Sept. 2026
Oliver Borr

This September will mark an important moment in the history of Jewish education in Hamilton as HHA High opens its doors to its first Grade 9 class.

The school’s educational vision combines strong academics, meaningful Jewish learning, practical experience and leadership development within a close and supportive community. Its goal is not only to help students succeed in school, but to give them the knowledge, confidence and sense of belonging they will need throughout their lives.

This new school is being established at a time when Jewish students are entering an increasingly complex world. They will encounter questions about their identity and the place of the Jewish people within the broader community. 
HHA High is being built to prepare students for those realities.

Two of HHA High’s signature initiatives, IMPACT and PATHWAYS, will play a central role in advancing that vision.

IMPACT is HHA High’s experiential program in Jewish identity, communication and community leadership.

At its centre is Proudly Jewish: Identity, History and Leadership. Students will explore Jewish identity, history, resilience, Israel, antisemitism, advocacy and civic engagement. They will examine the experiences that have shaped the Jewish people and consider how those experiences continue to influence Jewish life today.

The program will also address the real challenges Jewish students may encounter beyond the walls of the school.

Proudly Jewish provides students with the tools for those moments.
The program will empower teens with a depth of history and knowledge, about Israel and Judaism, while building the skill and confidence to communicate and advocate clearly, respectfully and persuasively. This last capacity will be strengthened through Finding Your Voice: Dramatic Arts, Confidence and Leadership, taught by Kaime Sherman.

Students will learn how to organize their thoughts, speak before an audience, communicate with conviction and present themselves with confidence. These skills will support their academic work, future careers and participation in Jewish and civic life.

These abilities will be showcased and developed in our Ambassadors Programme. Through the Ambassadors Programme, students will be trained to present Judaism and the Jewish lived experience to the broader community. They will develop presentations explaining Jewish faith, identity, traditions and history, while also addressing the impact of antisemitism on Jewish individuals and communities. Through partnerships with community institutions, HHA High students will have opportunities to serve as sensitivity trainers. They will be expected to present complex topics with accuracy, composure and respect.

HHA High is pleased to announce the launch of PATHWAYS, an after-school credit program for students attending high school. The program will welcome Jewish teens from across the Hamilton community, including students who attend other secondary schools. It is intended to provide engaging Ontario credit courses while creating a setting where Jewish students can learn together, build friendships and connect with community mentors.

The first two PATHWAYS courses will focus on Food and Nutrition, and Entrepreneurship.

The Grade 9 Food and Nutrition course will be open to students in Grades 8, 9 and 10. Students will study nutrition and the relationship between food, culture and personal well-being.

Hands-on cooking will form an important part of the course. Students will gain practical kitchen skills, develop confidence in food preparation and learn how to make informed and healthy choices.

The course will also have a strong Jewish and community dimension. Students will explore Jewish culinary traditions and ritual foods, help prepare food for community occasions and explain the meaning and history of particular dishes and practices. It also entails field trips with leaders and companies in the food industry

Throughout the year, students will have opportunities to share what they have learned through presentations, demonstrations and tasting events.

The second PATHWAYS course, Entrepreneurship: The Venture, will be open to students in Grades 9 through 12.

Students will learn how to move from an initial idea to a viable business, organization or community initiative. They will study opportunity identification, business planning, marketing, finance, operations and the practical challenges involved in bringing a venture to life.

Active learning will be central to the course. Students will develop their own concepts, test their assumptions and consider how their ideas could respond to a genuine need or opportunity.

Business leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals and community members will be incorporated into the program. They will share their experience, introduce students to different forms of leadership and help them understand the decisions, challenges and perseverance involved in building something meaningful.

The course will culminate in a public presentation where students will share their venture concepts with members of the community. They will be required to explain their ideas clearly, respond to questions and demonstrate how their plans could be implemented.

The opening of HHA High represents more than the launch of a new school. It is the beginning of a new chapter in Jewish education in Hamilton.

Through IMPACT, students will develop the identity, knowledge and voice needed to navigate the challenges they will encounter as young Jewish people. Through PATHWAYS, they will gain practical skills, credits and meaningful connections with peers and community leaders.

For more information about HHA High and its programs, visit HHA.ca/highschool