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Here is what students, parents, and employees are saying about the impact of The Silver Academy:

Students

My name is Ethan DeBroff and I am a former student at The Silver Academy. I attended The Silver Academy from 2000 until 2008, beginning in Ganeinu. I am a part of one of many generations of the Rubin family that have attended the school. My time at both the JCC and Silver Academy transformed the way I live, learn, and interact with my Jewish community. I continued this connection through my high school years at Susquehanna Township High School (’13) and then through my college years at the University of Pittsburgh (’17).

The Silver Academy gave me a unique opportunity. It gave me the opportunity to split my time developing critical thinking skills through general studies courses, while also learning a different language and a set of human values. This is something no other public or private educational institution can offer. Learning math, science, and history in addition to compassion, honesty, respect, and acceptance of others sets students at The Silver Academy apart. These are just some of the pillars Judaism stands on. Judaism has not only made my life more meaningful but also has taught me some important life lessons and principles in which I live my life by every day.

The important thing to remember about The Silver Academy (formerly known as the Yeshiva Academy) is the mission of Rabbi David L. Silver. It is not about the name of the school, or the types of classes or the religious affiliation. It is about building an educational community through the development of our young Jewish people in Harrisburg. Teaching the next generation ethics, morals, and values, as well as preparing them for the next level of their education. Relaying the importance of both skills learned in the classroom and values emulated outside the classroom. This is what former students understand about the importance of The Silver Academy.

- Former student Ethan Debroff

Parents

We have been part of The Silver Academy family for more than 4 years now. We feel that The Silver Academy has given our children a place to feel loved and welcome and express who they are without judgement.
 
We aren't very observant in our religion, but that hasn't mattered at the school. No matter how observant, everyone is treated the same. We love how everyone is welcome. We feel that the school is providing our kids with a foundation that we know will be with them for the rest of their lives. It makes my heart smile when we are sitting in services and they sing a prayer and my girls look at me with such excitement and say "Mommy, I know that one, we do that in school."
 
The small size of the school allows for individual attention and both our girls have benefited from that. The small size also affords the opportunity for the kids in all grades to work together. We love how they foster the sense of family by constantly doing school wide projects together, and having the older kids helping the younger ones. The older kids are encouraged to help the younger ones and there is no separation between the middle school and the elementary school kids. The little kids, ours included, look up to the older kids and the older kids are constantly being encouraged to be role models to the younger ones. That is one of our favorite parts. The girls are looking forward to being the older kids so they can help the younger ones.
 
This carries over to our home life as well. when we visit family with younger cousins our kids want to be the helpers for the younger ones. They go out in the community looking for ways to help and do mitzvot (Jewish commandments or good deeds).
 
The school fosters a sense of community. It teaches the kids that they can make a difference in the community and to look for ways to help. We love that they teach these values.

-Julie Mellon, Parent of 2 Silver Academy students

Employees

I have had a lot of different types of jobs in my life but the most rewarding job I have ever had is working at The Silver Academy.

After working in the Harrisburg Police Department, I was offered a job through Information Network Associates (INA), which led me to my current job at The Silver Academy.

I was raised Catholic and had very little familiarity with the Jewish faith, until I started at The Silver Academy. 
Any thoughts that I wouldn't fit in there or that people would be anything other than nice to me diminished within the first couple hours.

My first days were met with friendly faces and warm welcomes, I thought to myself that these people are the friendliest people I have ever met. Over the ensuing days, weeks, and months, I can honestly say I have developed a great deal of care for each and every child, parent, and staff member. 

I have never met kids that are so loving to each other and so welcoming to a School Police officer.
I have made friends with both the kids and staff members that I hope will continue on for the rest of my life.
I had never been around kids that were so respectful and just a joy to be around.

The first time I met Rabbi Gewirtz, he came right up to me and introduced himself and shook my hand. since that introduction I have had many heartfelt conversations with the Rabbi and I can truly say that he is one of the most caring and loving men I have ever met. Both Rabbi Gewirtz and Mr. Ellis Rosenberg, two of our Judaics teachers, have shared many conversations with me throughout my time here at The Silver Academy and I know that that enthusiasm and thirst for knowledge carries over into the classroom. 

When parents and staff thank me for the security I provide at the school, I can honestly say that it is my pleasure. I tell them that I never had a job anywhere that I have felt so welcomed and loved by everyone that I came in contact with before working at The Silver Academy.

I thank everyone at The Silver Academy for the impact you have had on my life.

- School Officer Tony Frei