school history

In 1995, results of a demographic study of the St. Louis Jewish community revealed that 60 percent of the 60,000 Jews in St. Louis identified themselves as Reform Jews, and 23 percent of those said they would consider sending a child to a Reform Jewish day school if it were available.

Three years later, a task force was assembled, and an outside company was hired to conduct focus groups to examine the viability of a Reform Jewish day school. Four focus groups reaffirmed a sustaining interest in a Reform Jewish day school, one that had high academic standards, the support of community clergy and affordable tuition.

Five major donors committed funds for the initial operating budget. Under the leadership of Buddy Lebman, the first board incorporated as Gateway Jewish Academy and set to work fundraising, hiring a head of school, finding a location, creating a curriculum, writing by-laws, creating a working board structure and securing an opening date.

After a national search, Marsha Grazman was hired as the first Head of School, and Carol Rubin as Assistant Head of School. The school signed a lease with Congregation B’nai El. The Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education (PEJE), a funding source for Jewish day schools, awarded the school a grant. Our school had leadership, funding, a home and a new name — Reform Jewish Academy — and we were ready to welcome our first kindergarten class in August 2000.

The first day of school was a community-wide celebration. Our nine kindergarten students were joined by community leaders for a joyful mezuzah hanging ceremony, and the work of educating the next generation of knowledgeable and compassionate Jewish leaders began.

In October 2002, in honor of the generous contributions of community philanthropist Saul Mirowitz, the school was renamed The Saul Mirowitz Day School—Reform Jewish Academy.

Today, our school is an important educational option for the St. Louis community. With ninety students in kindergarten through grade five, the excitement of learning and the energy of children and teachers discovering Jewish connections together is everywhere.

Cheryl Maayan—who began teaching at SMDS-RJA during the school’s second year—is now a visionary Head of School who sees her role as a sacred task, and the school as a guardian of quality education, joyful Judaism and a meaningful childhood for every student.

RJA graduated its first class in 2006. Graduates consistently emerge prepared for success in demanding private and public middle schools, and have taken on leadership roles in their schools, congregations and throughout the community.