How to Get Into The Kehillah School: Tips From The Experts

Is Kehillah a Good School?

Absolutely. The Kehillah School in Palo Alto is a top-tier college-prep high school with around 190 students, ensuring personal attention and strong student-teacher relationships with a 5:1 ratio and 11-student class size. Academically, it excels, offering 14 AP courses and boasting a 100% college acceptance rate to schools like USC, Wesleyan, and UC Berkeley. The college counseling team focuses on finding the best fit for each student, not just pushing big-name universities.

Kehillah is rooted in Jewish values but welcomes students of all backgrounds, with one-third of the student body being non-Jewish. It offers state-of-the-art facilities, including science labs, a black-box theater, and arts and music studios. Students can also explore a variety of extracurriculars, from sports to clubs. With strong academics, a welcoming environment, and a commitment to student success, Kehillah is an excellent choice for high school.

Student Diversity

Gender

According to Niche, Kehillah Jewish High School has a predominantly White student population, making up 72.3% of the student body. Asian students represent 12.2%, while Multicultural and International students each account for 5.3%. Hispanic students make up 4.3%, and African American students represent 0.5% of the total enrollment. This data highlights the demographic composition of the school, reflecting its community makeup and diversity.

Is It Hard To Get Into The Kehillah School? 

Yes, gaining admission to The Kehillah School is competitive. One reason is its strong academic reputation. According to Niche, the school ranks #2 among Best Jewish Schools in California, #44 in Best High Schools for STEM in California, and #50 in Best Private High Schools in California. With such high rankings, the applicant pool increases, leading to a diverse set of learners flocking to BCP to receive quality education. It’s natural for a school to be more selective of its students to maintain its reputation as one of the best Jewish schools in California. Another reason is its small student body. With only around 190 students enrolled, spaces are limited, making admissions highly competitive. 

Knowing how hard it is to get into Kehillah, let’s now break down the admissions process and go over each application requirement. 

What are the Steps in The Kehillah School Admissions Process?

The admission process for The Kehillah School is comprehensive and involves several key steps to ensure a thorough evaluation of each applicant. Below is an overview of the process:

1. Create a Ravenna account and submit the application. This includes both the parent/guardian and student application forms.
2. Provide school transcripts and teacher recommendations. This includes records from sixth and seventh grades, the first report card of the 2024-2025 school year, and recommendations from the student’s English and math teachers, as well as a counselor or principal.
3. Optional: Submit SSAT/ISEE scores or Character Skills Snapshot results.
4. Schedule a shadow visit. This half-day experience allows students to engage with the Kehillah community and is a required part of the admissions process.
5. Complete a virtual student interview with David Weiner.
6. Optional: Arrange a parent meeting with school leadership, including Dr. Daisy Pellant and Dr. Roy Danovitch.
7. Receive your admissions decision. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance status after the review process is complete.

What are the application requirements for The Kehillah School?

Teacher Recommendations

The Kehillah School requires teacher recommendations as part of the application process. These letters give admissions officers a clearer picture of your academic abilities, character, and potential for success at the school. It is important to choose teachers who know you well, preferably from your core academic subjects, so they can speak directly about your strengths, work ethic, and classroom contributions. Be sure to inform your recommenders of all deadlines and provide them with any guidelines from the school to ensure they submit thoughtful, personalized evaluations that support your application.

4 Tips for Choosing a Teacher for a Letter of Recommendation

1. Pick a Teacher Who Knows You Well – A teacher who knows you well can accurately and authentically capture the essence of your character. 
2. Choose a Teacher that Aligns with Your Aspirations – If you show The Kehillah School that you’re someone who thrives in STEM fields, a great way to supplement that is to have a recommendation from a STEM teacher. 
3. Consider a Teacher Who Writes Well – A teacher who can effectively write can effectively convey your strengths through the recommendation. 
4. Ask Early and Ask Politely – Teachers get many requests, so ask in advance, provide necessary details, and express gratitude.

Transcripts and Other Academic Records

Families are required to submit academic records as part of the admissions process. However, the exact type of document or record changes based on the prospective student’s entry point. 

Parent/Guardian Questions

Parents or guardians of all applicants are required to submit a parent/guardian statement, which can be found on Ravenna. This statement provides an opportunity to share insights about your child, your family’s values, and your interest in joining the school community. It serves as a way for the admissions team to better understand your family’s educational priorities and how they align with the school’s mission.

SSAT or ISEE

Navigating the SSAT and ISEE can be overwhelming for families, but the right preparation can make a significant difference in a student’s performance. We provide guidance to help families understand which test best suits their child’s strengths and what the best strategies are in taking the SSAT or ISEE. With the right preparation and strategic practice, students can approach these exams with a stronger sense of readiness and a greater chance of success.
If you’re looking for resources, check out our SSAT practice test and ISEE practice test!

Admissions Interviews

Parents or guardians, as well as the applicants themselves, are invited to a virtual conversation that lasts up to 1 hour. You will have a chance to meet members of the admissions team and the faculty and learn more about The Kehillah School. You will also have a chance to ask questions so you may gain more insight into the school’s culture and academic structure. 

How to prepare for admissions interviews

Both of these activities are indirect and non-formal interviews where you and your child will be assessed and evaluated based on how you carry yourselves during those occasions. They will determine if your family will be a good fit for the school community. With nearly 20 years of experience in the industry and helping numerous families get into Berkeley Hall School, we know what they are looking for. With informed interview preparation, our admissions consultants will introduce you to common interview questions and how to answer them truthfully while adhering to their values. 

What Student Life Is Like At Kehillah: Why Families Choose It

Now that you know how rigorous the process is and how selective admissions can be, let’s dive into what student life is like at Kehillah and why families are so eager to choose it. 

The Kehillah School Academics

Kehillah Jewish High School offers a robust and dynamic academic environment designed to foster inquiry, creativity, and critical thinking. The curriculum spans various disciplines, including computer science, engineering, humanities, mathematics, sciences, visual and performing arts, Jewish studies, and world languages. 

Students benefit from small class sizes, with an average of 12 students per class and a student-teacher ratio of 5:1, allowing for personalized attention and meaningful engagement with faculty. The school operates on an 8-block schedule, enabling students to enroll in a diverse array of courses across multiple disciplines. In grades 9-11, students are required to take at least seven courses, while seniors must enroll in a minimum of six courses. Additionally, each semester, students select a Jewish Studies elective from concentrations such as Thought and Tradition, Life and Culture, or History and Identity, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.​

What AP Courses and Honors Classes are offered at Kehillah?

​The Kehillah School offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and Honors classes across multiple disciplines. In addition, starting in the 2024-2025 academic year, the school introduced Kehillah Advanced Topics (KAT) courses, which are independently designed, accelerated courses that provide students with opportunities for deeper exploration of specific subjects at a college level.

Exploring the Visual Arts Program at Kehillah School

Kehillah’s visual arts program gives students the space to explore their creativity and develop artistic skills in a variety of mediums. Whether they’re interested in painting, digital design, photography, or illustration, there’s a course that lets them dive deeper into their passion. Advanced students can take courses like Applied Arts Studio, Advanced Art Making, and Senior Studio, where they work on in-depth projects and refine their craft. Throughout the year, student artwork is showcased in exhibitions, giving them a chance to share their creativity with the school community.

A Dynamic Music Program for Aspiring Musicians

Music at Kehillah is about more than just learning notes and rhythms—it’s about expression, collaboration, and growth. Students can join ensembles like Acoustic Guitar-Family Ensemble or Jazz/Rock Ensemble to hone their performance skills, or they can explore the creative side of music through courses in Music Studio and Music Theory & Composition. Those looking for a challenge can take AP Music Theory to deepen their understanding. Regular concerts and recitals provide opportunities to perform and share their musical journey with the community.

Bringing Stories to Life in the Performing Arts Program

Kehillah’s performing arts program helps students build confidence, creativity, and stage presence through theater and stagecraft. Whether they’re stepping into a role in a play, directing a scene, or designing a production, there’s something for everyone. Theater Arts courses introduce students to acting and directing, while advanced students can take Theater Arts: Create and Theater Arts: Explore to experiment with different performance styles. Theater Arts 3 Honors is available for those looking to refine their skills at a higher level. With multiple performances throughout the year, students get hands-on experience bringing stories to life on stage.

Athletics: What Sports Does The Kehillah School Offer?

Kehillah offers a variety of sports programs to promote physical fitness, teamwork, and school spirit. Students can participate in sports such as basketball, soccer, volleyball, and more. The athletics program emphasizes both competitive play and personal development.

The Kehillah School’s Famous Alumni

• Harris Mowbray: Recognized for his philanthropic efforts to make Braille more accessible.
• Emma Goss: An award-winning reporter and creator of the podcast “Such a Match!”. She currently serves as a staff writer for J. The Jewish News of Northern California and is a freelance reporter for NBC Bay Area/Telemundo 48.

Related Articles

Exploring Clubs and Events at The Kehillah School

Educational Travel at The Kehillah School

How to Answer The Parent/Guardian Questions for The Kehillah School Admissions