On May 30, Jewish Academy of Orlando celebrated the class of 2019 with acceptances to their top-choice middle schools, including a 100 percent acceptance rate at both Trinity Preparatory School and Lake Highland Preparatory School.

The acceptance rates are not surprising given that the fifth-grade class, on average, scored nearly three grade levels ahead of peers nationally on the IOWA Achievement Assessments. The grade-level composite score, which includes Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies, was a 7.7, which is equivalent to students entering into 8th grade.

In English language arts, the class was assessed at a grade level of 8.4, equivalent to an 8th-grade student who is four months into the school year. In mathematics, the students were assessed at a grade level of 7.2, equivalent to national norms for students in 7th grade.

Director of Academics, Nikki Buyna, stated, "Jewish Academy prides itself on kindling a love of learning through a rigorous curriculum. Our learning environment supports differentiation and individualization, which encourages student achievement. Our local private middle schools tell us that one reason that they love our students because they begin 6th grade academically prepared."

Head of School Alan Rusonik added, "We are proud of our graduates and all of their many academic and personal accomplishments.  We are most proud to graduate students that are prepared, happy, confident, and ready for the world!"

Jewish Academy of Orlando serves central Florida students of all faiths from grades kindergarten through fifth. The school delivers a whole-child education fostering academic excellence and character education rooted in Jewish values. Jewish Academy of Orlando is accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools. Beginning in the fall of 2019, the school will offer a transitional kindergarten.

To learn more about Jewish Academy of Orlando, please visit: jewishacademyorlando.org or follow the school on Facebook facebook.com/JewishAcademyOrlando.