וְיָדֵינוּ פְרוּשׂוֹת כְּנִשְׁרֵי שָׁמָיִם

Our hands outstretched like the wings of an eagle

Shabbat Morning Prayers

At OHDS, new students soar with our WINGS Lateral Transfer Program

W I N G S

The WINGS Program at OHDS, named with inspiration from our eagle mascot, provides a warm and intentional transition for new students entering OHDS in grades 1–8 from public and independent schools. With personalized instruction and a strong focus on belonging, students gain the skills they need while feeling fully part of the community. We welcome students who have not attended a Jewish Day School before. We welcome students who come without Hebrew or Judaic studies experience. We do this because we believe that the Jewish tradition belongs to every Jewish child.

 Our approach ensures our new students feel comfortable, supported, and confident from day one.

WELCOME

INTEGRATE

NURTURE

GROW

SUCCEED

What Your Child Will Experience

  • Individualized support in Hebrew and Judaic studies

  • Small-group instruction and differentiated learning

  • A warm, inclusive classroom environment

  • Teachers experienced in welcoming new learners

  • A strong sense of belonging from the very beginning

Eitan shares about entering OHDS in 5th grade.

What Parents Notice

Families consistently share how quickly their children feel comfortable, capable, and connected at OHDS. Families choose OHDS for its strong academics, caring environment, and commitment to helping every child succeed—no matter where they begin.

“We have kind of been all over the place. [Our boys] were in a Jewish preschool and then for elementary in a public school. And then, we decided very intentionally to put them into OHDS for middle school and we are so happy with our decision. It's been really life-changing for us in our family. Our boys, and us, have become part of a really strong, beautiful Jewish community. Now we have a freshman at Berkeley High and he knows who he is, and he loves who he is, and he loves his community.”

Mikelle, OHDS parent

FAQ about WINGS

My child has no Hebrew or Jewish learning. Won’t they be behind?

That’s okay. With individualized support and a welcoming community, your child will soar in our Hebrew and Jewish programming. No prior Hebrew is required. Our beloved instructors meet every student where they are, helping them to gain the skills they need, build confidence quickly, and supporting them every step of the way.

Our child doesn’t know many (or any) OHDS students! Will OHDS help them get connected to their peers?

Absolutely. Whether it be during class meetings, facilitated play at recess, advisory groups in older grades, cross-grade Tribe programming or through group learning inside the classroom, our team are constantly thinking about the social emotional health of every student, ensuring that everyone, especially our newest students are connected with others and actively building and strengthening friendships.

We are not an Orthodox family. Will we fit in?

OHDS serves families with a very wide range of beliefs, practices, customs and backgrounds, including Modern Orthodox families. We are proud to be a community that is deeply rooted in its core values and who simultaneously reflects and celebrates the diverse Jewish landscape of the Bay Area.

We aren’t close with any families at OHDS. How will we be able to integrate into an established class community?

OHDS is a community that welcomes EVERY family. We have a strong parent committee that works thoughtfully and efficiently to welcome new families to our school in all grades every year. This happens through phone call check-ins, Shabbat meal invitations, whatsapp group chats, playdates at the park and regular OHDS family and parent events.