In 1995, results of a demographic study of the St. Louis Jewish community revealed that 60 percent of the 60,000 Jews in St. Louis identified themselves as Reform Jews, and 23 percent said they would consider sending a child to a Reform Jewish day school if it were available.

Three years later, a task force was assembled, and an outside company was hired to conduct focus groups. Four focus groups reaffirmed a sustaining interest in a Reform Jewish day school, one that had high academic standards, the support of community clergy and affordable tuition.

Under the leadership of Buddy Lebman, five major donors committed funds for the initial operating budget. The first board incorporated as Gateway Jewish Academy and set to work fundraising, hiring a head of school, finding a location, creating a curriculum, writing by-laws, creating a working board structure and identifying an opening date.

Within a year, after a national search, a head and assistant head of school were hired. The school signed a lease with Congregation B’nai El. The Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education (PEJE), a funding source for Jewish day schools, awarded the school a grant. Our school had leadership, funding, a home and a name — Reform Jewish Academy —and we were ready to welcome our first kindergarten class in August 2000.

The first day of school was a community-wide celebration. Our nine kindergarten students were joined by community leaders for a joyful mezuzah hanging ceremony, and the work of educating the next generation of knowledgeable and compassionate Jewish leaders began.

In October 2002, in honor of the generous contributions of community philanthropist Saul Mirowitz, the school was renamed The Saul Mirowitz Day School—Reform Jewish Academy. Today our school is rapidly growing and is an important educational option for the St. Louis community. With fifty students in kindergarten through grade three, the excitement of learning and the energy of children and teachers discovering together is everywhere.

Come see for yourself. Call 314.569.2692 for more information or to schedule a tour.