The Leffell Experience

At The Leffell School, athletics isn’t just about competition. It’s where students grow as leaders, teammates, and confident individuals. Our high school sports programs develop skills, character, and pride both on and off the field. Learn more about Leffell Lions Athletics here.

Independent Science Research (ISR) program offers our high school students a chance to pursue scientific research of their choosing at a college graduate level for three-and-a-half years. Beginning in ninth grade and continuing through the first semester of senior year, ISR is a rigorous program designed for a select number of students who are interested in conducting original science research in an academic or medical laboratory under the guidance of a professional mentor. Areas of study include the biological, behavioral, environmental, or physical sciences; astronomy, engineering, computer science, computational biology, bioinformatics, or mathematics.

As students advance through the program, they learn to write scientific research papers and abstracts with the ultimate goal of presenting their research at a regional science and engineering competition, such as the Westchester and Rockland Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) and/or the Regeneron Westchester Science and Engineering Fair (WESEF). Students will also have the option to compete nationally in the Regeneron Science Talent Search during their senior year.

The capstone of a Leffell School education, Lev v’Nefesh takes seniors on a life-changing journey through Poland and Israel. Students explore Jewish history where it began, deepen their identity, and return ready to lead as confident Jewish voices on college campuses. Click here to discover how this transformative experience shapes the next generation.

The college counseling journey follows a purposeful, four-year trajectory centered on student independence and strategic planning. In ninth and tenth grades, counselors demystify the admissions landscape, helping families to focus on transcript building, standardized testing advice, and early financial planning. The process intensifies in the junior year when each family will develop a partnership with their assigned college counselor and meet individually to review the student’s prospective college list and personal profile. Juniors attend weekly grade-wide strategy seminars and go on a grade-wide college visit trip. By senior year, the focus shifts to execution, beginning with an August application boot camp to ensure students start the school year with their Common Application nearly complete.

Every high school class shares a Shabbaton each year. These annual, off-site weekends allow each grade to welcome Shabbat together through song, learning, tefilah, shared meals, and the kind of unhurried time that strengthens friendships. For many, it becomes a highlight of the year: a chance to slow down, reset, and experience Jewish life with intention.

Beyond the spiritual and cultural experiences, Shabbatonim deepen the connections that define our high school community. Students bond across shared conversations and late-night laughter, and faculty join in a different role—mentors, companions, and guides outside the classroom. Whether welcoming Shabbat as a community, exploring big ideas together, or simply enjoying unstructured time, the Shabbaton helps students build the trust, confidence, and sense of belonging that anchor their Leffell School experience.