Ronald C Wornick Jewish Day School

My daughter transferred to Wornick this last August into the 3^rd grade from another local independent school. Our whole family has had a very positive experience and I’ve been delighted with the environment and the education she is receiving! To boil it down into a few bullet points:
1) Welcoming community — From our first exposure to the Wornick community, we felt welcomed! We weren’t members of the school, nor are we Jewish, yet everyone we met at various events (some were recruiting events, but others were just informal school-​level events we were invited to attend) was warm and inviting: from the parents to the teachers and administrators to the children. When I picked my daughter up from her shadow day, she was hand-​in-​hand with a new friend! That same culture has proven to be persistent and pervasive.
2) Critical thinking skills — I love hearing from my daughter and her teachers about the debates the kids have in class over nearly every learning topic. As a rather interesting example, I went to my daughter’s Judaic studies teach to discuss some concerns I had over her being taught the biblical interpretation of the creation of the earth, and she assured me that not only would the scientific explanation be brought in conversation shortly, but the kids would be able to discuss and debate the different philosophies in class. I think this approach leads to respect for other opinions and openness to different interpretations and solutions to problems. I love that they discuss and debate in the classroom. That teaching style is also brought to the general studies curriculum as well. It’s great!
3) Strong language program — My daughter arrived at Wornick with 3 years of Spanish learning at another school, but no Hebrew (as is the language taught in the lower grades at Wornick). I was concerned that it would be a big struggle for her to catch up to her classmates in Hebrew. Never fear! She was assigned a personal Hebrew teacher who met with her daily, and joined her classmates after only 3 months! She agreed with my assessment that she learned more Hebrew in those 3 months then 3 years at the other school (who shall not be named).
4) Care for emotional development — See the other parents comments about the «peace path». I’ve seen other programs started up to help with emotional development. And the way I think of the Judaic studies program is a combination of biblical history and social emotional learning. They take stories and concepts from the bible and apply them (sometimes even act them out or write essays about the concepts) to our day to day lives.
5) Attention to academic progress — Regardless of all the above, we would not have chosen Wornick if I did not think that our daughter would be challenged academically. And she has been! After an assessment of her math skills, it was found that she was struggling a bit (the same previous school that didn’t teach her Spanish, seems to have also been slacking in the math department) so her math teacher placed her in another (slower paced) group and has been working with her to get her back up to a more proficient pace/​level. I’ve been very happy that they did this evaluation and give her the challenges she needs without frustrating her into failure. We also got recommendations from administrators at other schools that Wornick puts out academically strong kids (as determined during transfer and admissions process) which was a factor in choosing this school initially.
So yes, I would highly recommend Wornick! I’m so glad we found this little gem!

I too highly recommend this school. My child has been there since Kindergarten and we knew our son needed some 1 – 1 attention and support for reading and comprehension and were concerned that if he didn’t get it he would be left behind. I am so glad to say that each of his teachers has taken the time to get to know our son, understand his strength and weaknesses, frame up very relevant goals, and do everything they can to help him achieve them. He is doing quite well and keeping up.
The other aspects that were astounding to me being from a public school experience was that they have the «Peace Path» that they use to teach the kids how to resolve conflicts with that goes beyond just saying sorry to taking ownership of their actions and listening to the other child to see how they can make them whole. This training begins in Kindergarten no less. On top of that they take time each morning to reflect on how they did the previous day and enjoy the wins and see how they can be better today. Heck I try do all of that as an adult!
The other reasons we chose Wornick is that they stand for the kids being international citizens, learn how to stand up in front of their peers and speak and persuade, and to learn how to learn not just memorize stuff for a test. Again all things I strive to do as an adult and they start in Kindergarten.
I to suggest you visit and ask to talk to teachers, parents, staff, etc. and see what you think.
Mr. King is an awesome Kindergarten teacher and we felt so lucky to have a male role model to start with. Adeelee Feldman really got into what Nikolas needed and helped him gain confidence in his strengths in first grade. We look forward to what Ms. Mahoney will bring in 2^nd Grade. All the best!

I highly recommend the school. Our child learns to be reflective, to give and to accept constructive criticism, to learn from mistakes and to communicate in compassionate ways. The problem-​solving curricula linked to Jewish values and a myriad of opportunities to «take charge» will make our child a strong leader.

Our son has been at Wornick for the past 5 years. During this time, we’ve certainly seen many changes; and while there have been a few speed bumps along the way, these changes have ultimately put the school on the excellent path it’s on today.
The thing that most influences a school’s overall success is the head of school, and with Dr. Gereboff at the helm, I feel extremely confident about the future of Wornick. Now, some parents have complained about every single successor to Mr. Danker because they didn’t joyously greet their child before school, or know their child’s name like Mr. Danker did. To them I say who cares! Get over it! There are about a gazillion more important things that the head of school should be doing to ensure the long-​term success of the school than memorizing each kid’s name.
Now, to be fair, Dr. Gereboff may very well be greeting the kids and she may know all their names by now. But my point is that it shouldn’t be the measure of any head of school. More importantly, how is she evaluating the current state of the school and its students and instructors, and what is she doing with that information to make continual improvements so that the school can be the best it can be. And in my conversations with Dr. Gereboff, it is obvious that she is spending a great deal of energy and effort in these matters.
Furthermore, whenever we’ve had issues, we’ve brought it to the attention of the teacher, or Dr. Gereboff, and in every case our concerns were taken seriously and were immediately addressed.
Our son loves Wornick, and he has had a wonderful experience there in terms of the overall environment as well as his teachers and friends. The class sizes are small, and each child gets a great deal of individual attention. The school puts emphasis on academics as well as on the students’ growth as respectful, socially-​aware individuals that can think critically and want to contribute positively to the world as they become young adults.
If anyone is looking at Wornick for their child, I strongly suggest that you visit the school and talk with students, teachers, administrators and parents. Lastly, graduates of Wornick have had a great deal of success both socially and academically at whichever high school they’ve decided to attend. To me, that is the best indicator one can have in terms of how a school prepares their students.

My eldest just graduated Wornick after 9 wonderful years. We could not be happier with the education she has received as well as the relationships she has made, friendships that will live way beyond the years she has spent at school. She is more than prepared for high school, in fact, her 9^th grade summer reading assignment is two books she read in 8^th grade English at Wornick! We are comforted by the fact that my 7^th grader will have two more years of excellent teachers who care about her social and emtional growth as much as her academics. We have seen it all at Wornick and I can honestly say that the school has never been stronger. We are so proud of our children and the influence of the school contributes to that in the most positive of ways.

Our family relocated from Orange County and our 3^rd and 5^th graders entered Wornick in September 2009 after attending a large, well reputed Jewish Day School and JCC preschool from the age of two. Over the past two academic years, despite the challenges of their homesickness and missing life-​long friends, both boys have transitioned very well to Wornick. The Wornick community welcomes new families and looks for ways to make the transition in as smooth as possible with multiple opportunities to be involved in school life. Although we arrived during the most challenging time as Wornick experienced necessary growth pains, the teachers provided superior quality individualized education and attention to our boys, as they do for all students. Academically I have one average and one above average student with extremely different styles and needs. Both of my sons have been impressed that their teachers gave them clear written and oral feedback to help them improve on multiple occasions. In this smaller, caring community environment I see them growing academically and socially and developing confidence that is invaluable to their future success. We highly recommend the Wornick experience!

We have been a Wornick family for four years after having spent the previous six years in the San Mateo/​Foster City School system. The Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School has been a very warm and welcoming place. The staff is very caring and professional and constantly evaluates what works and what doesn’t work for the students and families. Their constant desire for excellence translates to all areas of study and throughout the Wornick community. I value the individualized attention, dual curriculum, leadership and superior educational standards that the school implements. I have two children that have thrived and excelled due to their education at Wornick.

Our kids are thriving at Wornick — we just love the school and wouldn’t go anywhere else. They have both had amazing teachers –just when we think they can’t get any better, the next year does!

The idea that a school should keep a teacher because she is a Holocaust survivor is ridiculous. This school is definitely going through a transition. All decisions may not be popular and some decisions may be in part financially motivated. The same can be said of every successful business. Without looking critically at the financial aspects of the school the school would cease to exist.
People who do not have children at the school who are bad mouthing it here and/​or within the community under the cover of Jewish Values SHAME ON YOU! The nerve to try to destroy the school for the children and families that are happy there. Those are not Jewish Values that I was taught.
If you have a complaint bring it to someone who can make a difference. I have been a parent at the school for over 8 years with good and bad experiences with teachers, staff and administration. At the end of the day my kids are in a warm and loving environment.
The fact that parents have felt the need to speak on behalf of something they love for their children’s benefit in not repulsive but impressive. Repulsive is that a person would post hearsay. Repulsive is that a son (known for stirring the pot in the community) would try to destroy a school that serves so many.

After finishing our first year at Wornick, I can say that we are delighted. My child was finally academically challenged, after her many years of public school and is learning not only what it will take to succeed in her future education, but in LIFE. The other kids in her class are all different, with varying backgrounds (both economically and ethnically) and interests, but they have all worked together to have a great year and learn from each other. The smaller class size is truly a benefit at Wornick and EVERY child makes a difference and an impact in class.
We have also decided to bring our second child here starting this fall, and are looking forward to see how she too, will flourish. As a product of public schools K — UC System growing up, both my spouse and I are convinced that Wornick is the best place our children could be. They are not «just learning the basics.» Wornick teaches the WHOLE child, which backs up what we are trying to do at home.

A RIGOROUS, FUN, AND BLESSED ENVIRONMENT …
I urge anyone to investigate Wornick in person if you might be interested in joining this community. It is quite a testament that parent participation in the Annual Campaign for 2010-​11 reached an all-​time high of 95%.
My child has been at the school for three years, including the transition to the new Head of School. I had my doubts, and of course there have been ups and downs. But she has proven she is taking the school from good to truly great. She has strengthened the academic curriculum (from math to computer study to writing), added a wonderful music and art program, and improved the administrative staff by *miles*. In addition, great credit goes to the board, especially the Treasurer who came in to clean up the financial problems left by (understandably beloved) predecessors, and is succeeding handily.
The teaching staff at the elementary level is strong and getting better each year. The two Kindergarten teachers for 2011-​12, in particular, will be outstanding. The one my daughter had is a true superstar, and the other I know well from another role at the school. The past three years have been full of magic moments for me: the K-​1 Seder, the Classroom Ambassadors, my daughter growing into a public speaker, and so many more.
Others have commented on the warm and supportive atmosphere that prevails at Wornick, and I can vouch that the parents and staff at this school were instrumental in helping my family through a major challenge this past year. I know of many others for whom that’s been true, and you just can’t put any price on that. What a joy Wornick has been, and what a great trajectory it is enjoying.

Our family is thrilled with the Wornick Jewish Day School («Wornick»). There is a great mix of an intellectually challenging academic environment, leadership skills development, small class sizes, lots of enrichment, and Jewish culture, religion and Hebrew. Enrichments include chess, painting, drums, trips to the symphony, local theater and so much more. Technology and computers are integrated in the curriculum. Our child’s teachers are FANTASTIC, they are nurturing, knowledgeable, kind and experienced. I wish I could give the school more stars. From math challenges and spelling development to Purim carnivals and participating in the school community, it has been great fun and endlessly rewarding to be a Wornick family!

I love this school. We thoroughly researched all the schools on the Peninsula and found this one with the best blend of academics, sports, strong ethics and community, and an importance on a child’s independence and self-​reliance. The academics are wonderful, the teachers are caring, and the community of families is awesome. I cannot think of a better place to send my daughter. The bottom line is that she loves to go to school, and I cannot same much more than that!

My daughter is having a fantastic learning experience at Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School. The academic programming offered is engaging and challenging. In addition to the secular academics, my daughter has daily programming in Jewish Studies and Hebrew. Our daughter is growing and thriving under this curriculum. In addition in classroom experiences include Music Appreciation and Technology as well as Physical Education. To our family the best part of our daughter’s Wornick experience is the project based learning approach. Each discipline is tied to the content and theme the students are learning. The teachers communicate and collaborate with each other daily. The school community is educated, passionate and involved. Class size is not so big, allowing students and their families to make friends for life.