About Hillel Academy

Hillel Academy is a community Jewish day school serving the Tampa Bay region. As a Cambridge school (Cambridge University’s Curriculum of Advanced Studies) committed to differentiated instruction, students of all backgrounds have the opportunity to achieve their individual potential while also developing their personal Jewish identity. Our Hillel mishpachah, “family”, is the heart of our school where educators, parents, and students work in partnership for children to achieve their goals and celebrate and observe the beauty of Judaism and Israel together.

Mission

Our mission is to provide a superior education that encourages a love of learning a personal Jewish identity.

History

In 1970, after a group of Tampa Bay parents envisioned a Jewish day school for their children and community, Hillel Academy opened its doors to 30 students in grades one through four. The school, at that time, was housed at Congregation Rodeph Sholom in South Tampa.

Guided by a focus on personal achievement and pride of heritage, Hillel quickly gained a reputation as a stellar academic institution. As enrollment grew, the school soon outgrew the facilities at Congregation Rodeph Sholom. In 1984, the school moved to the Jewish Community Center in South Tampa and expanded to serve students from kindergarten through eighth grade. In 1992 as further expansion was needed, the school purchased the 10-acre North Tampa property on which the academy now sits (once a horse farm and stables).

In 2021, Hillel Academy expanded yet again with the opening of the newly built Forman Early Learning Center. Hillel Academy also became a Cambridge International School for Advanced Studies, implementing a curriculum preparing students for the global society in which they will go to school, work, and raise their families.

In 2024 another exciting addtion to our campus, the Forman Event Center hosts an indoor gym and event space for our studetns and community.

Hillel Academy now welcomes 1-year-old through 8th-Grade students. It continues to serve students in the Tampa area as they develop into active and valuable members of the community as it has done for the past 50 years!

Accreditation and Affiliations

Hillel Academy is proud to be affiliated with the following organizations:

Non-discrimination policy

Hillel Academy accepts students and hires educators who possess motivation, ability, and character which would enable them to succeed in our school community. Hillel Academy does not discriminate and will not tolerate discrimnation or harassment based upon race, color, age, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information or status, family responsibilities, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws in the administration of its policies, programs, and other school-administered activities.