Academics

At SFW, our classes are geared not only to teach our students ideas, skills, and concepts necessary for the moment, but are focused on turning our students into lifelong learners, who will continuously make time for Talmud Torah as the years pass. And so, in our classes you will find a carefully designed balance between information and ideas on the one hand, and on skills and tools on the other. Students are introduced to sophisticated concepts and are challenged to hone their thinking skills, as our faculty members guide them in their study and as they deepen their connection to Torah and apply it to their own lives.

In our unique system, class lectures begin with an introductory presentation followed by a chavruta period under the supervision and guidance of the faculty member. This ensures that our students use their chavruta time productively and can extract the ideas and concepts embedded in the texts they are tackling. Only then does the shiur part of the class begin, and, armed with deeper understanding, our students and our teachers can delve into the questions and answers raised during the chavruta time.

Our continually expanding choice of courses is designed to give each student the opportunity to pursue topics that interest her while also offering a core curriculum. The core curriculum consists of courses designed to provide a well-rounded understanding of Halacha, Hashkafa, and Tanach. Students complete their studies with a balanced, comprehensive body of knowledge which is uniquely tailored to each student's needs.

Our courses have been accredited by numerous colleges and universities, and we participate in Joint Programs with Yeshiva University, Touro College, and the Teacher’s Institute of Chicago.