‘The Barbara and Jerry Levin Middle School is committed to providing all Jewish students with an outstanding secular and Jewish education,' says their mission statement.  Jessica Sammis, the Middle School Administrator, explains "The Federation, through its funds, helps us achieve our goal by assisting with scholarship needs. We are so grateful that we are able to accept Jewish students who wouldn't otherwise be able to afford a private Jewish education."

The middle school is dedicated to providing a variety of learning opportunities for its students. Each grading period, students are given a variety of electives from which to choose. In 2004-2005, students will also be encouraged to bring their hobbies and interests into the classroom through an independent study class.

The school believes strongly in education through travel.  "Our students gain a greater appreciation of history, language, people, literature, architecture, art, and so much more through travel," Sammis says.  Last year, and once every three years in the future, the students traveled to Israel to better their understanding of their heritage.  Jewish Federation dollars helped make the students' trip to Israel a reality. The trip enabled the students to further their personal love of the land.  In years between Israel trips, the students will study different places (its culture, history, etc) and travel there near the end of the school year.  This year, the middle school is looking forward to studying and visiting Philadelphia and New York City.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte supports six percent of the Barbara and Jerry Levin Middle School's annual budget.  "The school is proud that the Federation continues to take a keen interest in the Jewish education of children in Charlotte because they will go on to become our future leaders," says Lisa Shporer, President of the Board.  Enrollment at the Levin Middle School has increased almost 30% from the 2003-2004 school year (12 students) to the 2004-2005 year (17 students).  We all look forward to a bright future of creating strong Jewish adults of tomorrow.