Akiba Yavneh Academy
General Information — Akiba Yavneh Academy
About (Overview)
Akiba Yavneh Academy (AYA) is a Modern Orthodox, coeducational, college-preparatory Jewish day school serving students from early childhood through grade 12. The institution was formed by the merger of Akiba Academy and Yavneh Academy of Dallas, combining preschool through grade eight with high school programming in a unified campus and vision. The school offers a dual curriculum that integrates rigorous general (secular) studies and Judaic education, with the aim of cultivating intellectually curious, ethically grounded, and culturally engaged learners.
In the upper school (grades 7–12), students engage with challenging courses across disciplines, while deepening their Jewish identity, values, and connection to the Jewish community and the State of Israel. The school prides itself on small class sizes, personalized support, and a values-rich environment that encourages leadership, character development, and lifelong learning. Graduates leave Akiba Yavneh Academy prepared to thrive in competitive colleges, gap year programs, and meaningful communal engagement.
Contact Information (Address, Phone, Email Address)
Address: 12324 Merit Drive, Dallas, Texas 75251
Phone: (214) 295-3400
Email: admissions@akibayavneh.org
School Facts (Founding Year, Motto, etc.)
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Year of Origin / Merger | Yavneh Academy of Dallas founded 1993; merged with Akiba Academy in 2019 |
| Type | Private Jewish day school, college-preparatory |
| Grades Served | Early childhood (as early as 3 months) through Grade 12 |
| Religious / Philosophical Affiliation | Modern Orthodox Judaism |
| Dual Curriculum | General Studies + Judaic Studies |
| Student Body Size | Approximately 400–450 students |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | Very low (approx. 4:1 reported) |
| Tuition (Upper Grade) | Approximately $29,420 |
| Financial Aid / Aid Percentage | ~43% of families receive financial aid |
Akiba Yavneh Academy Rankings (National / Regional)
| Ranking Source | Position / Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Niche | A+ overall | Highly rated private school in Texas, strong in academics, college prep, and teachers |
| Niche (Private K-12 Texas) | #41 of ~228 | Ranked among top private K–12 institutions in the state |
| Niche (High Schools / STEM) | ~#49 of ~1231 in Texas for STEM | Recognized for strong STEM offerings relative to peers |
Akiba Yavneh Academy Academics
Akiba Yavneh Academy Faculties / Departments
- English / Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
- Social Studies / History / Civics
- Judaic Studies / Tanach / Talmud / Jewish Thought
- Hebrew Language / Judaic Language Studies
- Technology / Computer Science
- Fine Arts / Music / Visual Arts
- College Counseling / Academic Advising
- Student Support / Learning Enrichment
Akiba Yavneh Academy Courses and Programs / Majors
- High school English (Literature, Composition, Advanced English)
- Algebra, Geometry, Precalculus, Calculus, Statistics
- Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Advanced Science electives
- U.S. History, World History, Government, Economics
- Judaic disciplines: Tanach, Talmud, Jewish philosophy
- Hebrew language progression (beginner through advanced)
- Technology electives: coding, computer science, digital media
- Fine arts electives (visual art, music, choir)
- College-level & Advanced Placement (AP) courses where available
- Capstone projects or senior research-oriented courses
- Judaic experiential programming (Jewish life, prayer, community service)
Online Learning
Akiba Yavneh Academy delivers most instruction in person, given the value placed on community, ritual, and teacher-student relationships. However, some courses—especially upper-level electives or AP / advanced courses—may have hybrid or online components to increase flexibility or access subject matter expertise. The school also uses digital platforms for supplemental coursework, homework review, and blended enrichment.
Average Test Scores (SAT, ACT, GRE, etc.)
| Exam | Average / Reported | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SAT | ~1290 | Based on Niche reports (18 respondents) |
| ACT | ~30 | Based on Niche reports (43 respondents) |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Akiba Yavneh Academy reports very high retention across grades, reflecting strong student commitment and community satisfaction. The school’s high school graduating classes historically approach 100 % graduation, indicating success in guiding students through the rigorous dual curriculum. The close relationships, academic support, and commitment to student growth contribute to sustained enrollment and consistent transitions from middle school to high school to graduation.
Akiba Yavneh Academy Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Akiba Yavneh Academy does not publish strict GPA cutoffs, but admitted students typically exhibit strong academic performance, especially in core subjects like English, mathematics, and science. Standardized test scores are considered in upper school admissions, with many accepted students scoring in competitive ranges (ACT ~30, SAT ~1290). The admissions process also values character, religious commitment, and community fit.
Akiba Yavneh Academy Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Not publicly disclosed | Admission is selective and depends on available seats and applicant pool |
Akiba Yavneh Academy Application Requirements
Prospective students must submit a completed application, academic records (report cards or transcripts), and any required supplemental documents. For upper school (grades 7–12) applicants, the school may require standardized testing, entrance assessments, or interviews. Families must also submit financial aid applications if seeking assistance. The admissions process is structured to assess both academic readiness and alignment with the school’s mission, Jewish values, and community ethos.
Application Process
- Complete the official Akiba Yavneh Academy application form
- Submit academic transcripts, report cards, and test scores (if required)
- Provide any supplemental documents requested (essays, recommendations)
- Participate in assessment or interview (for certain grade levels)
- Receive admissions decision
- Families respond to offer and complete enrollment paperwork
Akiba Yavneh Academy Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Date / Timeframe | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Student Application Deadline | January 10 | Annual deadline for enrolling new students |
| Supplemental Documents Deadline | January 20 | Supporting records must follow by this date |
| Tuition Assistance Deadline | February 28 | Financial aid applications must be filed by this date |
| Admissions Notification | March 7 | Offers are communicated to applicant families |
| Enrollment Response Deadline | March 21 | Accepted students must confirm their place |
Essay Prompt (if applicable)
When required, applicants may be asked to submit a short essay or personal statement describing their connection to Jewish life, aspirations in general and Judaic studies, and how they envision contributing to the school community. Applicants may reflect on past leadership, values, or experiences that illustrate readiness for the dual curriculum and communal engagement.
Akiba Yavneh Academy Scholarships
Akiba Yavneh Academy offers need-based financial aid to qualifying families. Approximately 43 % of students receive financial assistance to offset the cost of tuition. Aid decisions are based on demonstrated need, family income, and available funding. The school aims to make the program accessible to families from diverse economic backgrounds without compromising institutional sustainability.
Akiba Yavneh Academy Tuition and Fees (Costs)
| Cost Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (Highest Grade) | ~$29,420 | For upper grades, reported in public sources |
| Application Fee | None | No cost to submit application in many incoming years |
| Materials / Course Fees | Variable | Some courses may carry extra fees for materials or labs |
| Financial Aid / Discounts | Up to aid | Tiered assistance based on family need and qualifications |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
Akiba Yavneh Academy serves a Jewish student population, and in terms of gender, the school is coeducational with balanced male and female enrollment. Students range in age from infancy through high school (approximately ages 0 to 18). The community is ethnically diverse within the Jewish population, including Ashkenazi, Sephardi, and international Jewish backgrounds. While not broadly reported, the school values diversity within the Jewish community and seeks representation from varying Jewish observance levels and cultural backgrounds.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
The school supports students from a variety of economic backgrounds, with about 43 % of families receiving financial aid. In its student support services, Akiba Yavneh Academy runs a program called Ma’alot to assist learners with academic challenges, learning differences, or short-term needs. Ma’alot includes support in areas such as executive functioning, dyslexia intervention, speech/language therapy, behavior intervention, and inclusive classroom accommodations. Students with disabilities are supported via individualized plans, embedded intervention, and collaborative strategies to help them succeed in both general and Judaic curricula.
Student Body (Total Students, International Students, etc.)
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | ~400–450 students | Across early childhood through grade 12 |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | ~4:1 | Very low, reflecting personalized instruction |
| International Students | Limited / not widely reported | Primarily regional and national Jewish families |
University Diversity
Akiba Yavneh Academy’s diversity is shaped by the varied Jewish backgrounds of its student body, which includes families from different Jewish traditions, levels of observance, cultural heritages, and national origins. The school values and celebrates this intra-Jewish diversity, encouraging students to learn from one another’s perspectives and to appreciate different approaches to Jewish identity and practice. Beyond religious identity, the community embraces diversity in socioeconomic background and learning needs. Through financial aid programs, inclusive support services, and a commitment to welcoming students of all backgrounds, AYA fosters an environment where mutual respect and learning flourish. Students are encouraged to engage in civic and communal responsibility, promote empathy, and contribute to a school culture grounded in shared values and openness.
Average Earnings
As a school rather than a university, Akiba Yavneh Academy does not publish alumni earnings. However, the educational model is designed to prepare graduates to attend competitive colleges, often entering with strong academic credentials, which can lead to successful professional pathways. Alumni frequently matriculate to prestigious institutions and pursue careers in law, business, medicine, academia, Jewish communal leadership, and beyond. The strong college preparation, dual curriculum, and emphasis on character development help position graduates to reach high earning potential over time.
Akiba Yavneh Academy Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The faculty at Akiba Yavneh Academy includes highly qualified educators specializing both in general academic disciplines and Judaic studies. Teachers are selected for their subject expertise, pedagogical skill, and alignment with the school’s mission. Support staff include academic advisors, college counselors, learning specialists, administrative personnel, and student support professionals in the Ma’alot program. The small class sizes allow close relationships between faculty and learners, fostering mentorship, individualized attention, and high expectations.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
Many faculty members hold advanced degrees or specialty training in their respective fields, whether in science, literature, Hebrew, Jewish studies, or educational leadership. They often engage in curricular development, mentor students in research or Judaic projects, and lead extracurricular programs in arts, community service, and leadership. Faculty are recognized for their dedication to integrating values with academic excellence and for guiding students to competitive college admissions and successful outcomes in both secular and Jewish spheres.
Akiba Yavneh Academy Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Akiba Yavneh Academy is a day school; students commute from their homes and do not reside on campus. The shared campus (previously the Schultz Rosenberg Campus) unites preschool through high school on a single site, enabling cross-grade connections and community cohesion. Campus life is rich with Jewish ritual, communal programming, student clubs, arts, music, leadership initiatives, and service opportunities. Students participate daily in prayer (tefillah), are immersed in the rhythm of the Jewish calendar, and engage in acts of community service (chesed). The campus environment is designed to reflect the integration of learning, values, and identity in daily life, and to cultivate a sense of belonging and investment in the school community.
Transportation (Access to Campus, Public Transport, On-Campus Mobility)
Families transport students by private vehicle, carpools, or local transit when available. The campus is situated in Dallas at Merit Drive, making it accessible to the surrounding community. On campus, students move between general studies wings, Judaic studies classrooms, common spaces, and blended facilities such as libraries, labs, and religious spaces. The compact campus allows ease of movement and interaction, reinforcing a cohesive student experience where academic, social, and spiritual elements intersect.