FAQ
About JPAS
What is JPAS?
Jewish Parent Alliance in Schools (JPAS) is a national, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit. JPAS advances Jewish identity and belonging in private K–12 schools by preparing Jewish parents to engage constructively with their schools.
Why parents?
Parents are permanent members of the school community. They have the deepest investment in their children and the greatest opportunity to become trusted partners in school life.
Why private schools?
Private schools are self-governing, each making its own decisions about culture, curriculum, and community life, and they educate many future civic, business, and communal leaders. Improving the experience of Jewish students there creates ripple effects well beyond a single school.
How does JPAS work with other Jewish organizations?
JPAS works alongside other Jewish organizations, drawing on their expertise and resources when appropriate. We prepare Jewish parents to engage constructively with their schools and connect families with organizations relevant to their particular questions or concerns.
Does JPAS take political positions?
JPAS is a nonpartisan organization. We recognize Israel as the Jewish homeland, and we believe Jewish history, identity, and the Jewish people’s historic connection to Israel are essential components of a complete education about the Jewish people. That is a statement about identity and history, not politics: JPAS does not take positions on U.S. or Israeli government policy. Our work is focused on preparation, constructive engagement, and strengthening relationships that support Jewish identity and belonging in school communities.
Is JPAS adversarial toward schools?
No. Constructive Engagement is a core value: constructive collaboration builds trust, deepens understanding, and strengthens school communities. Our goal is not to win an argument.
What is Constructive Engagement?
Constructive engagement is the practice of preparing before engaging, approaching difficult issues with curiosity and respect, listening to understand, and communicating with intention. It creates room for understanding even when people do not agree.
JPAS Membership
What does it cost to join JPAS?
Membership is free. We hope members will share what's happening at their school, since that's how patterns become visible over time and how JPAS comes to understand what Jewish families are experiencing across private K-12 schools. Sharing is never a condition of membership.
Who can become a Member?
Any Jewish parent connected to a private K-12 school, regardless of what other roles they hold in their school community, PA leadership, the school board, or otherwise.
Will my information be kept confidential?
Yes. JPAS never shares or discloses your personal or identifying information: your name, your family's identity, or your school's name. If you ever want your own story shared publicly, that's your choice to make, never something JPAS decides on your behalf. What we do share, with partner organizations, schools, and accreditation bodies, is aggregate data: patterns across families and schools, with no names attached. You can also ask that a specific issue you report be left out of that aggregate entirely, so it's known to JPAS only.
Do you only work with Jewish parents?
JPAS exists to serve Jewish parents in private K–12 schools. Our work begins from a Jewish lens because that is our mission. At the same time, many of the principles and practices we use to prepare parents for constructive engagement can be useful more broadly.
Supporting JPAS
How can I support JPAS financially?
JPAS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. You can give through the Donate button at the top of every page or click here.