Academy - Jewish Youth Network
Dive into Jewish learning like never before
- Sept-June, weekly 3:45-6:00pm
Find your voice in the Jewish story
JYN Academy is where Jewish teens earn Ontario high school credits—while discovering their heritage, grappling with real-world ideas, and building lifelong friendships.
But more than that, it’s an experience that shapes their entire high school journey.
Students don’t just leave with credits—they leave with confidence, leadership skills, and a deep connection to who they are. It’s not just a class. It’s a community that matters.
Courses Overview
- Earn high school creditsOntario-accredited courses that count toward your diploma.
- Experience Jewish learning that mattersConnect deeply with your identity and values.
- Build leadership skills & lifelong memories
- Make friends & be part of something biggerJoin a warm community you’ll look forward to each week.
School credit meets soulful connection
- Grade 9 Bible StudiesMondays, 3:45-6:00 PM
- What’s the Point of All This Stuff?“They tried to kill us, we won, let’s eat!”—the classic Jewish holiday motto… or is it?
- Grade 10 Philosophy CourseTuesdays, 3:45-6:00 PM
- The Big QuestionsIt’s the middle of the night—you’re tossing, turning, and your mind won’t stop racing.
- Grade 11 Empowerment & Identity CourseWednesdays, 3:45-6:00 PM
- Who are you—beyond your music preferences, fashion choices
- Grade 12 Philosophy CourseThursdays, 3:45-6:00 PM
- In the words of the legendary Freddie Mercury, “Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?”
- Grade 11 Entrepreneurship: The Venture
- Build It. Pitch It. Make It Happen.This course introduces students to the world of business, entrepreneurship, and creative problem-solving.
- Grade 12 Math: Advanced FunctionsMonday/Wednesday, 4:00-6:00 PM
- Confidence for the Next LevelThis course builds on students’ understanding of functions and prepares them for future studies in math, business, science, technology,
- Grade 11 Math: FunctionsTuesday/Thursday, 4:00-6:00 PM
- Making Math Make SenseThis course helps students strengthen their understanding of functions, equations, graphs, and problem-solving strategies.
- Grade 11 EnglishMonday/Wednesday, 6:30-8:30 PM
- Read Better. Write Stronger. Think Deeper.This course helps students develop stronger reading, writing, communication, and critical-thinking skills.
- Grade 12 EnglishMonday/Wednesday, 6:30-8:30 PM
- Write With Confidence. Think With Clarity.This course prepares students for post-secondary success by strengthening advanced reading, writing, analysis, and communication skills.
- Grade 12 Math: Advanced FunctionsTuesday/Thursday, 4:00-6:00 PM
- Confidence for the Next LevelThis course builds on students’ understanding of functions and prepares them for future studies in math, business, science, technology,
- Grade 12 Math: CalculusMonday/Wednesday, 6:00-8:00 PM
- Confidence for the Next LevelThis course helps students build a strong foundation in advanced calculus concepts, including limits, derivatives, rates of change, optimization,
Come for the credits— stay for the perks
- JYN Academy students enjoy awesome extras like:
- Priority access to Shabbatons, trips & special events
- Reference letters for school, volunteer hours, or jobs
- Access to the JYN Lounge during open hours to chill, study, or shoot hoops
- 18% off at Manna Café & The Kosher Pickle Food Truck
- Co-op placements & job opportunities offered first to JYN students
- First dibs to register for next year’s classes
- These added perks make JYN Academy more than just school— it’s a highlight of your week.
Frequently Asked Questions
JYN (Jewish Youth Network) is all about creating meaningful and fun Jewish experiences for teens. We run programs, events, volunteering opportunities, summer activities, and leadership roles that help you build your Jewish identity and have a great time doing it.
We believe that real impact doesn’t come from “one-off” programs. The photos might look great, but true connection and personal growth happen through year-long involvement, friendship, and constant engagement. That’s what JYN is all about — giving you a place to belong, grow, and be part of something bigger.
JYN Academy is one of JYN’s programs where you can earn extra Ontario high school credits outside of your regular school. You stay at your regular high school, but once a week you come to JYN Academy for classes that are meaningful, fun, and help build your Jewish knowledge and confidence.
Yes — you’ll earn high school credits. But honestly, the biggest reason to join is the experience. You’ll make new friends, connect to your Jewish identity, and become part of something that can change your entire high school experience.
Students who stick with JYN Academy throughout high school don’t just leave with credits — they leave with amazing memories, leadership skills, and a deep connection to their Jewish roots. So many parents later say, “I wish I’d made sure my teen was involved in something Jewish back in high school.” Don’t wait until it’s too late — get involved now.
Fees vary each year. We usually offer an early bird price and a regular fee. Please check our website for current pricing. If money is tight, we offer payment plans, scholarships, and we never turn a student away due to lack of funds.
JYN Academy is a full-year program , running from September to June . It’s not just about taking a class — it’s about becoming part of the JYN community and making JYN a highlight of your week.
Each course has its own curriculum (check out course descriptions on our website), but overall, we focus on Jewish history, values, ideas, Israel, and what it means to live proudly as a Jew today. You’ll learn real content, but in a way that’s engaging, relevant, and meaningful.
Each course includes field trips and special outings connected to what you’re learning. Plus, once you’re part of JYN Academy, you’ll get first access to all our JYN trips, Shabbatons, volunteering events, and social programs.
Each class has an unforgettable Shabbat dinner at Rabbi Shmuli & Chani’s home — including Chani’s world-famous challah! There are also other fun and meaningful events, volunteering opportunities, and JYN retreats offered throughout the year.
There is a $100 non-refundable deposit when you register. If you cancel before October 15 and we can fill your spot from the waitlist, we’ll refund the balance. If we can’t fill your spot, no refund will be given.
Expect good vibes, great people, and an amazing Jewish experience. You’ll make friends, learn meaningful things, and be part of something that will stick with you long after high school.
Yes! We’re happy to set up a payment plan. Just call our office and speak to Judy.
Of course! We know you have other commitments — hockey, dance, sports, extra-curriculars. But here’s the thing: You’ll play hockey or dance for a few years. You’ll be Jewish for life.
So make sure you invest in something that will stay with you forever. If you sign up, please commit to showing up and being part of the experience.
Classes take place once a week , from 3:45 PM to 6:00 PM , starting in September and finishing in June.
Yes, each course includes assignments, assessments, and a final project or test at the end of each unit. It’s not overwhelming — but you do need to do the work.
Yes! Each course gives you an official Ontario high school credit . Some courses even count toward your university application .
At the end of the year, we send your final report card to your home school so it’s added to your Ontario Student Record (OSR) .
On average, there are about 30 students per class . Depending on the course and age group, some classes may be slightly bigger or smaller.
The main teacher is Rabbi Shmuli Nachlas , who has been teaching teens at JYN Academy since 2007. He’s known for making learning relevant, interesting, and meaningful. Plus, there are teaching assistants and staff to support the students.
Our official school name is JYN Academy . Our Ontario Ministry of Education school registration number (MIDENT) is 669618.
Yes! Two of our courses are U-level courses , which means they can be used toward university applications.
Join a place to learn, question, and belong
- High school is the time to anchor your teen in meaning, values, and community. Find their course and register today.
- Thank you for partaking in dedicating Marky’s Music Room.
- Please share this with your friends on social media so they can join as well..