Some students need more than two years to complete their smicha program. And many students appreciate the ability to learn on their own before they’re also doing academic work.
Students who choose early enrollment use their time to take electives, improve their Hebrew skills, and get a feel for what it means to be a PRS student. It’s also a great way for students to do a large amount of coursework in advance of joining a cohort, allowing those students to focus more on cohort work when the program officially begins.
Students who are in the beginner level of Hebrew from the self-assessment will be required to take our program over three years instead of two. During that introductory year, they will focus heavily on Hebrew, but can also work on electives and the innovation and synagogue engagement program. Additional tuition is required for this preparatory year.
For students in intermediate or advanced Hebrew who wish to begin early, there are no additional fees.