About Us
Founded in 1969, Solomon Schechter Academy (SSA) is proud to be the largest mainstream private Jewish elementary and preschool in Montreal. Educating more than 400 children annually, Solomon Schechter Academy lays the foundation for a lifetime of learning and instills a passion for excellence and Jewish traditions. The Academy’s educational process is a vibrant partnership between students, parents, and educators, beginning with Junior Pre-K at age three, continuing through elementary school graduation at age twelve.
The Academy’s strong foundation originated from its roots as the Shaare Zion Academy (1951-1969), continuously evolving to meet the educational needs of the contemporary Jewish community. In the early 1970’s, a French immersion stream was created, later becoming a full “section française”, which today offers all students, including those with English eligibility, the tremendous opportunity to learn in a French-immersion environment.
Over time, SSA’s facilities have also expanded beyond the many bright and spacious classrooms. The Amiel Early Childhood Centre was inaugurated in 2013 and provides our youngest students in preschool and Kindergarten the formative indoor and outdoor spaces in which to learn and grow. The Azrieli SMART Floor, together with the Beverley and Harvey Greenberg Makerspace, allow students of the Academy to explore their creativity and develop the skills needed for future success in the science and technology fields and in the arts. This includes coding, robotics, 3D design, music, visual arts, computer animation, video production, and more. The state-of-the-art Sondra & Martin Schwartz Family Gymnasium, as well as brand new playgrounds on both campuses, enable each child to enjoy sports on a daily basis and to pursue higher levels of athletics and wellness.
The heart of a Solomon Schechter Academy education remains its Judaic Studies and commitment to developing strong Jewish values and a love for Israel within each student. Highlights include Tikkun Olam activities for all age levels, the annual model Seders and Chagigot, the Bnot Sherut and Shinshin programs, through which we welcome inspiring Israeli youth to spend the year with us at SSA, and the Grade 6 trip to Israel, an incredible program unique to SSA. While academic excellence has long been a cornerstone of SSA, the nature of learning has changed dramatically in recent years.
We are a school of choice for diverse learners, knowing that no two children learn in the same manner, and that social-emotional wellbeing goes hand-in-hand with success in learning. The Academy’s team of teachers, teaching assistants, resource and clinical specialists work together with SSA families, so that each child may reach their full potential, receiving the extra support and enrichment they need to succeed.
Today’s Solomon Schechter Academy is an inclusive environment, welcoming families from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds who practice a variety of Jewish traditions, reflecting the unique mosaic of Montreal and enriching the community that is SSA. We are proud to be Montreal’s leading elementary school and look forward to reaching new heights in the years to come.