Mission

For over 60 years, Kellman Brown Academy (KBA) has brought out the best in its students. From early childhood through 8th grade, KBA’s blend of General Studies and Jewish Studies inspires young minds through academic excellence to aim high, think creatively, and embrace Jewish values. But exceptional academics are just the beginning. Our stellar art and music programs, engaging after school activities, sports-for-life pursuits, and theater performances are just a few of the many ways KBA educates the “whole” child – intellectually, emotionally, and socially. Our welcoming community embraces families from across the spectrum of Jewish commitment and observance, making for a diverse, stimulating environment.

KBA welcomes students from diverse Jewish backgrounds and embraces families with a broad spectrum of observance. We are enhanced by a population whose varied experiences and perspectives enrich the school community. Many of our families and staff attend Conservative, Reform and Orthodox synagogues, and some choose to remain unaffiliated. We maintain a kosher facility which allows all children to feel comfortable eating in our building. KBA offers an egalitarian environment in every aspect of the school. Boys and girls are offered the same opportunities and responsibilities during services and religious ceremonies, as with all other classroom, athletic, and leadership roles. Whether experiencing the warmth of a Kabbalat Shabbat service, receiving a first Siddur, or celebrating B'nai Mitzvah with classmates and family, KBA students embrace Jewish values and take pride in their heritage.

History

In 1959, Harry B. Kellman Academy was founded in Cherry Hill, New Jersey to provide an excellent secular education along with Judaic studies for its students. The school, at its inception, was part of Congregation Beth El and as such was affiliated with the Conservative Movement of Judaism and the Solomon Schechter Day School Association.

In 2001, the school became independent from Beth El. Seven years later, the school moved to its current location in Voorhees, New Jersey. The school took on a new name, “Kellman Brown Academy” (KBA) in recognition of the Brown Family who was instrumental in the move to our new building. In 2016, KBA became a “Community Day School” to broaden the tent of Jewish families that would consider enrolling their children.

KBA is a co-educational program beginning at 18 months and continuing through 8th grade. The school has a dual curriculum with approximately 60% of the day spent in General Studies (Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science) and 40% of the day spent in Judaic Studies (Hebrew language immersion, Bible, Israel, Rabbinic, and Jewish History).

Unlike many other area faith-based and independent educational institutions, KBA is accredited by the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools. This accreditation is only achieved upon completion of a rigorous and impartial review of the school’s current practices, an assessment of the way in which the school’s mission informs every aspect of school life, and the identification of opportunities for improvement and growth as an educational community. Furthermore, KBA acts as a Jewish Education and Cultural Center for the entire community, permitting local synagogues, JCCs, and other Judaic organizations to attract leading clergy and Jewish professionals to the South Jersey area.