HELP US REBUILD BNEI NEVIIM ACADEMY
Since my son has been going to Bnei Neviim Academy medication is not relevant....
My son feels understood, valued and seen...
The boys learn how to make good desicions, and own their spirituality...
Who we are
About
Bnei Neviim Academy is an integrative leadership academy for boys who do not thrive in conventional school systems. We integrate Torah learning with project-based academics, life-skills training, and coaching in self-regulation, decision-making, and responsibility.
where we are going
Vision
A Torah-centered leadership community of intrinsically motivated boys who are curious and self-governing. Students set goals, manage their time, adapt, collaborate, and contribute consistently within a mixed-age community—solving real problems and developing practical life skills that support lifelong learning and growth.
How We are going to get there
Mission
Weekly coaching and individualized leadership plans aligned with each student’s developmental stage; explicit life-skills classes; integrated Torah learning (including Chassidus); and a structured daily routine that builds accountability and follow-through. Students learn through hands-on projects, physical fitness, and customized curriculum pathways supported by adaptive AI tools and progress tracking—so growth is measurable, practical, and sustained.
the first step
Decompression and Unschooling
Many students arrive burned out from years of external control and repeated failure cycles. Decompression is a structured transition that reduces artificial pressure, rebuilds trust in learning, and restores internal motivation—without removing expectations or accountability.
Stabilize routine and regulation with predictable structure, movement, and clear expectations
Replace coercion with coached choice: autonomy within firm boundaries
Rebuild competence through mastery: hands-on tasks, short wins, and consistency
Map strengths and gaps to create an individualized learning plan
Transition into guided learning pods with increasing responsibility as reliability grows
READY TO UNLEASH YOUR SON’S INNER HERO?
Apply to Bnei Neviim Academy
A Torah-centered leadership community for boys who don’t thrive in conventional school systems. Integrated Torah learning, coached self-governance, hands-on projects, and measurable life-skills growth.
How we learn torah
Integrative Torah Learning
Torah learning at Bnei Neviim is experiential and integrative, anchored in real-life questions. We teach Torah as a practical framework for middos, relationships, decision-making, and responsibility, using sources that match each student’s developmental stage and readiness.
what our day looks like
How Learning Works Day-to-Day
Learning is organized into “pods” with clear expectations, timelines, and outcomes. Students choose pods intentionally, manage time, and build competence through projects and guided practice.
Students set goals and select pods aligned to those goals
Pods run by developmental level, not only by age
Clear deliverables and accountability for attendance and follow-through
Guides coach process; curriculum and AI tools support content and pacing
Progress is tracked to build consistency, mastery, and responsibility
connect with parents who share your vision
Join Our Free Online Community
Join a free online community for parents and educators who want practical, Torah-aligned alternatives to conventional schooling. We host live conversations with professionals in Jewish education and related fields, share cutting-edge research on motivation, development, and learning, and discuss how to implement these principles at home and in community.
Tools we use
Self-Governance
Self-governance means students take real responsibility for agreements, behavior, and community standards. With guide facilitation, students learn to make decisions, solve problems, and repair when things break—building autonomy with accountability.
Clear community agreements that students help create and uphold
Regular governance meetings for decisions, problem-solving, and review
Accountability systems that track commitments, roles, and follow-through
Restorative processes: responsibility, repair, and re-entry after conflict
Mixed-age collaboration that builds leadership, mentorship, and social maturity
The flow of learning
Guides, Not Teachers
There is no “sage on the stage.” Guides focus on where each student is holding, coach process and accountability, and help students move from confusion to competence. Content is supported by structured curriculum pathways and AI-enabled tools, so guides prioritize regulation, clarity, execution, and growth.
mold the future of Jewish education together
Torah Guides Who Make a Professional Salaries
We build a model where mechanchim are compensated as high-level professionals. Strong, stable staffing enables long-term mentorship, consistent standards, and real continuity for students and families.
our student do real work
Affiliate Business Apprenticeship Program
Businesses can outsource real tasks to supervised student teams through a guided apprenticeship model. Work is delivered with clear requirements, structured oversight, and quality control while students build practical skills and professional standards.
Real deliverables aligned to student capability and training level
Clear communication, timelines, and supervised execution
Internal quality review before delivery
mold the future of education together
Outsource Work to Eager Students
If your business outsources work and wants a reliable, supervised student team, apply to become an affiliate partner. We’ll review your needs and match appropriate projects.
parents as partners
Our Parents
Parents are active partners in the growth process. We align expectations, track progress, and coordinate support so students experience consistency across home and school.
Regular parent communication and progress updates
Shared language for accountability, regulation, and responsibility
Clear home support strategies that match the student’s current stage
Collaborative problem-solving when challenges arise
A unified plan for long-term growth, not short-term compliance
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does the school handle students who might have learning disabilities or require special education services?
Students with learning disabilities benefit from our flexible schedule and dialogue-based learning approach. Diagnoses like ADHD are addressed holistically by tackling underlying factors that affect focus.
We have a no candy and very limited snacks policy, removing one of the main underlying causes of ADHD symptoms. Students also have access to our on-site gym, allowing them to work out during the day—another proven way to reduce ADHD-related challenges.
Our entire learning modality is built on self-governance, helping students become self-aware so they can choose the right activities at the right times and develop healthy lifestyles that naturally minimize these symptoms.
2. What kind of social activities or events does the school organize to help students bond and form friendships?
We organize monthly field trips where all students are welcome to participate. In addition, we hold special trips for students who have put effort into improving across all areas of our life skills program.
Throughout the school year, we also schedule group outings, shared meals, and collaborative projects that foster bonding and create real-life teaching opportunities outside the classroom.
3. How does the school approach discipline and behavioral issues?
At Bnei Neviim Academy, discipline and behavioral issues are addressed transparently, emphasizing open communication between students, parents, and staff. Each student commits to upholding our Student Handbook, which outlines expected behaviors and responsibilities.
Weekly group meetings provide a platform for students to discuss their experiences, share feedback, and reflect on how they are living up to these commitments in a supportive environment.
4. What kind of involvement do parents have in the school community and decision-making processes?
We collaborate closely with families to ensure their children’s success and well-being. For our approach to work, it is imperative that parents adapt our coaching protocol and support their children’s autonomy.
For more information, click here to view our Coaching and Onboarding Protocol
5. Are there provisions for students who might need additional help with Hebrew language and reading skills?
If a student requires additional help, we will work together with the family to arrange for appropriate support—this may include hiring specialized staff. If such assistance incurs significant costs, parents may be asked to contribute toward the expense.
Our daily structure also provides many opportunities for peer-to-peer tutoring, with older students mentoring younger ones in Hebrew, English, and other subjects.
For more information regarding our paid internships and student positions, click here.
6. How does the school support students' mental health and emotional well-being?
Mental health awareness is integrated into our teaching approach, recognizing the link between emotional resilience and spiritual growth. Students are given practical tools to navigate challenges, manage emotions, and strengthen their inner sense of purpose. For more information on the spiritual aspects of our integrated Torah learning and how it supports mental health, click here.
8. How are conflicts between students resolved?
Conflicts are addressed through restorative practices that encourage empathy, accountability, and relationship repair. Guided discussions and peer mediation are used to reach mutually agreed solutions. For more information on how we deal with conflict, click here to read the Parent Handbook.
7. What measures are taken to ensure the safety and security of the students on campus?
Safety protocols are determined in collaboration with parents and staff, considering that students have flexible movement during the day. Agreed boundaries, supervision levels, and emergency contacts are strictly maintained.
9. Are there opportunities for students to express their individual beliefs and perspectives in class?
Yes. Open dialogue is encouraged, and students are free to ask questions, share perspectives, and explore differing viewpoints respectfully. Students are required to attend the life skills class once a week, focusing primarily on communication skills and collaboration despite differing viewpoints. This is a core aspect of our institution: working together respectfully, maintaining boundaries, and valuing each other’s differences. Click here to see our Eight Core Life Skills.
10. What is the school's policy on phones and internet?
Phones are allowed in school but must be equipped with a filter. Students must complete the Technology Agreement Waiver, setting their own accountability measures and consequences. No videos are allowed. The school’s Wi-Fi is filtered, and any personal devices brought to school must also have a filter. If a student’s device is unfiltered, the school will provide one. Devices are for educational use only, and the filter is never turned off. For more information regarding our philosophy on technology, click here to read our blog entry A Guide to Healthy Technology Use: Our Philosophy and Approach.
Rabbi Shloimie Dratler
Bnei Neviim Academy was founded after my son struggled in the conventional school system. I made it my mission to help rebuild Torah education in Eretz Yisrael through an approach aligned with the stages of human development—integrating experiential Torah learning with coaching, self-governance, and real-world responsibility. Our goal is a Geulah-oriented educational culture where Torah is natural, embodied, and lived through meaningful practice.
Partner With Us in Building the Future of Jewish Education
Your donation goes directly towards
Building a sustainable, mixed-ages legal campus in Beit Shemesh where boys who don't fit the system can thrive.
Developing the full legal and organizational infrastructure — licensing, compliance, accountability, and a strong base of committed supporters.
Advancing Jewish education by integrating child-centered modalities, emotional health, life skills, and self-governance, directly into serious, joyful Torah learning.
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Bnei Neviim Academy is a registered non-profit in the State of New Jersey.