Dr. Steven Frank

Dr. Steven Frank serves on The Shlenker School’s Board of Trustees and is a proud alumni parent of four Shlenker graduates.

As both a Shlenker parent and now a board member, what has kept you so deeply connected to the school over the years?

We have four girls that have been educated at The Shlenker School and recognize how important their Jewish education has been when they have transitioned to middle-school, high-school, and college. They have retained their strong Jewish identity during a time of deep polarization, anti-zionism, and antisemitism.

How did Shlenker shape your children’s educational journey, and what impact have you seen since their time here?

Shlenker has provided the educational spark that has pushed each of our girls to excel in arts, sciences, language, and Jewish values. Shlenker constantly utilized innovations in education to provide unique tools for growing and learning.

From your perspective as a board member, what makes Shlenker stand out as a leader in education and community?

Leadership always starts at the top, and Dr. Barton, as Head of School, has established a culture of excellence that has been adopted by the administration and educators at Shlenker. The students are constantly at the top of scores in standardized tests like the CTP and ISEE, but the curriculum is not focused towards a test. Shlenker also participates in community activities that demonstrate to the students the importance of engagement even at a young age.

What traditions, values, or programs at Shlenker have left the most lasting impression on your family?

The prayers each day at the beginning of the school day sets a unique tone of the importance of being a citizen of the United States of America while understanding the importance of the State of Israel as a Jew. The Jewish values and learning of Hebrew has been instrumental in preparation for their Bat Mitzvahs. The annual science fair has brought about healthy competition to develop the scientific methodology within their projects. This has immediately carried over to middle school and high school.