our graduates

Gili’s Story

RJA was such a great experience for me. I started in the middle of 3rd grade. On my first day, they welcomed me at services and even said my name. I didn’t expect to be welcomed that quickly. After one week, everyone knew me. I had made friends for life!

I go to McKinley Classical Leadership Academy. It’s a magnet school that focuses on math and communication arts. Sixth grade was pretty easy. My RJA teachers had really prepared me. The biggest challenge was getting used to a big school with a lot of people and lots of rooms and lot of floors. There are 4 or 5 stories in my school! I thought it looked like a college or a castle. …but soon enough, I adapted.

I think I’m better at making friends because of my years at RJA. I learned what it feels like to be part of a welcoming community. That’s important to me. I love having friends.

I love middle school. I feel I was very prepared to be part of a diverse world. I learned the importance of showing respect to every person, no matter their background or race or religion or level of intelligence.

It’s so easy to talk about RJA because I love it so much. It’s great to be part of a school that really cares about you. And I learned so much that I’ll use later in life.

Gili B.
‘07 graduate