Gratz College traces its origins back to 1856 when banker, philanthropist and communal leader Hyman Gratz, and the Hebrew Education Society of Philadelphia (established in 1849 by Rebecca Gratz and Isaac Leeser) joined together to establish a trust to create a Hebrew teacher's college. Founded in 1895, Gratz College began as such a college and has emerged as a general college of Jewish studies offering a broad array of credentials and programs in virtually every area of higher Judaic learning to aspiring Jewish educators, communal professionals, lay people and others seeking to become more knowledgeable Judaically.

The College awards bachelor’s degrees, professionally and non-professionally oriented master’s degrees, teacher’s diplomas, and specialized certificates such as Holocaust studies, Jewish studies, Jewish education, Jewish music, and Jewish communal studies. An extensive array of continuing education courses is also offered through its Samuel Netzky Division of Continuing Education. In addition, the College operates various joint programs with other area academic institutions including the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, Drexel University, LaSalle University, Chestnut Hill College, and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College.

Gratz College’s highly qualified faculty of full and part-time professors, supplemented by distinguished visiting faculty from other leading institutions, shares a primary commitment to Jewish studies and to teaching. The atmosphere at Gratz College is distinctively warm and supportive. Seminar style courses and opportunities to both practice and fine-tune knowledge, skills, and goals characterize the educational experience.

Students of a wide range of ages and personal and professional backgrounds are drawn to Gratz College from all parts of the United States, Israel and other foreign countries. These diverse backgrounds, religious practices and beliefs provide an unparalleled learning environment. Alumni of Gratz College have gone on to occupy senior professional positions in the Jewish community of North America, Israel, and other countries in Jewish education, Jewish communal service, academia, the rabbinate and the cantorate. Other alumni have achieved professional distinction in such areas as law, medicine and business, while holding lay leadership positions in local and national Jewish life.

 

Thanks to the generosity of many donors, Gratz College moved to its home on the Mandell Education Campus in suburban Melrose Park, Pennsylvania, in 1989. Students, faculty and administrators now enjoy the modern, 60,000 square foot Ann Newman Building that graces the 28-acre campus. Occupying the entire second floor, the 125,000 plus item Tuttleman Library features a large main reading room and a rare book room. Special centers house the College’s renowned music and Holocaust collections. The Jewish Community High School of Gratz College, which operates branches throughout the Greater Philadelphia area and beyond, is also headquartered in the Ann Newman Building. Amenities include a student lounge, art gallery, and bookstore. The facility is accessible to the handicapped and provides adjacent free parking. Also located on the Mandell Education Campus is the Raymond and Ruth Perelman Jewish Day School, the Mary Bert Gutman Early Learning Center, the Auerbach Central Agency for Jewish Education, and a branch of the Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Philadelphia.

 

Gratz College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, recognized by the Ministry of Education and Culture of the State of Israel, and is a constituent of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.