Scuole della Comunita Ebraica, Milan

Founded in 1929, the Scuole della Comunita Ebraica has long served as an educational and cultural anchor for Milan’s Jewish community. Following the introduction of discriminatory laws in 1938 that excluded Jewish students and teachers from public institutions, the School became an essential refuge, recognized for its high-quality education and freedom of expression.

After World War II, its distinctive “vertical” organizational model—encompassing all educational stages from preschool to high school under one roof—was retained and remains a hallmark of the School today. Generations of students from diverse cultural and geographic backgrounds, including Egypt, Libya, Lebanon, and Eastern Europe, have found a place to thrive, integrating into the Jewish community of Milan while receiving an excellent academic foundation for higher education and life.

Name of School	Scuole della Comunita Ebraica
Location	Milan, Italy
Age range	Preschool, Elementary, Junior High, High School
Students	430
Professionals	86

Curriculum & Academic Life

The School offers a comprehensive curriculum, preparing students for Italian and international universities and equipping them with the skills needed for professional success. For the past five years, it has ranked first in teaching quality and inclusivity among Applied Science high schools in Lombardy, according to Eduscopio, which evaluates first-year university outcomes.

Courses include Hebrew language, Judaism, and Jewish culture. For 15-year-old students, these programs culminate in a two-week educational journey to Israel. The curriculum also integrates civic education, digital literacy, career guidance, project-based learning, and entrepreneurship.

Enrichment & Student Life

The School offers a range of extracurricular courses and activities, including:

Sports programs in collaboration with Maccabi (soccer, artistic gymnastics, basketball, chess)
Jewish holiday projects involving families
Vertical, cross-disciplinary projects enhancing academic and social skills

These activities build community spirit while promoting physical health, creative expression, and cultural engagement.

Innovation & Resource Sharing

The School emphasizes interactive and participatory teaching methodologies, fostering student engagement and critical thinking. Best practices include:

Inclusive initiatives supporting students with learning differences
Educational projects for Jewish holidays involving family participation
A strong integration of humanities and sciences

Educating for Life

The School prepares students for future challenges through:

STEM Education: Integration of science and technology into learning experiences
Entrepreneurship Education: Project-based initiatives and skill development
Mental Health & Wellbeing: Participation in ORT programs and development of student support services

This holistic approach ensures students graduate with academic knowledge, life skills, and personal resilience.

Jewish Experience

Jewish education is central to the School’s ethos. All students participate in Jewish studies, Hebrew, and daily prayer. The School has its own synagogue and provides Jewish education opportunities for parents and families, particularly around holiday celebrations.

Students participate in significant Jewish cultural experiences, including a trip to Auschwitz that deepens historical awareness and reinforces cultural identity.