JTA
An effort is underway to launch a Jewish high school in Chicago, where antisemitism concerns run high
Grace Gilson
August 7, 2025

Chicago has many hallmarks of a thriving Jewish community: dozens of synagogues of every denomination, a range of kosher restaurants and bakeries and one of the largest Jewish federations in the country. But locals have long lamented one big gap: a Jewish high school within the city limits. Now, a parent-led initiative to open one in Chicago is gaining steam, with a building under contract, the city’s Jewish federation engaged, and buzz growing among families. The goal is to launch in 2027, giving graduates of the city’s three non-Orthodox Jewish day schools a local choice beyond public and secular private schools. The effort comes as both public and private high schools in the city have drawn allegations of antisemitism. READ MORE