On Sunday, November 3, the Yeshiva University High School for Girls (Central) will welcome the community to its annual Open House. The event is a chance for faculty and students to share the Central story and to demonstrate the unique warmth that defines the Holliswood campus. It’s also a chance to share the school’s profile outside the classroom and celebrate the many special programs that make Central unique. “The Central Open House is a chance to bring prospective families into the warmth of Central, meet our amazing faculty, and experience what it’s like to be a Central Wildcat. It is a gift to be a link in the Yeshiva University chain, a stellar institution since 1948! We cannot wait to welcome you on November 3!”
One of the newest opportunities for Wildcats: the Yeshiva University Leadership Track. Offered in conjunction with YU’s Sacks-Herenstein Center for Values and Leadership, the track is designed to locate and nurture students who are interested in becoming leaders both within and outside the Central community. These students receive the benefits of a tailored curriculum, mentorship from YU Leadership Scholars, and Student Leadership Training Workshops. “I love the Leadership Track so much,” said junior Meira Levine. “We plan fun events for the school, and I have made new friendships from being involved in the Leadership Track at Central.” The Yeshiva University Residency Program and YU Honors Pathways Program are two additional exciting new – and only at Central – programs being offered this year!
There are many more opportunities for out-of-classroom education immersion within General Studies – Central’s powerhouse ACE (Architecture, Construction, and Engineering) program offers students interested in STEAM careers the thrill of hands-on engineering development as they meet with professionals, visit job sites, and work together to develop their own project. “The ACE program is an incredible opportunity to learn about architecture, construction, and engineering,” said junior Malka Lavner. “We meet with real engineers and architects and also visit current construction sites.” Central’s prestigious Science Institute gives students who qualify a unique opportunity to focus their high school studies on science literacy, research methodology, and lab experience. Institute participants can take advantage of research opportunities at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, as well as attend YU’s yearly Medical Ethics Conference – another gesture at Central’s close relationship with its parent university.
Central’s art and humanities programs are equally strong: Now in its second year, the Adira Rose Koffsky a”h Humanities Program exposes students with special acumen in the humanities to bimonthly seminars offering guest speakers, trips to cultural events, and explorations of art, music, and classic literature. Another celebrated aspect of humanities life at Central: the annual spring musical, with the 2025 production of Frozen, following last year’s successful run of The Wizard of Oz.
Central also offers programming intended to deepen the spiritual life of its students. Central BaAretz, an exchange program in which Central sophomores live and learn in the south of Israel at Central’s sister school, Ulpanat Bnei Akiva Lachish, has proven to be a defining moment for participants. While there, students attend classes, study limudei kodesh with their new peers, and fully immerse themselves in Israeli culture. Senior Reema Gampel participated in a past cohort. “The vibrancy and warmth of the Lachish girls was incredible,” she said. “I enjoy talking to them to this day and cherish the friendships I made.” Mission trips to Israel have also been a part of recent Central life. “My favorite thing about Central is how it fosters a strong connection to Israel,” said junior Shalhevet Koenigsberg, who also traveled with the 2024 cohort. “Our mission to Israel was a chance to visit the country and help out the people in a tangible way and be there for them emotionally. I am so blessed to have had that unique opportunity.”
Another spiritually enriching aspect of Central programming: its Ethics Program, in which students learn about the musar movement and take steps to improve their midos, and its Rambam B’kius programs, in which students study the Rambam’s Mishneh Torah with YU roshei yeshivah. “Central provides students with opportunities to grow beyond the regular curriculum,” said junior Shira Massihesraelian. “Whether it’s by joining Rambam B’kius or Central Ethics Society, students here are enabled to thrive spiritually.” Sophomore Annabelle Klein agreed: “The Ethics program often serves as a warm place where we can talk about our individual experiences, then discuss the halachic implications,” she said. “If an emotion like anger comes up, we’ll discuss how we might react halachically, and how that fits in with how we responded originally.”
Schoolwide programs that enrich Central life include annual self-care days, which are advised by Central’s psychologist, Dr. Ariella Gettenberg, with an eye toward emphasizing mental health awareness and emotional wellness. Annual Shabbatonim held throughout the year encourage Central students to bond with faculty and with one another during Shabbos. At all levels, Central programming works to bring out the best in each student – and to connect them to the school community in a meaningful way. Junior Leah Grimm, who joined Central at the beginning of this school year, said, “The girls at Central are really nice and welcomed me with open arms. I immediately felt that I was a part of the Central family.” The Central community is excited to welcome visitors during Open House on Sunday, November 3.
