Learning at YU’s Central
At the Yeshiva University High School for Girls (Central), academic excellence takes many forms.
Now in its third year, the Adira Rose Koffsky A”H Humanities Scholars Program (helmed by Humanities Department Chair and Director of College Guidance Rena Boord, pictured) continues to offer an immersive experience for students who demonstrate talent in literature and visual or performing arts.
“The program’s objective is to get the students excited about the humanities,” Boord said. “There’s something about sitting in a small group and talking about literature and artwork. That experience can bring work to life.”
Established in memory of 2022 alumna Koffsky, who was a beacon of the creative and performing arts while a student at Central, the program guides participants in exploring major works of literature through the lens of history, art, and philosophy.
“They have to commit to the humanities in a whole-hearted way in order to strengthen their connection,” Boord said.
Semester plans include the Broadway show “& Juliet,” a lecture from YU’s Dr. Ann Peters, who will address the current junior and senior reading assignment, “The Age of Innocence,” and a trip to YU’s Stern College Dramatics Society for a play.
Central’s Rambam Bekiut program is a cornerstone of the school’s Judaic Studies curriculum. Led by YUHSG’s Rosh Beit Midrash, Judaic Studies faculty Rabbi Zvi Lew, it is designed for students seeking deeper Talmudic exploration, with participants engaging in guided study all four years of high school.
Another program is the Science Institute. Junior Annabelle Klein presented her summer research project, ”The Effect of DNA Protective Buffers on Recovering DNA Evidence From Challenging Samples,” at Hofstra University’s Summer Science Research Program poster session. And senior Kayla Etra was chosen to present her project, “Performance Enhancement of Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells via ZnO Atomic Layer Deposition and Silver Nanoparticle LB Trough Coating,” at the Materials Research Science conference in Boston.
