I am writing on behalf of myself and the many, many Lakewood families who are facing an increasingly frustrating and heartbreaking reality.

Baruch Hashem, Lakewood has grown by leaps and bounds over the past several years. Unfortunately, the availability of school placements has not kept pace with this tremendous growth. While new schools occasionally open, many families are hesitant to take a chance on a new school unless it has an established and highly regarded hanhala. As a result, the pressure on existing schools continues to grow, leaving countless families with very few options.

Here is what is happening: the day after Isru Chag, parents of boys and girls entering primary for the 2027–2028 school year begin frantically contacting prospective schools. These parents have carefully considered what would be best for their children and their families, made their decisions, and promptly submitted applications, hoping for a call to schedule an interview. Instead, just a few days later, when they follow up, they are met with an annoyed secretary informing them that there are no available slots and that they should try their luck elsewhere. Meanwhile, every other school they applied to is giving them the exact same response.

So what are these families supposed to do? Where are our precious Yiddishe children expected to go? Are families really supposed to be left with no viable options for their children’s chinuch?

At the same time, word spreads that a particular school has only eight available spots. Yet families increasingly feel that these limited placements are going to those with connections, whether because a parent donated the school building, contributed $100,000, or has a personal connection to the hanhala through which a significant favor is owed.

And what happens to the countless other beautiful, ehrliche, frum, Torah-digah families? The hardworking, sincere, everyday Lakewood families who are simply trying to raise their children as good Yidden? Are their children any less deserving of a place in a school because their parents do not have the same connections or financial influence?

Why has it come to this? Why should a family’s chances of securing a school placement depend on who they know, what they can contribute financially, or what kind of influence they have? Every child deserves a fair opportunity, and every family deserves to be treated with dignity and consideration.

There is clearly a serious problem in our community when so many sincere, wonderful families feel that they have no chance of securing a school placement anywhere. This is not just an inconvenience or a matter of disappointment; it is a deeply distressing situation affecting parents, children, and entire families.

Lakewood’s growth is a tremendous brachah, but that growth must be met with a school system that can accommodate the families who call this community home. Our children are our future, and their chinuch should never become a privilege reserved for those with the right connections.

Something needs to change. Our families deserve answers, our children deserve opportunities, and this issue deserves the serious attention of our community.

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