A woman with dark hair and a black shirt standing on a staircase, smiling at the camera against a beige wooden wall.

A Message from the Head of School

When I think about what we’re building at The Stanley I. Chera SAM School, I think about what every child deserves: to be seen, to be challenged, to be inspired, and to belong. SAM is not just a school. It’s a growing community rooted in Torah values, academic excellence, and a deep belief in every child’s potential.

This school was born from vision, but it’s growing through love. Our teachers are deeply invested in their students’ growth. Our families believe in the power of Jewish education to shape character, identity, and purpose. Our curriculum brings Torah, humanities, STEM, and the arts together in ways that make learning relevant, rigorous, and lasting.

At SAM, Torah values are not just taught—they’re lived. We guide students to think critically, speak confidently, and lead with compassion and integrity. Small class sizes and individualized instruction ensure every child is known and supported. Our students explore big ideas, engage meaningfully with tradition, and grow into thoughtful young people who know who they are and what they stand for.

We’re also proud of the parent body that has formed around this mission—warm, committed, and deeply engaged in building something lasting together. Just as important, our leadership and faculty are accessible, responsive, and genuinely care. We’re here for your children, and we’re here for you.

This is a school that feels different because it is different. It’s focused, intentional, and full of purpose. If you’re looking for a place where your child will be challenged, supported, and inspired to grow, I invite you to discover SAM.

Warmly,
Dr. Rachel Harari
Head of School
The Stanley I. Chera SAM School

A young girl with wavy brown hair and blue eyes, wearing a white polo shirt with 'The SAM School' embroidered on it, smiling outdoors on a sunny day with greenery in the background.

Early Childhood

At the SAM School, early childhood is all about joy, connection, and discovery. Our classrooms are full of laughter, love, and the wonder that comes when children feel safe to explore and be themselves.

We take the time to really know each child—what makes them light up, what helps them feel secure, and how they learn best. Our teachers work closely with families to create a warm, nurturing space where learning happens through play, curiosity, and meaningful relationships.

– Chary Fox, Early Childhood Director

    • Sephardic traditions and Jewish values are woven into everyday experiences

    • Shabbat songs, challah baking, and holiday celebrations bring learning to life

    • A culture of kindness and respect shapes the way we speak and act

    • Classrooms are immersive, joyful, and thoughtfully designed

    • Children are treated with dignity — never “babied”

    • We set high expectations and children rise to meet them

    • Creativity, curiosity, and independence are nurtured at every age

    • The warmth and magic of our program is felt the moment you walk through the doors

  • Our newly renovated 74th Street campus was purpose-built to nurture the youngest learners of the SAM School. Located in the heart of the Upper East Side, the Moise and Chella Safra Building is home to our Early Childhood program and reflects our deep commitment to excellence, community, and tradition. The space features bright classrooms, a sensory gym, and three outdoor play and garden areas — all designed to support joyful, immersive learning. This beautiful new home represents the fulfillment of a long-held dream: a central, community-rooted school where Sephardic values and educational vision come to life every day.

Inquire here
A young girl with glasses and earrings, wearing a school uniform including a navy blazer, white polo shirt, navy skirt, knee-high socks with colorful stripes, and black shoes, stands against a white brick wall with one foot crossed over the other.

Judaic Curriculum

Rooted in meaningful engagement with classical Jewish texts, our middle school Judaic Studies program invites students to encounter Torah as an intellectually rigorous and spiritually transformative guide for life. Students see themselves as part of the ongoing story of Am Yisrael, developing the skills to analyze sacred sources with depth while also fostering a personal relationship with Hashem and a profound love for Eretz Yisrael. In the process, they grow into proud Jewish citizens of the world, prepared to represent our people with vast knowledge, integrity, and dignity wherever they go.

Learning is interactive and alive: students question, debate, and connect ancient wisdom to contemporary life. We celebrate the diversity of minhagim and tefilot, nurture respect for the breadth of Jewish practice, and build excitement and inspiration around the chagim as moments of spiritual growth and communal joy. Through these experiences, students cultivate ownership of their learning and a deep sense of belonging to Klal Yisrael.

– Tammy Masar, Judaic Studies Director K-8

    • Text-based study that emphasizes independent analysis, critical thinking, and developing a personal voice in Torah

    • Integrated threads linking Chumash, Navi, Halacha, Mishnah, Ivrit and history to create a unified understanding of our heritage

    • Hands-on engagement through projects, interactive classes, and creative assessments that bring Torah to life beyond the classroom

    • A culture that fosters curiosity, responsibility, and commitment, guiding students to see Torah as both Torat Chaim: a living source that shapes and elevates their daily lives, and Torat Emet: an eternal truth to be studied with depth and embraced as a guiding light for their minds and hearts.

Inquire here

Elementary School

SAM’s elementary curriculum is rigorous, research-based, and designed to feel connected to the real world. Our literacy program weaves together phonics, comprehension, writing, and exposure to diverse texts across genres, so that students experience reading and writing as part of life, not as isolated subjects. In math, we use Singapore Math, known worldwide for building deep conceptual understanding and strong problem-solving skills. Vocabulary, spelling, and thematic exploratory units tie learning together, while a balance of tests and projects ensures both mastery and creativity. Students are encouraged to think critically, make connections, and bring learning off the page.

– Susie Sutton, Curriculum Director K-4

    • Integrated Literacy: Phonics, comprehension, writing, and diverse genres that mirror real life

    • Singapore Math: Deep conceptual learning and problem-solving focus

    • Vocabulary & Spelling: Language skills embedded throughout the curriculum

    • Exploratory Units: Thematic studies connect disciplines and inspire curiosity

    • Balanced Assessment: Tests paired with hands-on, project-based learning

  • The 96th Street Campus offers an ideal learning environment where curiosity and creativity thrive. With 16 well-lit classrooms designed to inspire, students have the perfect space to explore, create, and grow. Our proximity to Central Park enhances outdoor learning, while our dedicated science lab, library, and art studio empower hands-on exploration in STEM and the arts. A beautiful Midrash space fosters spiritual development, and our thoughtfully designed campus provides a nurturing atmosphere for both academic and personal growth. At the 96th Street Campus, every student is encouraged to reach their full potential in a beautiful, supportive setting.

Inquire here

Middle School

Through an interdisciplinary approach, our middle school students explore big ideas, ask thoughtful questions, and grow into curious, lifelong learners. We emphasize doing while learning – encouraging students to investigate, create, debate, and apply their knowledge in real and meaningful ways. From early civilizations to current events, algebraic reasoning to real-world science investigations, and classic literature to modern-day media literacy, they engage with rich, relevant content across subjects. Our individualized instruction and collaborative learning sharpens their ability to think critically, write effectively, speak confidently, and solve problems creatively, all while building a strong sense of independence.

– Yafit Fishbach, Middle School Humanities Director

    • With a strong emphasis on revision, students build skills in writing, research, critical thinking, and public speaking

    • Interdisciplinary units that connect content across subjects in meaningful ways to deepen understand of their world 

    • Experiential learning through field trips, labs, and hands-on creative projects that require application of knowledge

    • A culture of students taking ownership of their individual learning

  • SAM is located on 96th Street and Fifth Avenue in a beautiful, light-filled facility that reflects our commitment to excellence, creativity, and community. Our campus includes a state-of-the-art STEM lab, library, art studio, music room, cafeteria, and a dedicated middle school lounge that fosters independence and connection. Just steps from Central Park, we use the city as an extension of our classrooms, from nature walks to museum visits to civic engagement. Our students don’t just learn about the world; they experience it firsthand. At SAM, New York City is an essential part of their education.

Inquire here