Jewish Day School Enrollment Rises 7.5% From 2021 to 2026

A report from Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools found enrollment rising across Jewish day schools after decades of decline in non-Orthodox institutions. The network of 305 schools tracked by the organization added roughly 7,000 students between the 2021-2022 and 2025-2026 school years. Overall enrollment grew by more than 1,000 students in the most recent year alone.

Non-Orthodox schools posted a 3% increase from 2021 to 2024, while Orthodox schools posted a 7% increase. Reform day school enrollment rose 5% over the same period. The report marks the first time Prizmah has recorded growth across the full denominational spectrum.

The chief executive of Prizmah attributed the increases to population growth in some communities, concerns over public school quality, and new philanthropic support. The organization also noted continued enrollment gains after an initial COVID-19-related surge, with families citing clearer understanding of day-school educational value.

Average tuition exceeded $23,000 for the last school year. Some communities have introduced subsidy programs, including a $90 million commitment from one foundation in Cleveland. In Florida, statewide private-school vouchers coincided with a 15% enrollment increase of 1,370 students from 2021 to 2024.

School leaders in several cities said some families cited experiences of antisemitism after October 7, 2023, as a reason for choosing Jewish day schools. One multi-denominational school in Chicago reported enrollment rising from 220 to 254 students after launching a tuition-accessibility program three years ago.