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About
The Ramaz School is a prestigious coeducational Modern Orthodox Jewish day school located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City. Founded in 1937 by Rabbi Joseph H. Lookstein with support from philanthropist Max J. Etra, the school's name derives from the initials of Rabbi Moses Zevulun Margolies, Lookstein's grandfather. It offers a dual curriculum combining general studies taught in English with Judaic studies taught in Hebrew, serving students from early childhood (nursery through kindergarten) through upper school (grades 9-12). The institution has deep historical roots, including involvement in a 1933 mass rally at Madison Square Garden protesting the Nazi threat to Jews in Germany, reflecting its commitment to Jewish advocacy and education. Ramaz is renowned for its rigorous academic program and exceptional placement rates into elite universities, as highlighted in a 2007 Wall Street Journal feature. It educates children from prominent Jewish families and maintains institutional ties, such as trustee Michael Steinhardt, underscoring its role in networks of Jewish philanthropy and influence. With approximately 264 employees and annual revenue of around $23 million, Ramaz operates as a private educational institution focused on Torah and general studies. The school is planning a relocation of its offices in January 2024, affecting about 100 staff at its current location on 60 East 78th Street. As a key center for Modern Orthodox Jewish education, Ramaz emphasizes both intellectual excellence and religious observance, fostering a community that balances secular achievement with Jewish values. Its alumni often pursue leadership roles in various fields, contributing to broader networks of influence within Jewish and American society.