About
Our School
Ganeinu, which means “our garden” in Hebrew, is a STEM school with a Reggio-inspired approach that provides a nurturing and inclusive environment for children to learn and develop. Our school believes in cultivating and nourishing each child’s unique potential like a garden--a child requires care and attention to thrive. Ganeinu encourages experiential learning, creative thinking, and collaboration, fostering a love of learning and a sense of community among students. Our school offers educational programs and opportunities for children from preschool to elementary school, designed to meet individual needs and provide skills and support for success. As a Jewish educational institution, Ganeinu emphasizes Jewish values and traditions, fostering a strong sense of identity and community among students.


Our Leadership
Rabbi Shmuel Kogan's passion for education is contagious, and he is constantly seeking growth in himself and in every person he meets. He grew up in a Russian American family. As a student of the Rabbinical College of America and the Rabbinical College of Australia and New Zealand, the vision and mission of the Lubavitcher Rebbe inspired him to lead a life of communal development. Rabbi Kogan graduated from the Institute of Day School Management at the Columbia University Graduate School of Business and was the Director of many successful camps, and was the Principal of JIQ Boys High School. He is married to Shevy Kogan.

Mission
Ganeinu began as a preschool in 2014. As time passed, we recognized the need for a quality Hebrew School education for children in our area. As we grew, we added our after-school programs to ensure students had a safe and warm after-school environment to thrive. We opened CTeen to provide local Jewish teens with the opportunity to connect, grow and develop as future Jewish leaders. As demand grew, we expanded our preschool and opened up Ganeinu Academy as a thriving elementary school. Today, Ganeinu provides an opportunity for every child and teen in our community to develop socially, emotionally, cognitively, and spiritually. From our flourishing preschool to our growing Academy for our elementary school, from our after school programs to our CTeen offerings, there’s something for everyone.

Our Philosophy
At Ganeinu, we recognize the incredible potential of every child. We aim to provide a nurturing, safe, and warm environment for every student to thrive. Our fantastic team of educators empowers children to develop their unique talents and creativity and to be lamplighters of positivity and kindness to the world around them. We believe Judaism should be joyful, meaningful and relevant, with many opportunities for every child to develop their own personal connection to their heritage. We look at the whole child and strive to imbue each child with a strong work ethic, sense of community, Jewish pride, the ability to dream big, and the skills and knowledge needed to reach their goals.
Our Family | Faculty & Staff
Ganeinu Academy’s faculty and staff are dedicated educators and professionals committed to fostering a nurturing and stimulating learning environment. Our team consists of experienced teachers, early childhood specialists, and support staff who prioritize academic excellence, social-emotional growth, and Jewish values. With a passion for education and individualized attention, our faculty cultivates a love for learning while ensuring each child thrives in a warm, inclusive setting.

Rabbi Shmuel Kogan
Director

Morah Shevy Kogan
Principal

Chana Pinson
Judaic Curriculum Coordinator + 4th Grade Judaic Studies

Toby Barg
English Curriculum Coordinator

Ellen Cohen
English Reading Specialist

Rita Tepfer
Administrator

Sheina Nacca
Administrator

Tiffany Nicasio Abayev
Director of Development

Morah Tami Fire
Art Director