It’s a staple of the fall season: Central’s annual Open House. On Motza’ei Shabbos, November 12, Central opened our doors to prospective parents and students to learn about the incredible Central experience. They were able to explore our rigorous and engaging academics, while also enjoying presentations about student life and extracurriculars.
Academics were showcased, with faculty giving a series of model lessons, in order to give visiting eighth graders and their parents a taste of academic life at Central. In a separate group, prospective students gathered to hear from current student ambassadors about what makes Central unique while participating in a fun activity, such as cupcake decorating and a Central-themed game of Family Feud.
Central’s Dean of Students, Mrs. Aliza Gewirtz, said, “We are so excited to welcome another group of potential Central students. The Open House is a celebration of what we have and what makes us special, so I hope it’s an exciting night for our eighth-grade visitors. I also hope it was uplifting for our Central family and motivates us to keep doing good work.”
But recruitment season extends beyond Open House. Over the next couple of months, there will be a series of parlor meetings and activities intended to introduce prospective Central students to the school’s distinctive blend of learning, fun, and community spirit. Parlor meetings are typically split into two sections: In one group, parents meet with Central’s Head of School, Ms. Bracha Rutner, and other faculty members to learn about student life and academics. The year’s first parlor meeting will be hosted by the Strauss family in West Hempstead on November 21.
Central campus visits, during which eighth graders join Central students for a morning of classes, and have student interviews, begin in two weeks. Senior Adina Tanner shared her memories of the Open House she attended as an eighth-grader: “I loved it,” she said. “The students were so warm and welcoming. The video presentation made me excited for high school at a time when I only felt stressed about it. Even after we went home, the Open House was all I could think about. I felt at home at Central, and I was relieved to have finally found the best place for me.”
Junior Esti Goldberg also had fond memories of Open House: “After going to the parlor meetings and the Open House, Central seemed like the right fit for me,” she said. On November 28, a second parlor meeting will be hosted by the Leitner family in Woodmere, with a third parlor meeting to be hosted by the Samuels family in Great Neck on December 13, providing many opportunities for parents and students to learn about the Central experience. To learn more and apply to Central, please visit yuhsg.org/apply.