

"Focused, goal-oriented academics. My children enjoy the learning. They’re sad when they don’t have school!"
~Happy Elementary School Parent
About Lev HaTorah Academy
A new school opening for the 2026–27 school year, Lev HaTorah Academy provides a premium Jewish preschool, elementary, and middle school education for children and families in the Baltimore community. With separate boys’ and girls’ divisions, we partner with parents to raise the next generation of Jewish leaders, innovators, and contributors. Under the leadership of Mrs. Serena Stern, M.Ed., a seasoned educator with over 20 years of broad educational experience, Lev HaTorah Academy is guided by both expertise and vision. With more than a decade of successful school leadership, she brings a depth of knowledge and clarity of direction to the school.
Our academic program is grounded in the most current, research-based methods in literacy and mathematics, while our Judaic studies program builds real skills alongside a genuine love for Torah. Lev HaTorah Academy is where children lean into their strengths and utilize tools to cultivate lifelong learning, in order to achieve their highest academic and personal potential.
Our Mission - Lev HaTorah Academy partners with families and the community to provide an exceptional Jewish education that combines rigorous, research-based academics with meaningful Torah learning. Through individualized instruction, character development, and a nurturing school culture, we empower every student to discover their strengths, achieve their highest potential, and develop a lifelong love of learning, Torah, and Jewish identity.
Our Vision - To inspire and cultivate a generation of confident, knowledgeable, and compassionate Jewish individuals who embrace Torah values, pursue excellence, and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world.
A new school opening for the 2026–27 school year, Lev HaTorah Academy provides a premium Jewish preschool, elementary, and middle school education for children and families in the Baltimore community. With separate boys’ and girls’ divisions, we partner with parents to raise the next generation of Jewish leaders, innovators, and contributors. Under the leadership of Mrs. Serena Stern, M.Ed., a seasoned educator with over 20 years of broad educational experience, Lev HaTorah Academy is guided by both expertise and vision. With more than a decade of successful school leadership, she brings a depth of knowledge and clarity of direction to the school.
Our academic program is grounded in the most current, research-based methods in literacy and mathematics, while our Judaic studies program builds real skills alongside a genuine love for Torah. Lev HaTorah Academy is where children lean into their strengths and utilize tools to cultivate lifelong learning, in order to achieve their highest academic and personal potential.
Our Mission - Lev HaTorah Academy partners with families and the community to provide an exceptional Jewish education that combines rigorous, research-based academics with meaningful Torah learning. Through individualized instruction, character development, and a nurturing school culture, we empower every student to discover their strengths, achieve their highest potential, and develop a lifelong love of learning, Torah, and Jewish identity.
Our Vision - To inspire and cultivate a generation of confident, knowledgeable, and compassionate Jewish individuals who embrace Torah values, pursue excellence, and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world.
Guided with strength and heart
Warm, open relationships strengthen the structures that foster student growth.
Ongoing teacher training
Focused professional development, regular data meetings, and strong accountability ensure that every student receives top-level, individualized instruction.
A finger on every pulse
Real-time progress monitoring keeps teachers one step ahead of students’ needs at all times.

About our Leadership
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mr. Avi Greenlinger | Mr. Asher Lane | Dr. Zipora Schorr | Mr. Mark Smolarz
Rabbinic Sponsor - Rabbi Chaim Schwartz, Shomrei Mishmeres Hakodesh
Head of School - Mrs. Serena Stern, M.Ed.
Operations Manager - Mrs. Rina Thav
Student Services Coordinator - Mrs. Yarden Afrah
Judaic Studies Coordinator - Rabbi Ovadiah Bander
Office Manager - Miss Bayla Rhine
Business Office Manager - Mrs. Bayla Berkowitz
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mr. Avi Greenlinger | Mr. Asher Lane | Dr. Zipora Schorr | Mr. Mark Smolarz
Rabbinic Sponsor - Rabbi Chaim Schwartz, Shomrei Mishmeres Hakodesh
Head of School - Mrs. Serena Stern, M.Ed.
Operations Manager - Mrs. Rina Thav
Student Services Coordinator - Mrs. Yarden Afrah
Judaic Studies Coordinator - Rabbi Ovadiah Bander
Office Manager - Miss Bayla Rhine
Business Office Manager - Mrs. Bayla Berkowitz
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mr. Avi Greenlinger | Mr. Asher Lane | Dr. Zipora Schorr | Mr. Mark Smolarz
Rabbinic Sponsor - Rabbi Chaim Schwartz, Shomrei Mishmeres Hakodesh
Head of School - Mrs. Serena Stern, M.Ed.
Operations Manager - Mrs. Rina Thav
Student Services Coordinator - Mrs. Yarden Afrah
Judaic Studies Coordinator - Rabbi Ovadiah Bander
Office Manager - Miss Bayla Rhine
Business Office Manager - Mrs. Bayla Berkowitz
About our Head of School
About our Head of School
Mrs. Serena Stern, M.Ed.
Mrs. Serena Stern, M.Ed.
Mrs. Serena Stern brings to Lev HaTorah more than 20 years of broad educational experience, and more than a decade of administrative leadership. As an elementary school Assistant Principal Mrs. Stern oversaw 80 staff members across 21 classes. A graduate of Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh and Ateres Bnos Yerushalayim in Rechavia, Mrs. Stern holds a Bachelor’s degree from Stevenson University and a Master’s degree with certifications from McDaniel College.
Committed to student success, staff empowerment, and strong family partnerships, she combines data-driven decision-making with a warm, open-door approach. Mrs. Stern’s hands-on leadership ensures that every child’s educational and social needs are met, enabling them to master skills, grow at their own pace, and develop the confidence and independence to become contributing members of the Jewish community.
Mrs. Serena Stern brings to Lev HaTorah more than 20 years of broad educational experience, and more than a decade of administrative leadership. As an elementary school Assistant Principal Mrs. Stern oversaw 80 staff members across 21 classes. A graduate of Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh and Ateres Bnos Yerushalayim in Rechavia, Mrs. Stern holds a Bachelor’s degree from Stevenson University and a Master’s degree with certifications from McDaniel College.
Committed to student success, staff empowerment, and strong family partnerships, she combines data-driven decision-making with a warm, open-door approach. Mrs. Stern’s hands-on leadership ensures that every child’s educational and social needs are met, enabling them to master skills, grow at their own pace, and develop the confidence and independence to become contributing members of the Jewish community.



