Rochelle Zell Jewish High School Marks 25 Years In Deerfield

The school will celebrate the milestone Oct. 11 while launching a new initiative focused on educators and affordability.

By Eric DeGrechie, Patch Staff

Sep 23, 2026 2:14 PM CDT

Top Photo: Graduating Class, 2004: Rochelle Zell Jewish High School's first graduating class, 2004. Bottom Photo: Graduation 2026: Rochelle Zell Jewish High School students celebrate graduation in 2026. (Rochelle Zell Jewish High School)

DEERFIELD, IL — Rochelle Zell Jewish High School is celebrating its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter-century since the school opened as Chicagoland Jewish High School.

Founded in 2001, the Deerfield school was created to serve a broad cross-section of the Chicago-area Jewish community while combining college-preparatory academics with Jewish learning.

Since then, the school has graduated more than 850 students, according to Rochelle Zell.

The anniversary year has included educational programs, alumni celebrations and community gatherings highlighting the school's history and mission.

The celebration will culminate with a community-wide event Oct. 11, bringing together alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff, trustees and supporters.

"From our earliest days as Chicagoland Jewish High School to the thriving community we are today, Rochelle Zell has been guided by a belief in the enduring value of Jewish education and its ability to shape thoughtful, engaged young adults," Head of School Tony Frank said.

Frank said the school is proud of its more than 850 graduates and hopes to continue serving the community for decades to come.

New Initiative Launches

The milestone year also includes the launch of RZ@25: Investing in the Future, an initiative aimed at supporting educators and expanding affordability for families.

School officials said the effort is focused on investing in faculty while creating a sustainable and flexible affordability program designed to help maintain a strong and diverse student body.

"We are proud of the impact we have had on the Chicagoland Jewish community in our first 25 years," Meredith Grossman Anders, president of Rochelle Zell's board of directors, said.

Anders said the school's planned investments in faculty and affordability are intended to position Rochelle Zell for its next chapter.

Rochelle Zell Jewish High School is an independent, college-preparatory Jewish high school serving students from across the Chicago metropolitan area.

More information about the anniversary celebration is available at rzjhs.org.