Tucson Hebrew Academy develops students who are highly skilled, creative and critical thinkers with a spirited love for learning. High expectations of students, staff, and faculty are fundamental to our philosophy and approach. We strive to ensure that our graduates are prepared to excel in Tucson’s most challenging high schools and universities and beyond.

The learning process at Tucson Hebrew Academy is charged with the spirit of discovery. THA is a place of hands-on, interactive learning, where the classroom is organized around the students being actively engaged. We believe all children can learn and that children have an innate curiosity that is to be respected and developed. We approach teaching through Project Based Learning. Our students can often be found collaborating in small groups on projects, purposefully discussing an assignment, or cooperatively problem-solving. Students are empowered as learners and thinkers. Teachers encourage them by acting as coaches and guides. The atmosphere in the classroom encourages self-assured self-expression and develops respect for diverse points of view, and they come to enjoy testing their minds against new challenges.

  • The Tucson Hebrew Academy is our community Jewish Day School, providing differentiated, exemplary secular and pluralistic Jewish education in a nurturing, supportive environment steeped in Jewish values.

  • THA graduates will be critical thinkers, inspired to challenge their intellects, and lead lives enriched through Jewish traditions, culture, and wisdom.

  • Child-Centered Education

    Developmentally appropriate, social-emotional education and research-based instructional strategies guide our faculty and staff. Our integrated curriculum includes experiences in Jewish life, STEM, the fine and performing arts, and physical education.

    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

    THA leverages our diversity, reflecting the greater Tucson community. THA creates an environment in which all feel valued, respected, safe and supported. THA aligns our policies, practices, and resources so that students of all races, cultures, religions, gender-identities, and socioeconomic statuses are empowered to thrive.

    Commitment to Excellence

    High expectations of students, staff, and faculty are fundamental to our philosophy and approach. We strive to ensure our graduates are prepared to excel in high school and beyond.

    Community

    We are a warm, welcoming, and inclusive community. We ensure that all members of our school family are embraced and have a home at THA. Family involvement is a hallmark of THA. Partnerships with local Jewish organizations and synagogues, and the greater Tucson community, are essential components of our program.

    Jewish Identity

    Our students experience the pride of a Jewish identity, the knowledge and inspiration for living a Jewish life, and a commitment to Tikkun Olam and Gemilut Hasadim. Through study, prayer, Hebrew language proficiency, and celebrations of our traditions and heritage, the joy of living Judaism thrives at THA.

    Supporting Israel

    THA supports Israel, the eternal homeland of the Jewish people.

ADOPTED BY THE TUCSON HEBREW ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES ON AUGUST 9, 2022.

 

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Officers:

Chair: Jeff Jacobson

Vice Chair: Deborah Oseran

Treasurer: Julia Miessner

Secretary: Zachary Cohen

Immediate Past Chair: Audrey Brooks

Members:

Janis Gasch

Michael Hoffman

Linus Kafka

Jon Kasle

Shelly Silverman

Kathy Gerst - CAT

(Community Action Team)

Life Members:

Paul Baker

David Leonard

Bertie Levkowitz

Sandi Levkowitz

Ronnie Sebold

Stanley Barlin*

Don Baker*

Moe Beren*

Sidney Kaderlan*

Henry Kaufmann*

Jack Levkowitz*

* Of Blessed Memory

 

Johanna Shlomovich

Head of School

 Johanna Shlomovich is an accomplished leader in the Jewish Day School world.  Johanna has played a pivotal role in the successful operation of the Ramaz School for the past 20 years.  During her tenure, she streamlined and professionalized the operations of the school, cut costs, managed multi-million dollar construction projects, and is the leader in crisis response for the school community.  Her perspective on school operations is centered around the student, employee, and family experience to create welcoming and safe environments.  

Johanna is looked upon as a role model and mentor.  She strengthens her school community by celebrating diversity, promoting tolerance and recognizing the successes and accomplishments of her team members and investing in their professional development and growth.  She skillfully manages institutional change, shifts in school culture, and invests herself fully in “friend” raising and networking to increase engagement and commitment in the community.  

Johanna is committed to creating a meaningful and quality Jewish educational experience.  Her approach is guided by the Jewish principle of “chanech la’naar al pi darko” (educate each child in the best way for him/her).  She helps find the way each individual student shines, and provides opportunities for learning and growing that builds their confidence and helps them become successful, life-long learners.   

Johanna enjoys a collaborative work approach and has been a guest panelist for Magnus Health webinars geared toward helping schools all over the country re-open and operate during the Covid-19 pandemic. She is now working with a prominent NYC architect firm, FXCollaborative and the American Institute of Architects on a project called “Learning Futures: On the Ground”.  This project is an exploration of education in the post-pandemic world through the lenses of: technology, school building facilities, curriculum, and health.  

Johanna earned her Bachelor's Degree and MBA from Yeshiva University’s Sy Syms School of Business and an Associate’s Degree in Judaic Studies from Yeshiva University’s Stern College for Women.  As a life-long learner herself, Johanna recently completed the UJA sponsored Institute for Jewish Executive Leadership at Columbia Business School. This spring, she will begin the Day School Leadership Training Institute (DSLTI) at the Jewish Theological Seminary.  The institute supports new heads of Jewish day schools by providing engaging experiential learning opportunities, cutting-edge leadership development, ongoing mentoring, and the chance to collaboratively problem-solve with cohort peers.  

Johanna, and her partner Rami Yadid, together have five children, each privileged to have received a Jewish Day School education.  Johanna, Rami, and Gavi (the youngest of the five and a rising high school junior) are excited to join the Tucson Jewish community.