Learning is a hallmark of Jewish tradition and identity.
The Workers Circle’s experiential learning programs combine Jewish heritage, traditions, and social justice activism to build meaningful progressive Jewish identity in our students and families, and inspire them to take action for a more beautiful and better world for all – a shenere un besere velt far ale.
Learning, a hallmark of Jewish tradition and identity, is embodied in all parts of our Jewish Cultural Schools. We provide innovative, meaningful, and inviting learning experiences and engage our students as active participants in their Jewish education. As a result, they develop strong Jewish cultural literacy and a progressive Jewish identity, which help them define themselves and use their shared values and beliefs to guide them in a complex world.
Each school is an open and affirming community for all kinds of families, including LGBTQ, interfaith, and more. We care for and sustain our children and families, and we adapt to their needs, diversity, and communal desires.
Grow With Us
Each Workers Circle school has its own personality. As a network, they also share some common features. For example, most Workers Circle learning programs meet two to three times a month after school or on weekends and celebrate holidays as a community.
Register for one of our schools by clicking its location below.
Our Program Features:
Workers Circle schools are warm and inviting places that engage children and families in active, experiential, and project-based learning. Students and families gain a strong foundation in Jewish knowledge, rooted in the historical and cultural Jewish experience and in a commitment to building a better world through collective activism.
Whether teaching history, Jewish values, foundational stories, food, music, or heritage languages, we empower children of all ages to gain the knowledge and tools to build the Jewish literacy essential for Jewish identity and practice. That identity is expressed through community, learning, creative arts, culture, and social action.
While meeting the needs of the diverse communities they serve, all schools share a commitment to Jewish values of kindness, equality, and activism. Each school’s professional education coordinator and experienced teachers deliver professionally developed curricula. And each school believes that active parents are essential components of their programs.
The Workers Circle is very proud of its outstanding cultural B’nei Mitsve program for children ages twelve and thirteen.
Our cultural Bar/Bas Mitsve program is a meaningful alternative to traditional synagogue preparation and ceremony. A year of special learning and activist programs culminates in a unique and joyous cultural ceremony in which students present the fruits of their studies, complete with projects around their Jewish heritage, values, and real-world activism. Each event is a milestone in the lives of family and friends and in the fabric of our community.
The Workers Circle makes learning immediately relevant for our children and families. Our young activists connect with causes that are meaningful and relevant to their communities through volunteer opportunities, planning and leading small actions in support of causes, marching in protests, joining social movements, and much more. After our students graduate from our cultural schools, they have the opportunity to join our Youth Stand Up for Justice Teen program and then our College Network to continue their activist work with engaged youth communities.
An Open and Affirming School Experience
Mari Altshuler
Mom of two students at Workers Circle schools
“Our family really appreciates the familial vibe of Workers Circle, and our 5-year-old loves learning about Jewish culture, tradition, and opportunities for social justice with a multi-age group of friends!”
Jess Marshall
Mom of three students at Workers Circle schools
"While the Covid pandemic has made it hard for us to stay connected in person, I have loved being part of a community of other Jewish families. We have loved the opportunity to sing, dance, make art, cook, and talk about justice."
“I was proud that my class stood outside in the rain with our signs telling people to vote. It shows our dedication to the cause.”