College & Career Preparation

Individualized College Counseling

At New England Jewish Academy, we help students find the right school for them. Searching for a college that suits each student’s individual needs requires personal insight as well as thorough preparation and research. Using a collaborative approach that involves students, parents, and school staff, our dedicated college counselors help each graduating senior to find a college that is the best fit for them academically and personally.

During this process, our students learn about themselves, their interests, and their goals through self-discovery, open-mindedness, and perspective. We empower and facilitate that self-examination and to help our students identify and apply to a range of colleges and universities that are appropriate.

Leadership Opportunities

At NEJA we empower each student to embrace their unique perspective and take on leadership roles. We believe in fostering self-confidence and resilience, instilling a strong sense of purpose, and enabling our students to become influential leaders inside and outside of the classroom.

Student Council (SC):
Elected Student Council representatives meet regularly with the Head of School and other administrators to discuss campus policies, student concerns, and school culture. SC officers are elected annually, serving one or more academic years. In addition to planning events and initiatives, the Student Council oversees all student-led clubs in collaboration with the appropriate academic departments.

Additional Leadership Roles:

• School Ambassadors: Represent NEJA at admissions events and school functions, serving as welcoming and knowledgeable guides for prospective families.
• Basketball Team Captains: Provide leadership on and off the court, supporting teammates and representing the school with sportsmanship and pride.
• Soccer Team Captain: Serves as a motivator and role model, helping to foster team spirit and accountability.

Real-World Experiences

NEJA offers a High School Mentorship program that matches current students with volunteer mentors from the local business and professional community. The Mentorship Program includes workshops on creating a resume, interviewing, and other professional development skills. Students get a chance to experience different jobs and career paths firsthand. It’s a chance for them to test out what they might want to do after high school — or rule out what you don’t want to do. 

It is a chance to:

• Explore different careers
• Build your resume
• Stand out on college applications
• Receive professional development

To learn more about the program, contact Jane Resnick at jresnick@neja.org.

This program is usually offered during the summer unless there is enough student and volunteer interest to also offer it during the academic year.

Recognition and Rewards

NEJA is frequently recognized with awards and scholarships, opening doors to top colleges. 

• Harvard Book Prize - Awarded to an outstanding student in the junior class who displays excellence in scholarship and high character, combined with achievement in other fields.
• Yale Book Club Award - Awarded to a junior who has demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, effective teamwork, and organizational abilities.
• Yeshiva University Award - Awarded to a junior who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, leadership qualities, community service, and a commitment to the values and ideals of Yeshiva University.
• Smith College Book Award - Awarded to a young woman in the junior class who has demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and service to her community.
• Rosenblit Award for Midot Tovot - Award to a senior for exhibiting strong Midot Tovot (good character) and being helpful to classmates and teachers.
• Edyn Blitzer Honorary Award - Awarded to a Senior who has demonstrated excellence in general studies and high integrity.
• SAT Merit Scholarships
• & More in School Awards and Recognitions! 

Gap Year Advisory

As our seniors complete his or her final year at NEJA, we would like to familiarize them with the advantages and opportunities for study abroad. At NEJA, we strongly encourage our students to take advantage of this once-in- a-lifetime opportunity upon graduation. A “gap year” is the perfect opportunity for your child to develop as a student, as well as become better prepared to face the challenges of our modern world. Spending this “gap year” in Israel provides an opportunity to strengthen and solidify one’s bond with Israel and the Jewish people.

The Israel Gap Year Guide

Graduates: Next Steps

What are the next steps for our recent graduates?

From NEJA to:

Midreshet Tehillah → Yeshiva University Syms School of Business

Yeshivat Yishrei Lev → University of Hartford Engineering

Yeshivant Har Etzion → Binghamton University Biomedical Engineering

Midreshet Lindenbaum → University of Maryland Chemistry

Migdal HaTorah → University of Albany Business Administration

University of Connecticut Sociology

Sha'alvim for Women

Midreshet HaRova