IVDU
Lakewood
Mesivta
Upper School
with the skills, tools, and self-
confidence they'll use for life.
Where talmidim
discover what’s
possible
When your son starts to believe in what he can do, "I can't do it" turns into "I've got this".
At IVDU Lakewood, confidence grows naturally in an atmosphere of warmth, expertise, and a genuine understanding of each talmid.
Whether your goal is a high school diploma, a driver’s license, a yeshiva that fits your son, or a path toward financial independence–we’re here to help support his goals, every step of the way.
Growingwaiting list
Small classes with an 8:1:1 student-to-teacher ratio
Bais Medrash + post high school readiness
Advanced electives + career courses
An
education
that fuels
his future
At IVDU Lakewood, education is more than academics—it’s a springboard for life. Whether your son is learning Gemara, taking a culinary class, or mastering a new skill in STEM, every part of his day helps him grow into a confident, capable young man. With a strong dual curriculum, real-world skill-building, and personalized support, we prepare him to succeed in the Bais Medrash, the workplace, and in everyday life.
Learning built around him
Each talmid 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 platforms, our students work with tools that support how they learn best, keeping them focused and motivated.
Education that prepares him for tomorrow
More than test-centered, our programs are future-focused to prepare our talmidim for life outside the classroom.
Robust limudei kodesh & general studies programs
Our dual curriculum gives talmidim the structure and tools to grow in their limudei kodesh and general studies, along with skills they can carry into the world.
"My son experienced a complete transformation within a week of being at IVDU"
My son experienced a complete transformation within a week of being at IVDU. Before he joined, he wasn’t excited about school and didn’t want to talk about his day. He had a bad stutter, and since he was teased because of it, he felt unsafe.
Now that Dovid joined IVDU, he’s so excited to go to school that I don’t have to wake him in the morning or remind him to go to bed – he makes sure to get to sleep early so he can wake up for Shacharis. He’s part of a small, warm class where he’s completely supported and accepted. And his stutter is virtually gone. No one hears it anymore!
Dovid is also doing very well academically. He’s learning more, absorbing more, and loves to share what he learned each day. The hands-on, visual learning makes everything easier and more engaging, and I love how the electives let him build on his strengths. It amazes me how the teachers reach every boy, even though they’re all on such different levels. They raise the level of learning, but never push. Each boy moves at his own pace and hears, “You can do this.” That kind of positivity truly builds a child.
My dream is to see my son grow up to raise and support a healthy, growing family. The life skills and social skills Dovid learns in school are giving him the tools to help him get there. At IVDU, every child feels understood, protected, and safe. For me, that’s the most important thing. When a child feels good about himself — when he’s no longer guarded — his mind opens up, and he can finally start to learn and blossom.
—E. Neuman, IVDU Lakewood Parent
* Students’ names have been changed
Limudei kodesh program:
Building a lifelong connection to Torah
Our limudei kodesh program does more than teach the bochurim how to learn—it helps them develop a deep appreciation and meaningful connection with learning. Whether a talmid moves on to a post-high school yeshiva, learns with a sibling or parent, or opens a sefer on his own, he’ll have the skills and sense of connection to grow in learning and Yiddishkeit.
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Gemara class gives each talmid the skills and confidence to learn independently. The bochurim 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. |
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 matters to me,” our talmidim strengthen their grasp of practical halacha and gain a deeper appreciation for how a halachic psak develops. |
In Chumash, our talmidim learn how to read and translate the psukim along with Rashi, gaining a clear understanding of the pshat, and the confidence to learn independently. |
Our talmidim learn Orchos Tzadikim, exploring different middos and learning how to apply each one practically in daily life. They study the delicate balance between opposing middos, such as gaavah and anavah, learning how each one has an appropriate time and place. Beyond helping them develop their middos, this limud gives the bochurim practical social tools and skills that help them succeed both in yeshiva and in life. |
Limudei kodesh
co-curricular program
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The Hashkama seder sets the tone for a day of learning and aliyah. Bochurim who come a few minutes before shacharis join a short, 15-minute Seder. The talmidim learn a perek of the masechta with our mashgiach—who also serves as a senior clinician—in a relaxed setting, over a warm cup of cocoa. Bochurim who participate consistently earn a monthly lunch and day trip as recognition for their commitment. |
Through our rotation system, all of our talmidim have the opportunity to serve as shaliach tzibbur, building confidence and developing a special connection to davening. We recognize our “shaliach tzibur bochurim” with a monthly lunch and trip. |
This program encourages each bochur to carry over what he gained during the week into Shabbos, teaching them to make the most out of kedushas Shabbos. |
Through this program, each talmid can develop a special connection with his learning and take true ownership of it. When a bochur presents an amud from Gemara to the menahel, he receives a personal “yasher koach” and a small reward as a recognition for his efforts. More than building confidence, this program helps our talmidim see themselves as capable, growing bnei Torah. |
“I can’t even explain how moved we are as parents. We’ve been brought to tears.”
“IVDU surpassed all of our expectations. For the first time in his life, Yossi is excited to go to school and talks about his day in detail when he comes home. His day is structured and purposeful, and he comes home feeling accomplished, engaged, and fulfilled. There’s a palpable energy in the school. Even we as parents feel excited just being there.
IVDU gives Yossi an excitement for Yiddishkeit, learning, and growing. I was really surprised that Yossi is very into participating in davening. In his old school, he was never really part of the davening. Now, he actually serves as shaliach tzibbur. It’s such a beautiful thing to see!
Yossi finally feels like other boys his age–these boys want to feel like everyone else. The seder before Shacharis, for example, offers the same atmosphere as any mainstream yeshiva. IVDU helps Yossi feel that he’s the best he can be — with the challenges he has — and still feel part of the community. They work on the skills he needs to develop, but at the same time, they make him feel special. It takes extremely talented, warm, and creative people to create that blend of professionalism and warmth.
I feel like IVDU was created just for my Yossi. We finally found a place where he’s in good hands. I can’t even explain how moved we are as parents. We’ve been brought to tears. We never believed a program like this could exist. We feel so lucky.
— Y. Davidsohn, IVDU parent
General studies
curriculum
Our general studies curriculum gives our students the skills, confidence, and real-world readiness that extend beyond the classroom. In addition to core academics—like math, ELA, science, and history—the bochurim take classes in STEM, computer skills, and preparation for life beyond the classroom. Each course is tailored to their level, with a focus on practical skills they can carry into daily life.
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.
Our future 12th-grade bochurim will explore hands-on career paths through immersive, skill-based training in areas like video editing, coding, and low-voltage work. These courses will be taught by experienced professionals and build real-world skills that support a confident and independent adulthood.
Learn More
Clinical &
social-
emotional
Support
Nurturing growth from the inside-out
Emotional and therapeutic support is woven into the fabric of each school day. Every talmid 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, bochurim 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.