1 out of 5 stars A Deeply Disappointing Experience - More Focused on Image than Individual Well-Being I attended Hillel Academy of Tampa Bay for 2.5 years, from late elementary into middle school. Unfortunately, my experience was not only disappointing -- it was harmful. Despite being branded as a Jewish school, many core religious traditions were inconsistently practiced. Even something as foundational as maintaining a kosher kitchen was not handled with the seriousness one would expect. But far more concerning was how the school handled (or failed to handle) student well-being, academic support, and mental health. I was forced to repeat a grade due to a single assignment that significantly affected my grade -- something I was never warned about. I wasn't given access to my GPA or any understanding of how I was being assessed, and I received no chance to catch up or make up for it. As a result, I had to undergo two full years of credit recovery to repair the academic damage. But what hurt most was how my mental health was handled -- or ignored. My time there pushed me into a deep depression. I ended up needing help from more than two therapists, including a social worker, just to begin feeling somewhat stable again. The school's mental health department was virtually non-existent and unhelpful when I needed it most. Academic support? Also lacking. I needed help with reading comprehension -- help that others briefly received for only two weeks, then never again. There was no real effort to provide long-term solutions or individualized support. It felt like unless you were already excelling, you were left behind. Worse still was the school culture. Students were often cruel, and advocacy was discouraged. Any time I tried to speak up for myself, I was either ignored or punished. The administration, particularly under Principal Allison Oakes, cared more about the school's reputation than its students. I was called delusional for trying to advocate for myself -- and even faced threats of expulsion for it. I am sharing this not out of anger, but out of necessity. If no one else is willing to hold this institution accountable, I may need to take further action. No child should go through what I did. A school is supposed to be a place of growth and safety -- not one that diminishes you and silences your voice. If I wanted to call the school a place where it can damage a child that's the name I would give it . Protect your child's mental and physical health by not sending them there or else you would end up like an angry parent and asking why you sent your child there . read more

Both of my children attended Hillel Academy of Tampa. During our ten years at this school, my kids blossomed into amazingly social, funny, caring, and motivated individuals. The teachers and staff at Hillel are incredibly involved in each child's life. They regularly stop to share stories of the children's day, quickly address concerns, and try to involve parents to create a positive Jewish community as a whole. My son got into trouble just one time, it was addressed appropriately, but then many of the staff came to tell me (secretly) how proud they were of his misbehavior. They were actually happy he was comfortable enough to "act out" that one time. I would highly recommend this school to anyone seeking a strong community, a good Jewish education, and a loving/respectful environment for their children. read more

Both of my daughters are going to the HILLEL Academy, both of my daughters love to stay there after school hours, the reason are very simple when you treat kids with a lot of love you make them happy. Highly recommend on the school during school year and recommend doing summer camp . The staff are amazing I will not send my kids to any other school . read more

Hillel Academy - My daughters at HILLEL Academy camp June 25 2024 - Middle Schools & High Schools Near Me - Tampa, Florida

The administration at that school is unimpressive and embarrassing. They only care about filling a spot and they do not care at all for a students needs. My grandson was there for three years and had to change schools. They were unable to keep up with a higher learning student. The early learning center had three or four directors in the three years that he was there. read more

Horrible school. At the time, I recall the math department in the school being underfunded and teachers were not hired for their merits, but rather by way of familial connections and nepotism read more

Hillel academy is a great school. I am a graduate as are two of my children. My youngest will hopefully graduate in 2023. My two graduates were well prepared for high school. They also graduated with a. Strong Jewish identity. If you care about your child's and your family's Jewish identity combined with an outstanding educational experience, then Hillel is the right choice for your children. read more

Hillel Academy is a wonderful Jewish Day School in Tampa, FL. It offers a private school experience with the added benefit of a warm, nurturing environment focused on Jewish religion, culture, and values. The teachers are excellent and the students receive individualized attention. The administration has been in transition recently, but very exciting changes have already been made, with great plans for the future. My husband went to school there as a child and has such fond memories of his time there. Now, my oldest son is going into third grade and my younger son will start Pre-K next fall. We are a proud Hillel Family. I highly recommend Hillel Academy. read more

Hillel Academy has been a pillar of both Jewish AND secular education. The graduates of the Hillel Academy (formerly The Hillel School of Tampa) often excel in High School. Many of these graduates then attend top Private and Public Universities. I am a graduate. My wife and I are proud of the school and the education that has been provided. In fact, our daughter, a recent graduate, is now excelling in high school due to the preparation from Hillel. Our two sons also enjoy and are benefiting greatly from the Hillel experience. If you are concerned with the future of Judaism, and if you are also interested in a great secular education for your children. You MUST send your child to Hillel Academy. read more

Awful school. Come talk to me about the injustice of this school. Bullying is happening at various grade levels and nothing is done about it. Instead of fixing the problems, they harass parents. Took my kids out with approval from management and still getting harassed to bring my kids back. Contact me if you want to know more information. I will fight and i wont be silenced. read more

Great school. My grandkids attended and they give the kids a great secular and jewish eduction there.