Over 60% of students of the 514 students currently enrolled in Gray Academy of Jewish Education receive “some bursary support,” according to Lori Binder, CEO and Head of School at Gray Academy. Binder reports that “The percentage of families being supported has gone up somewhat over the last five years, and the amount of dollars needed in bursary to ensure affordability has increased.”
Binder states that the school is doing everything possible to ensure that no child is turned away due to affordability issues.
Binder notes that “the allocation the school received from the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg for this year and last year was reduced from the levels 22-23 and prior. We are grateful to have the allocation to help support a portion of bursary needs. We are also able to apply to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba each year for “immediate needs funding” to help families with very high needs. ”
The school offers different types of bursaries for families who need it, including families with very high financial need and families who are new to the country. “We have a new to Canada bursary that families who qualify can take advantage of in their first year,” Binder points out.
When asked if the school itself specifically fundraises for student bursaries, Binder replied, “With the increased needs we are seeing, we are embarking on our first annual campaign to ensure Jewish day school remains accessible to all families who want it for their children. We have always done some fundraising, but this is the first time we are undertaking a formal, large-scale campaign.”
Regarding enrollment, Binder notes that “last year we saw increased demand, especially for our early years programs, which led to us opening a third kindergarten classroom for the first time in many years.” In 2023-24, Gray Academy had a total enrollment of 474 in the start of the year and ended the year with 487. This year, the school has grown to 514 students, including several who joined after school started in September.
When asked whether Gray Academy was finding that children were switching to Gray Academy because of concerns about antisemitism in their public schools, Binder noted “It has more to do with an increased desire for community and connection to Jewish identity.”
Binder encourages anyone in the community who is interested in exploring Jewish day school Education for their children to reach out to the school to arrange a visit. The school is also hosting an event on March 6th specifically about affordability and accessibility. “We want everyone in the community to know they are welcome at Gray Academy even if they need to take advantage of our robust financial supports,” she says. For more information, about the school and upcoming events visit www.grayacademy.ca
