Every parent dreams of finding the perfect school for their child — one that not only challenges them academically but also nurtures them emotionally and spiritually. For many families in our community, that place is Shalsheles Bais Yaakov.
Located in the heart of Boro Park, Shalsheles is more than just a school. It’s a second home. A haven. A lifeline. And for many girls who didn’t “fit the mold” elsewhere, it has become the turning point that shaped their lives for the better. SHALSHELESBAISYAAKOV.ORG
Founded in 1991 to serve Jewish girls from Russian and Bukharian backgrounds, Shalsheles Bais Yaakov has evolved into a multicultural school community representing families from Yeshivish and Chassidish homes, from BP, Flatbush, Staten Island, 5 Towns Crown Heights and even Monsey.
More than Just Academics
Shalsheles offers a rigorous, dual curriculum that balances high-level secular studies with a deep and meaningful Torah education. Students are prepared for Regents exams and receive a strong foundation in language arts, math, science, and history. At the same time, they are immersed in limudei kodesh, including Chumash, Halacha, Navi, and Yahadus.
With an average class size of just 16 students, the school emphasizes individualized instruction and personal growth. Teachers take the time to understand each girl’s strengths and challenges, and learning support is available for those who need extra help.
“We believe every student can succeed — in school and in life,” says Mrs. Esther Goodstein, the dedicated menaheles of the school. “No girl should ever be turned away from a Torah education because she doesn’t fit a specific mold.”
A Safe Space for Every Girl
In many ways, Shalsheles is a school for the students who were told “no” elsewhere. Whether due to academic challenges, social difficulties, or family circumstances, many girls who enroll in Shalsheles come from situations where they felt misunderstood, rejected, or left behind.
But here, they are given a fresh start — and a second chance. Rabbi Chaim Kugelman Shlit”a, the school’s Dean, is known for welcoming each new student with optimism and belief. “We look at the girl and ask, how can we help her grow?”
This approach has led to countless success stories — students who entered struggling and unsure, and graduated as confident, educated, and spiritually grounded young women.
A Culture of Warmth and Acceptance
One of the most remarkable features of Shalsheles is its non-judgmental, supportive environment. Girls from frum homes sit beside peers who are still discovering Judaism for the first time — and they grow together, with respect, inspiration, and friendship.
There is no pressure to conform. Instead, the school encourages each student to explore her connection to Torah and mitzvos in her own time, with guidance and encouragement.
“When I came to Shalsheles, I didn’t know how to keep Shabbos,” says one alumnus. By the end of my first year, I was lighting candles, making Kiddush, and loving every minute of it. The love for Yiddishkeit here is contagious.”
Weekly zemiros, meaningful Shabbos programming, schoolwide tefillos, and special events like challah bakes and yom tov workshops create a deep sense of connection and pride in being a Jewish girl.
A History of Transforming Lives
The school’s name — “Shalsheles,” meaning “chain” — reflects its mission to continue the unbroken chain of Jewish heritage and tradition. Since its founding, Shalsheles has been a place of healing and transformation for hundreds of students.
In one particularly moving moment at a recent graduation, a young woman stood at the podium and shared, “I came to Shalsheles after being expelled from another school. I felt like a failure. But here, they believed in me. Today, I’m graduating with confidence, and I know I have a future.”
This story is not unique. It is the story of Shalsheles.
Why Parents Are Choosing Shalsheles Bais Yaakov
More and more families are choosing Shalsheles because they’re looking for something real — a school that will educate their daughters, yes, but also love them, guide them, and help them grow into proud, capable Bnos Yisroel. Whether your daughter is transferring from another yeshiva, or just starting out, Shalsheles offers a place where she will be welcomed, accepted, and inspired.
Shalsheles Bais Yaakov is currently accepting applications for preschool, elementary, and high school divisions for the upcoming school year.
