Hillel Academy has been educating Jewish children in Colorado since 1953, instilling generations with a love of Torah, a passion for learning, and a commitment to personal growth.
We are proud of the many contributions Hillel Academy graduates have made to their families, their communities, and beyond. Today, Hillel Academy continues to provide a strong Judaic and General Studies education, while nurturing and inspiring our students.
Hillel Academy’s early childhood education department, and separate girls and boys divisions are located on a spacious campus in the heart of the East Denver community, in the shadow of the beautiful Rocky Mountains.
Mission & Vision
We partner with our families to help children grow into proud, compassionate, and committed young adults, able to succeed in high school and beyond.
Our vision is to serve the needs of every child and raise the bar for excellence in elementary school Torah education in Denver.
Accreditations & Affiliations
Hillel Academy is proud to be accredited and certified by Cognia, the premier educational accrediting agency. We are also privileged to be affiliated with Torah Umesorah – The National Society for Hebrew Day Schools.
Additionally, our Early Childhood Center is honored to have received the highest possible rating of 5 stars from Colorado Shines, a quality rating and improvement system that monitors and supports early learning programs.
History
In 1953, Colorado saw history in the making. Several pioneering families dreamed of bringing Torah-based education to the region. Their determination led to the founding of the first Jewish day school west of the Mississippi. In September 1953, the school opened its doors with two teachers and 27 students in kindergarten and first grade.
For over 70 years, Hillel Academy, the first Jewish day school in the West, has served as an example of dedication and faith. Over several decades, Hillel Academy has grown significantly. Originally housed in two classrooms in Beth Joseph Congregation, in 1958 Hillel Academy moved to an abandoned school building on Holly and Leetsdale. Seven years later, a new facility was built with the guidance and support of Sheldon Beren, zt”l. The building was recently expanded and renovated thanks to the generosity of Dr. Philip and Mrs Leah Mehler.
Our Leadership
Mr. Avi Mehler – President
Mr. Graeme Bean – Member at Large
Rabbi Ephraim Cunningham – Member at Large
Rabbi Hillel Erlanger – Member at Large
Mr. Zvi Gelt – Member at Large
Rabbi Avraham Mintz – Member at Large
Mr. Dov Ort – Member at Large
Mr. Avi Mehler – President
Mr. Graeme Bean – Member at Large
Rabbi Ephraim Cunningham – Member at Large
Mr. Yehuda Aminov – Member at Large
Mr. Zvi Gelt – Member at Large
Rabbi Avraham Mintz – Member at Large
Mrs. Chaya Abrams – Educational Coordinator
Mrs. Aviel Brodkin – Director of General Studies
Mrs. Eliana David – School Receptionist
Rabbi Tzvi Aryeh Finkelstein – Director of Development
Mrs. Faigy Gertz – Assistant Menaheles
Rabbi Yisroel Goldbaum- Principal
Mrs. Devorah Leah Gorelik – Database Administrator
Mrs. Yehudis Heyman – Accountant
Rabbi Mordechai Hoffman – Executive Director
Miss Hadassa Ross – School Receptionist
Mrs. Karen Schweitzer – Special Services Coordinator & Early Childhood Director
Mrs. Naami Zuckerman – Marketing & Communications Director
Rabbi Avraham Abrams – 3rd Grade Boys Kodesh, 4th Grade Boys General Studies
Mrs. Kineret Abrams – 2nd Grade Girls Kodesh
Mrs. Yehudis Shifra Aragon – Art/PE
Mrs. Nechama Araiev – Preschool Assistant
Mrs. Chana Borukhov – Preschool & Kindergarten Assistant
Miss Evelyna Carlson – Preschool Assistant
Rabbi Eli Chernitzky – 4th Grade Boys Kodesh, 7-8th Grade Boys General Studies
Ms. Patricia DeLeon – 5th Grade Girls General Studies
Mrs. Dina Diaz – Preschool & 1st Grade Assistant
Ms. Karine Drechsel – Kindergarten General Studies
Rabbi Yeruchem Engel – 5th Grade Boys Kodesh
Mrs. Menucha Eskenazi – Kindergarten & 1st Grade Assistant
Mrs. Rena Finkelstein – 5th Grade Girls Kodesh
Mrs. Connie Fisher – 1st Grade General Studies
Miss Chava Leah Fleisher – 2nd Grade Boys General Studies
Mrs. Raacheli Fried – Preschool
Mrs. Leah Fyzakov – Preschool Assistant
Rabbi Yaakov Moshe Goldenberg – 6th Grade Boys Kodesh
Mrs. Chavi Greiniman – Kindergarten & Resource Room Teacher Kodesh
Rabbi Yeshayahu Greiniman – 2nd Grade Boys Kodesh, 5th Grade Boys General Studies, 7th Grade Boys Science
Mrs. Esti Gross – 4th Grade Girls Kodesh
Mrs. Sara Halpern – 7th Grade Girls Kodesh
Miss Dena Heyman – 7th Grade Girls Language Arts & Social Studies, 8th Grade Science & Social Studies
Mrs. Elana Hoffman – 3rd Grade Girls General Studies & Kindergarten Assistant
Mrs. Adina Horowitz – Middle School Girls Math
Mrs. Miriam Joseph – 1st & 3rd Grade Girls Kodesh
Miss Penina Joseph – Preschool Kodesh
Mrs. Tzippy Kahan – 7th Grade Girls Science
Mrs. Tzippy Kamenetsky – Ruach Program
Ms. Slobodan Kapavlovich – Assistant
Mrs. Rivky Kaplan – Kindergarten Kodesh
Mrs. Tzippy Katanov – 2nd Grade Boys Assistant
Mrs. Tamar Kellner – Resource Room Kodesh
Mrs. Jeannie Kravitz – Librarian
Rabbi Levi Lebovits – Mashpia
Miss Sori Lebovits – 4th Grade Girls General Studies
Mrs. Yocheved Lebovits – 6th Grade Girls Kodesh
Mrs. Rachel Lerner – 6th Grade Boys General Studies
Rabbi Chaim Leib Lipschutz – 7th Grade Boys Kodesh
Mr. Greg Mirelez – 3rd Grade Boys General Studies
Mrs. Yehudit Edit Mullakandov – Kindergarten Assistant
Ms. Hana Rafailova – Preschool General Studies
Mrs. Inbal Shraiber – 1st Grade Kodesh
Mrs. Dafna Steiger – Assistant
Miss Emma Taylor – Preschool Assistant
Mrs. Brocha Leah Wenger – 8th Grade Girls Kodesh
Rabbi Aharon Wilen – 8th Grade Boys Kodesh
Rabbi Avi Wilen – 5th Grade Boys Kodesh & Resource Room Kodesh
Miss Chaya Zussman – 6th Grade Girls General Studies & 1st Grade Assistant