Dear School Administrator: What Makes Students Happy at School? The Data Might Surprise You

By Dr. Harry Bloom, Founder and President, Benchmarking for Good, Inc.

Our Starting Point

Let's be honest – when only 17% of over 1,400 Jewish day school middle/high school students say they enjoy school "a tremendous amount," there is work to be done. But here's the good news: we finally have solid data showing exactly what moves the needle on student happiness. And yes, it's all statistically significant (p < 0.001 for the data nerds among us).

The Five Game-Changers (Ranked by Impact)

When we crunch the numbers, five factors emerge as the real difference-makers. And the strength of these correlations? They're not just suggestions – they're roadmaps.

1. 🏫 The Administrator Effect (r = 0.536)

Translation: How school leaders shape the learning environment

The strongest predictor of whether students enjoy school isn't fancy technology or gourmet cafeteria food – it's whether they believe school administrators create an environment where learning feels good.

Think about it: When principals and administrators actively work to make school a positive place, student happiness jumps dramatically. We're not talking about being the "cool principal" who high-fives everyone in the hallway (though that doesn't hurt). We're talking about leaders who:

• Actually walk through classrooms to feel the vibe, not just check boxes

• Create spaces where students want to be, not just have to be

• Make policies that consider how students feel, not just how they perform

2. 🤝 The Belonging Factor (r = 0.530)

Translation: Do I fit in here?

Almost tied for first place –Students who feel like they belong are exponentially happier at school. It's that simple, and that complicated.

This isn't just about having friends (though that helps). It's about feeling like you're part of something bigger. Smart schools are already:

• Running mentorship programs that pair older and younger students

• Creating traditions that include everyone, not just the usual suspects

• Actually listening when students speak up about what would make them feel more connected

3. 🎯 The Teaching Style Match (r = 0.467)

Translation: Are teachers teaching the way students learn?

When teaching styles align with learning needs, happiness scores shoot up.

Some kids need to move while they learn. Others need quiet. Some process visually, others through discussion. When teachers get this and adapt? Magic happens. The data proves it.

4. 💡 The Engagement Equation (r = 0.460)

Translation: Are lessons actually interesting?

Let's call it what it is: Boring lessons are happiness killers. The correlation here is crystal clear – engaged students are happy students.

This doesn't mean every lesson needs to be a TED talk or involve VR goggles. It means:

• Connecting what's being taught to real life

• Less talking at students, more learning with them

• Projects that actually matter

• Using technology as a tool, not a gimmick

5. 🤗 The Trusted Adult Connection (r = 0.277)

Translation: Is there at least one adult I can really talk to?

While this correlation is moderate compared to the others, it's still highly significant. Every single student needs at least one adult at school they trust completely. Not every student has this. That's a problem we can fix.

What This Means for School Leaders

Here's your priority list, based on impact and feasibility:

Start Tomorrow:

• Administrators: Get visible in a meaningful way. Walk those hallways with purpose.

• Launch a belonging audit: Who feels left out? Why?

Start Next Month:

• Teacher training on differentiation (fancy word for teaching different kids differently)

• Student voice initiatives that actually lead to change

Start Next Semester:

• Formal mentorship programs

• Redesign spaces to be more welcoming

• Engagement overhaul for chronically boring subjects

Your Next Move

If you're a school administrator reading this, here's your homework:

1. Pick ONE of these factors to focus on first (hint: start with environment or belonging)

2. Set a measurable goal (increase "tremendous enjoyment" responses by 10%)

3. Check in with students quarterly (they'll tell you if it's working)

4. Share wins publicly (momentum matters)

How Benchmarking for Good Can Help

Contact Dr. Harry Bloom at harrybloom@benchmarkingforgood.org to learn more about our no cost research grants which can give you the information you need about your students' happiness and your pathway to improving it.

#happystudents #dayschools #Jewishdayschools #parents

Benchmarking for Good No Cost Research Grant Application Timing Extended

The response to Benchmarking for Good’s Fall/Winter 2025 research grant opportunities has been overwhelming to date. In fact, 17 diverse Jewish day schools have completed Grant Inquiry Forms and expressed a high level of interest in over 30 research grants in the grant program areas listed below.  

At the request of numerous schools whose leaders are just returning from summer vacations, we are extending the deadline for submitting Grant Inquiry Forms until September 1st and encourage school leaders to complete a Grant Inquiry Form so that their school will be eligible for follow up interviews and consideration by our grant approval committee.  

Taking Action

If you are a school leader with aspirations in any or all of the above areas, please take a few minutes to complete this form to ensure your eligibility for a follow-up interview with Dr. Bloom and consideration for a No Cost research grant. 

Grantee Testimonials

"Participating in this strategic and potentially transformative initiative will not only contribute to a broader understanding of our schools, but will also provide all of us with valuable benchmarking data. I strongly encourage all of you to join us in this endeavor for the mutual benefit and advancement of all of our schools. Together we can positively shape the future of Jewish Day Schools in America."

  Helena Levine, Head of School, Donna Klein Jewish Academy, Boca Raton, Florida

"The most important ingredient in an outstanding school is having outstanding faculty. The most important ingredient in having outstanding faculty is a faculty that feels appreciated and supported. Harry Bloom's work provides excellent comparative data to inform schools of where they stand in terms of faculty compensation and overall satisfaction. The data is extremely valuable for schools that want to know where they stand with their faculty in these areas. I highly recommend joining this important study."

Rabbi Yisroel Kaminetsky, Rosh Yeshiva, Hebrew Academy of Long Beach; Menahel, Davis Renov   Stahler         Yeshiva High School for Boys

"As someone who has worked with Harry Bloom multiple time over many years at two different schools for the purpose of conducting faculty climate surveys, I can attest to the incredible value of the entire process. The importance of high job satisfaction and a positive culture amongst school faculty is well documented, and a survey like this is one of the best ways to assess that culture and improve upon it in concrete, measurable ways."

  Rabbi Adam Englander, Head of School, Hebrew Academy of Long Beach, Woodmere, NY

“I have had the privilege of working with, and learning from, Harry Bloom for

many years.  But the work he is doing through Benchmarking for Good has

had the biggest impact on our school.  Being able to gather and analyze data

from our school community and from the broader field has led to many fruitful

discussions internally about how we can improve in areas of faculty culture

and climate.  We are implementing changes based on the research and the

process, since it is our faculty who have the greatest impact on our students. 

I look forward to further school enhancements based on our engagement

with Benchmarking for Good.”

Rabbi Avery Joel, Head of School, Fuchs Mizrachi School, Beachwood, OH

“At Westchester Day School, we found incredible value in the Faculty Climate Survey and Parent Survey conducted through Benchmarking for Good. The feedback we received provided clear and actionable insights into both our strengths and areas for growth. What truly sets this process apart is the ability to benchmark our results against similar schools, offering meaningful context that deepens our understanding of the data. These surveys have become an important tool in our strategic planning, helping us set thoughtful goals for both the near and long term. I am grateful to Dr. Harry Bloom and his team for their expertise and highly recommend this process to other schools committed to continuous improvement.”

Rabbi Dani Rockoff, Head of School, Westchester Day School

Foundation of Great Schools: How Strategic Boards Create Educational Excellence

By Dr. Harry Bloom, Founder and President, Benchmarking for Good, Inc.

Picture this: Two Jewish day schools sit across town from each other. Both have passionate educators, engaged families, and beautiful facilities. Both spend hours debating curriculum choices and hiring decisions. But only one consistently produces students who thrive academically and develop deep Jewish learning.

What makes the difference?

The answer is both surprising and empowering. According to groundbreaking Board governance research involving nearly 100 Jewish day schools, the secret to educational excellence lies in something entirely within your control: how strategically your board thinks about the school's future.

The Empowering Discovery

Here's the uplifting finding that should energize every school board member: Schools whose boards excel at strategic planning – including long-range financial planning as part of that vision – are significantly more likely to have:

• Documented, coherent curricula in both Jewish and general studies

• Systems for giving teachers ongoing feedback throughout the year

• Regular evaluation processes that help faculty grow

• Overall stronger educational practices across the board

In statistical terms, strategic planning predicted educational quality with correlations as high as r=.37 (p<.01) – that's a relationship so strong it reveals the tremendous power boards have to shape student outcomes.

How Strategic Vision Becomes Educational Reality

When a board creates a thoughtful, multi-year strategic plan, they're doing something transformative. They're making a commitment to values that directly impact learning:

"We believe in investing in professional development for our teachers."

"We prioritize having the resources to document and improve our curricula."

"We're committed to systems that support both student and teacher growth."

Schools with strategic, forward-thinking boards create what researchers call an "environment where educational excellence can flourish."

The 25% Advantage

Here's perhaps the most exciting finding: The research reveals that by focusing on key governance practices, schools can account for 25% of the variance among Jewish day schools in positive educational outcomes. That's transformational! Imagine improving your educational practices by a quarter simply by elevating how your board operates.

The Winning Combination? Three specific practices that create educational success:

1. Strategic Planning with Long-Range Vision (The North Star)

This isn't about restrictions – it's about having the clarity to say, "In three years, we want to be the kind of school that transforms lives through excellent Jewish education" and then creating the roadmap to get there.

2. Crystal-Clear Role Definition (The Sweet Spot)

When board members know exactly where their responsibilities end and educators' begin, magic happens. Teachers can focus entirely on inspiring students instead of navigating governance confusion.

3. Commitment to Board Excellence (The Growth Engine)

Boards that invest in their own learning create cultures of continuous improvement that flow naturally into every classroom and conversation.

The Strategic Pathway to Excellence

The research reveals something crucial about sequencing. Rather than trying to improve everything simultaneously, the most successful schools follow a purposeful three-stage journey:

Stage 1: Establish Your Foundation Begin with strategic planning that includes long-term financial sustainability. Get crystal clear on your educational vision and the resources needed to achieve it.

Stage 2: Build Your Systems Develop strong committees – especially those focused on board development and head-of-school support – that can bring your strategic vision to life with excellence.

Stage 3: Cultivate Continuous Growth Implement ongoing board education, role clarification, and assessment practices that keep your governance culture thriving year after year.

The Ripple Effect of Great Governance

Schools that embrace this approach don't just see improved academic outcomes (though those consistently follow). They create something more profound: sustainable cultures of excellence. They become the schools where:

• Teachers feel supported and inspired to do their best work

• Families trust deeply with their children's futures

• Students develop both academic skills and strong Jewish identity

• Communities point with pride to their educational jewel

Your Opportunity Starts Now

If you're a board member reading this, here's your inspiring challenge: Look at your school's last strategic plan. Does it paint a compelling picture of educational excellence? Does it connect your deepest values to concrete actions? Does it inspire you to be part of something transformational?

If you're a head of school, consider this research a gift. Share it with your board as evidence of their incredible power to shape student futures through thoughtful governance.

The research spans Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and community day schools, proving that these principles transcend denominational lines. Because when it comes to educational excellence, strategic thinking is universal.

Your Next Strategic Move: Partner with Benchmarking for Good to Help Your School Achieve its Fullest Educational Potential

Our Fall/Winter 2025 no cost grants support research that can help your school perfect its governance systems and strengthen its ability to attract and motivate the strongest faculty possible.

To explore the fit between our grants and your school’s needs please take a few minutes to complete this grant inquiry form