our two-track math program is a prime example. Each math teacher builds close, trusted relationships with students, ensuring they develop a strong foundation in math, a deep understanding of concepts and problem-solving skills, and a positive attitude toward learning.

The results speak for themselves. 

• Our students, teachers, and school consistently win academic awards, including honors at the AMC American Math Competition, California Science & Engineering Fair, and Synopsys Science & Technology Fair. 
• Beyond these accolades, Hausner graduates go on to succeed at top high schools and universities.
• Alumni frequently credit Hausner with instilling in them a lifelong commitment to tzedakah (philanthropy) and tikkun olam (making the world a better place), thanks to our focus on advocacy, social justice, volunteerism, and charity. Programs like the first grade’s fundraiser for the rainforest, the seventh grade’s Avodah La’Olam, and the eighth grade’s Entrepreneurship & Social Impact Challenge exemplify this commitment.

The proof of our success is also in you. Thank you for partnering with us to raise ethically brave, academically curious, and profoundly caring children. Thank you for continuing to trust Hausner with your children’s educational journey, and thank you for being ambassadors of our community, and inviting friends and family to join Hausner.

As we look to the future, I hope we can count on your continued partnership in maintaining the warmth of the Hausner community, growing our student body, and raising a resilient, independent, ethical, curious, grounded, and thoughtful next generation.

How can we each do this?

• Embracing Darchei Hausner: Let’s embody the Ways of Hausner in our parent and staff culture. If we expect our students to uphold these values, then as parents and staff, we must lead by example in our interactions with teachers, colleagues, fellow parents, and, of course, our students. I am committed to this, and I invite you to join me.
• Inviting Others: Encourage your non-Hausner friends to explore our school and attend our upcoming Admissions events, such as our TK/K Open House on September 18 and our Upper School Open House on September 25.
• Continuing to be Fabulous Parents and Partners: Your support is invaluable to our teaching team and the entire Hausner community.

I am incredibly proud to be part of Hausner—as a parent to four daughters, former Vice President of the Board, and current Director of Enrollment and Engagement. Here’s to a bright and promising year ahead at Hausner and to the bright and promising futures of all our students!
 

(*) The Public Policy Institute analysis indicates that Santa Clara County experienced the largest drop in Bay Area school enrollment in the last 10 years, with a 15% decline, and is expected to drop an additional 18% by 2033. Jun 30, 2024