Dear Kehillah,

We are pleased to share significant developments from the Board of Trustees regarding the future of our school. Following our successful accreditation process and more than a year of comprehensive data-gathering led by Organizational Identity and Development Consultant, Jamie Reichman, the Board has approved a new mission statement for Kehillah:

We offer a rich and challenging educational program guided by compassionate, expert educators.

• We inspire academic excellence, cultivate student voice, and foster a genuine sense of belonging.
• We embody the Jewish values of critical thinking, respectful dialogue, and the pursuit of justice.
• We empower students with curiosity, empathy, and agency to transform their experiences, their communities, and the world.

This mission statement is the culmination of extensive research focused on clarifying and strengthening our organizational identity. The findings, which were presented to the community at the webinar on September 15, 2024, align with insights from the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) accreditation process, our work with Challenge Success (Stanford), the Independent School Management (ISM) Survey, and the Listen & Learn Tour.



Kehillah has always been an extraordinary place, offering a unique and transformative educational experience. However, the research indicates that our school is often misunderstood and undervalued in the secondary school landscape. Despite the remarkable achievements of our students and the strong sense of community that defines us, external perceptions haven’t kept pace with Kehillah’s programming. Therefore, a broader effort is necessary to better communicate the exceptional nature of our school.

As a result of years of thoughtful exploration, discussion, and these most recent findings, coupled with the adoption of our new mission statement, the Kehillah Board of Trustees has decided to change the name of our school from Kehillah Jewish High School to The Kehillah School. The heart of our name and identity remains rooted in the Hebrew word for community, “kehillah” and, as we know, “Kehillah” has been how the school has been referred to for years. 

These data-driven and community-centered decisions reflect our commitment to aligning our mission, identity, and programming with an inspiring vision for the future. As we approach our 25th anniversary, this name change is not merely a cosmetic update—it is a critical step in positioning Kehillah to thrive for the next 25 years.

We understand that this decision may delight some, surprise others, and possibly disappoint a few. We are united, however, by a shared commitment to ensuring that Kehillah continues to embody our Jewish values and empower students with curiosity, empathy, and agency to transform their experiences, their communities, and the world. This mission drives us now more than ever.

We are excited about the future of Kehillah and deeply appreciate your ongoing support and dedication to our school’s bright future. We look forward to celebrating with you at the Evening of Gratitude & Growth!

Jonathan Manson

Board Chair

Daisy Pellant

Head of School