She added that Jewish parents, many of whom were not educated in Jewish schools, are concerned that they are not well-grounded in their heritage and are unable to pass on traditions and beliefs and ensure the continuation of Judaism. These numbers represent about a 60 percent increase since 1990-1991, when 3,400 students attended Jewish day schools in the area, said Chaim Botwinick, executive vice president of the Center for Jewish Education. Botwinick said the growth in Jewish day schools is only beginning, with 6 percent to 10 percent annual increases expected over the next decade. Last year, enrollment reached 200,000. With growth comes growing pains.
Many schools are full and forced to turn away students.
Buildings are stretched, as are budgets. In the Jewish community, opinions differ about how to fund the schools, said Jay Bernstein, a founder of the Advocates for Leadership in Education Funding, which supports state aid to parochial schools. Other segments of the community oppose government aid. These challenges are not unique to Jewish schools. Catholic school enrollments have climbed consistently, and conservative Christian schools are second only to Catholic schools, making up about 20 percent of private schools nationwide.