Each summer the Skirball’s team of educators and teaching artists reflect on the experience of the prior school year and ready for the next. We’ve gathered those reflections for you here.

The headline in the 2023–2024 school year was that we doubled (yes, doubled!) the number of K–12 students and teachers who came to the Skirball Cultural Center for a special guided tour of a museum exhibition, hands-on applied art, a dance or music performance, or a morning in the archaeology discovery center and dig site. The Skirball was buzzing with the sounds of curiosity, discovery, and play as our educators collaborated with teachers to address the student learning loss that the pandemic exacerbated. Four years later, we still see gaps in students’ academic growth and their social and emotional development. We remain dedicated to enhancing young people’s emotional literacy and academic abilities in reading, writing, and critical thinking.

The sheer number of students served is impressive, but it’s actually the quality of those experiences that stands out to me. At a time when a typical Title I public school classroom in Los Angeles struggles to maintain a 1-to-38 teacher/student ratio, a visit to the Skirball guarantees a 1-to-6 educator/student experience. Every student who visits the Skirball receives personal attention and opportunities to ask questions one-on-one of artists and educators. When it comes to complicated topics like Jewish history, antisemitism, cultural traditions, immigration, democracy, and identity, that sustained engagement makes lasting connections possible.

One of our educators, who is Jewish herself, shared with me one impact of that investment: on a regular basis a student on a tour of our core exhibitions will ask, “What’s a Jewish?” Sometimes the question is bold, in a group. Other days it’s quiet, and a little nervous. But no matter what, there is a trustworthy, friendly answer at the ready. The educator opens their arms to their sides, smiles wide, and says, “I am!” It’s these moments that truly embody the spirit of connection we strive to foster.

You make these moments of sharing, learning, and joy possible through your support for the Skirball. We are all so grateful.

Thank you!

Jessie