Live: Unique Frum High School Holds Open House

Regents-Accredited STEM School: the First of its Kind for Frum Students

Amid the uncertainty in the air, a unique school is preparing for the new year with options for in-person and online classes. How can parents plan where to send their children for the upcoming academic year if travel may be restricted? What if schools are closed again? The Elite Academy of Science and Technology — EAST — is well equipped for that. In March, even before most schools had even closed, they were already up and running with online classes. As New York City reopens, EAST will give students the option to come to school in person or to learn remotely. There is also a dormitory for those living out of New York who prefer face-to-face learning.

EAST is a high school in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn designed for students from Jewish families who are seeking a high-quality Jewish education as well as an exemplary secular curriculum. They focus on high quality training in all areas of the STEM curriculum. For students interested in the scientific or technical fields, the school’s thorough education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics is invaluable.

It is a Chabad-oriented mossad, as all of the limmudei kodesh teachers are Lubavitchers, and focuses on accommodating mekuravim of all levels. To do so, there are two levels of limmudei kodesh: one for students with little to no prior Jewish education, and one for students with significant prior Jewish education.

“We’ve had two children graduate EAST and another is in 12th grade,” said Bella Usubov. “We’ve seen tremendous positive changes over the years they’ve been there.”

In an increasingly complex and technologically advanced world, the demand for intelligent, innovative and qualified scientists and engineers has never been higher. While many schools have recently switched to a STEM focus, EAST is the only Jewish private school in Brooklyn to be STEM accredited with up to 12 college credits. It also has a 100% college acceptance rate for its graduates.

With special programs, shared study load between students, fully equipped computer & science labs, and professional instructors, EAST also has a unique program for bio-medical courses. There are lessons in physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, technology/programming, robotics, mathematics, Jewish history & culture, and Judaism. Extracurricular activities include sports, outdoor adventures, Zumba and gymnastics, a basketball and a chess club.

The bio-medical training includes lectures and hands-on training in microbiology, biomedicine, genetics, physiology, and public health. There are two tracks for Jewish subjects – for public school students and for those coming from Jewish schools. Mrs. Marina Shlyakman, whose son joined the program, says, “[The] bio-med program is one of the best out there. This is an excellent opportunity for students who want to become doctors, like my son. I am extremely happy with the academics, staff, and students.”

Programs are designed for students who take study seriously and want to succeed. As one parent, Dr. Steven Ripa, put it, “There is no better way to develop the best qualities of the person and reveal their full potential than attention, respect and understanding their personality. EAST demonstrates this approach, and for me it is priceless.”

Small classes have a maximum of 16 students, and the school is completely drug free. Mrs. Yelena Sokolin, principal of the school, says that many of her students come from difficult backgrounds and need extra help and encouragement to become their best selves. “I made sure that the school is an entirely safe environment.”

“Mrs. Sokolin is in close contact with the parents,” said Usubov. “She’s in control and will call with any issues. She’s proactive and preventative in addressing any problems before they can become serious.”

When the school’s president Mr. David Dubrow passed away a few months ago, he was succeeded by his daughter, Emunah Batya Dubrow, who continues to uphold the exemplary standards her father put in place.
The school’s dean is Rabbi Benzion Laskin, a Lubavitcher chassid who was recently honored by the New York City Comptroller for his dedicated work. Laskin’s long list of credentials include Program Director at Chamah, Rabbi at Ocean View Jewish Center, Director of the National Russian Shabbaton and radio host at Davidzon Radio. “For me it was a dream to work with these students,” he said. “For generations, Russian Jews had mesiras nefesh to stay Jewish, today we have the ability to pass on that education.”

Rabbi Laskin grew up in Leningrad. His father is a screenwriter, and his mother is a composer. When he was a child, Benzion’s mother won a musical competition in the Kremlin. She then got a threatening phone call from an antisemitic group warning that, “If you sing in our Kremlin, we’ll kill you and your children.” Shortly afterwards, his brother was beaten up and the assailants said to “send regards to your mother.” It became clear that it was time to leave Russia.

On the pretense of his mother going to Finland to perform on Finnish radio, the Laskins were able to escape with just the clothes they were wearing and some documents hidden in their clothing. A long and harrowing journey led to their finally moving to Israel when Bentzion was three. “We are thankful to the anti-semites who sent us to Israel,” said Laskin. “As they gave us the opportunity to continue and deepen our Jewish and Chabad education, following in the ways of my grandfathers, who were rabbis in Russia. It has been a goal for many years to build a bridge between the two worlds – a genuine Jewish education together with a strong understanding of the secular system. That is what we do at EAST.”

Elite Academy of Science and Technology will have an open day this evening. Teen Psychologist Dr. Eugenia Steinold will lead a discussion on how to inspire teens during COVID-19. Registration to the Zoom event https://bit.ly/2Ndm8Gc

For more information, visit www.eastny.org