Upper Boys School – Brooklyn

Marilyn and
Sheldon David
IVDU Upper Boys &
IVDU Boys Middle School

Equipping boys ages 13-21
with the skills, tools, and self-
confidence they'll use for life.

Where boys
discover what’s
possible

When your son starts to believe in what he can do, "What’s wrong?" turns into "What’s possible?"

Whether he’s working toward a Regents diploma, a driver’s license, a yeshiva, or a future career—we’re here to help him get there.

Cutting edge stem

Small classes + high-teacher: student ratio

post high
school yeshiva readiness

college level electives + career courses

An
education
that fuels
his future

At IVDU Boys, education is more than academics—it’s a springboard for life. Whether your son is learning Gemara, building a budget, or mastering a new skill in STEM, every part of his day is designed to help him grow into a confident, capable young man. With a strong dual curriculum, real-life skill building, and hands-on support, we prepare him to succeed—in the bais medrash, the workplace, and everyday life.

Learning built around him

Each student follows a personalized plan that reflects his goals, pace, and learning style. Our subject coaches meet with the team regularly to track progress and support their growth.

Smart tools for every type of learner

From smartboards to laptops and AI-powered learning platforms, students engage with tools that match how they learn best.

Education that prepares him for tomorrow

More than test-centered, our programs are future-focused to prepare our students for life outside the classroom.

Robust yeshiva & general studies programs

Our dual curriculum gives our students the structure and tools to grow in their Yeshiva learning and general studies, with skills he can carry into the world.

Regents and non-Regents tracks

Whether working toward a Regents diploma or focusing on other academic goals, each student learns in a way that aligns with his unique strengths, needs, and goals.

“I never dreamed that my son would take a Regents exam.”

Yossi's* story

IVDU is an amazing school–they treat each child as an individual, with their own challenges and limitations, and push them to the max that they can accomplish. I never dreamed my son would take a Regents exam—and he passed. That’s priceless.
I’m not sure what the future holds in store for my son, but IVDU is giving him all the tools he needs to succeed: helping him develop his social skills, providing job coaching, and teaching him accountability and responsibility. They work hand-in-hand with him to strengthen him in these areas. The staff is incredibly dedicated, caring, and invested, and they truly want the best for all the boys.

— Y. Davidsohn, IVDU parent

Yeshiva Program

Our yeshiva program does more than teach our students how to learn—it helps them develop a deep appreciation and meaningful connection with learning. Whether a student moves on to a post-high school yeshiva, learns with a sibling or parent, or opens a sefer on their own, they’ll have the skills and sense of connection to grow in learning and Yiddishkeit.

Gemara Gemara class gives each student the skills and confidence to learn independently. The boys learn how to break down a sugya, understand its meaning and underlying concepts, and apply the Gemara’s approach across various sugyos. Our goal is to help the bochurim form a personal connection to Torah and feel truly at home in their learning.	Halacha In Halacha class, we dive into real-life, relevant topics—like Shabbos and brachos—while exploring the sources behind them. By learning both the “what” and the “why this is important to me,” the boys strengthen their grasp of practical halacha and deepen their appreciation for the process behind a halachic psak.
Chumash In Chumash, students learn how to read pesukim, understand the main ideas in Rashi, and connect the Torah’s messages to their own lives. Our students also explore hashkafos related to the pesukim, helping boys see how Torah speaks to them on a personal, day-to-day level.	Navi Navi gives students a real sense of connection to our history and the Torah worldview. Through the Navi’s storyline and the messages that run through them, the boys learn about the struggles and values that have shaped who we are—and continue to guide us today.

Yeshiva co-curricular

program

Ben Torah Initiative (BTI)

The Ben Torah Initiative is an optional program that gives our students a structured, personal, and meaningful way to grow in learning, tefillah, and middos. Each week, boys take on specific, measurable goals–inspiring them to take ownership of their growth outside the school setting. Boys who successfully complete the program celebrate with a siyum and a full-day trip—a well-earned reward for their efforts.

Chaburah Fridays

On Fridays, the boys gather for a chaburah—complete with singing, divrei Torah, kugel, and cholent. They explore a theme from the parasha and connect it to their everyday lives, leaving them uplifted and ready to enter Shabbos with the right mindset.

Mishmar

Twice a week, students have the option to stay after school for mishmar—learning, davening Maariv together, and enjoying supper as a group. In this relaxed environment, the boys have a chance to grow in Yiddishkeit and learn beyond the standard school setting.

Shabbatons

For Shabbatons, our boys take the lead—from planning meals and preparing divrei Torah to organizing the program. Our Shabbatons give students space to connect, recharge and build memories.

General studies

curriculum

Whether a student is on the Regents track or a more individualized path, our goal remains the same: to give our students the skills, confidence, and real-world readiness that extends beyond the classroom.

Regents track:

Our Regents track follows New York State Regents standards, covering the core subjects required for a high school diploma. Experienced Regents coaches work one-on-one with students, adjusting the pace to fit each learner's needs and helping them stay on track.

Non-Regents track:

Regardless of whether our students choose the Regents track or non-Regents track, all boys learn core academic skills– such as math, ELA, science, and history– developing a rich and robust general studies education.

Academic enrichment courses:

Our students take classes in financial literacy, computer skills, and preparation for life beyond the classroom. Each course is tailored to their level, focusing on practical skills they can carry into daily life.

The Amazing Shake Program +

Inspired by the Ron Clark Academy, this year-long program helps students build life skills that help our students carry themselves professionally, communicate clearly, and navigate real-life scenarios. At the end of the year, they apply what they’ve learned in real corporate settings.

STEM +

In STEM, students learn how to break problems down, test ideas, and build solutions. They get hands-on instruction with tools like 3D printing, Tinkercad, laser cutting, and robotics—experimenting, problem-solving, and discovering how things work in ways that are both challenging and fun.

Computer Literacy +

Students learn essential computer skills like typing, Google Suite, and using digital tools. These lessons help students build the digital confidence they’ll need in school, the workplace, and everyday life.

Financial Literacy +

Through everyday examples and hands-on practice, students learn how to budget, manage spending, and learn to plan ahead. Whether it’s managing a paycheck or planning a purchase, the boys gain the financial know-how and confidence to make smart, independent choices.

See Our Career Training Program

Click here

General studies

co-curricular program

Not every strength shows up in a classroom.

Our co-curricular programs are designed to help students discover their interests, build on their strengths, and open up new opportunities. The co-curriculars are practical, skill-building, and rooted in the goal of preparing students for real life.

Weekly Electives+

Each student chooses from electives like woodworking, music, VR animation, and art. From building custom bookshelves to using real power tools and creating complex virtual reality mazes, these courses highlight our students’ strengths, build confidence, and nurture skills that they can use in the real world.

STEM innovation & competition +

Students with a passion for STEM are given hands-on opportunities to explore and apply their interests beyond the classroom.They work with programming, robotics, laser cutting, 3D printing, and AI, applying these tools to real-world challenges. Through national innovation competitions such as CIJE, students collaborate in teams to design practical engineering solutions. IVDU students have earned first-place recognition and continue to compete successfully alongside top mainstream schools.

Drone Certification+

The drone course prepares students for FAA Part 107 certification and introduces them to in-demand applications of drone technology. Our students gain experience that can lead to professional opportunities in fields such as real estate, photography, and videography.

Book Club+

Each month, students dive into a new story—complete with themed swag and a shared lunch. They read at their own pace, then come together for story-driven conversations. It's an enjoyable way to share ideas, encourage conversation, and build connections along the way.

Chess Club+

Each week, students gather to level up their game in a club led by a national chess organization. A chess coach teaches strategy, techniques, and helps students think a few moves ahead. Whether they're joining a real tournament or just playing for fun, it's a great way to sharpen thinking skills and enjoy friendly competition.

Comedy Club+

Each week, improv workshops give students the space to take creative risks, think on their feet, and connect with peers through humor. It's a lighthearted space with real skill-building underneath.

Basketball Club+

IVDU’s basketball team practices weekly and plays against other yeshivas. Students learn teamwork, sportsmanship, and how to be reliable teammates, on and off the court.

Hydroponics Garden+

IVDU students grow herbs and vegetables without soil—using water, light, and care to produce lettuce, mint, tomatoes, and peppers. Through observation and problem-solving, students see how patience, perseverance, and scientific practices lead to real, measurable growth.

Marathon Runs+

Every year, our students train, then travel to a different state—like Texas, California, or Puerto Rico—to join the state marathon. Alongside the race, they explore local culture, visit new places, and experience life outside their comfort zones. More than a race, the marathon gives students the chance to explore new places, deepen friendships, and meet challenges outside their comfort zones.

Fitness Training+

Our workout room is open all day for students who want to lift, stretch, or just burn off some energy. With guidance from our PE instructor, they follow workout routines and level up at their own pace. It's a way for the boys active, challenge themsevles, and build healthy habits—one workout at a time.

Independent Projects+

Students who want to dig deeper into something they care about—whether that's a biosphere, a gaming PC, or a 3D printer—can propose their own project. They create a plan, set a budget, and explain what they're trying to build or solve. Along the way, they build crucial life skills, such as budgeting and self-advocacy.

IVDU Boys partners with:

Our students explore hands-on career paths through immersive, skill-based training in areas like video editing, coding, and low-voltage work. Taught by experienced professionals, these courses build real-world skills that support a confident and independent adulthood.

Learn More

Clinical &
social-
emotional
support

Nurturing growth from the inside-out

At IVDU Boys, emotional and therapeutic support is woven into the fabric of each school day. Every student is paired with a dedicated social worker who meets with them weekly and checks in throughout the day to reinforce strategies in day-to-day scenarios.

Using methods like Social Thinking, CBT/DBT tools, and executive functioning strategies, our boys strengthen crucial skills, such as emotional regulation, self-advocacy, self-awareness, and time management. This steady support lays the groundwork for success—not just in school, but in everyday life.

When students learn to believe in themselves, they stop saying they can't and start proving that they can.

Our IVDU Boys have:

Won national innovation competitions with original ideas.

Launched ventures like a student-run 3D printing business, built from the ground up.

Furthered their education in college or in Yeshivos throughout Israel.

Earned driver’s licenses, NYS diplomas, and received fulfilling careers.

Where boys discover what’s possible

An education that fuels his future