Our story
A shield for our future.
Magen Ephraim Sephardic Academy is a Jewish day school for boys and girls rooted in the traditional precepts of Sephardic halacha, minhagim and shared community values.
Our story
A community’s vision, a school of our own.
As the Jewish communities of Great Neck continued to grow, so did the need for more Jewish educational opportunities that reflected the diverse traditions and values of our families.
Many families expressed a desire for a Sephardic yeshiva that would provide an excellent education while preserving and celebrating our rich Sephardic heritage, including our unique te'amim, tefilla, customs, and traditions.
Recognizing this growing need, a group of forward-thinking community leaders came together with a shared vision: to establish a school where academic excellence and Sephardic values would go hand in hand.
Through their determination, hard work, and unwavering commitment, that vision became Magen Ephraim Sephardic Academy.
Today, MESA continues to grow as a school rooted in our traditions, dedicated to academic excellence, and committed to raising the next generation with pride in their heritage, strong values, and a love of learning.
מגן אפרים
Magen Ephraim
What's in a name
The Protector of Fruitfulness
Magen means shield or protector, and Ephraim means fruitfulness. Together, Magen Ephraim is the Protector of Fruitfulness. We believe that a Jewish education rooted in Torah values will protect the fruitfulness of our community's future.
MESA is the acronym for Magen Ephraim Sephardic Academy, and the word itself means a high plateau. Our mission is to provide the highest level of Jewish education, tied to our synagogues, alongside a General Studies program that rivals the best schools.
Our namesakes
Named for two champions of Jewish education
Magen Ephraim honors two community leaders who advocated for Jewish education for decades.
זכרונו לברכה
Mr. Abdulrahim Ephraim Levian z”l
Father of the Levian family
זכרונו לברכה
Mr. Fatollah Ephraim Hematian z”l
Father of the Hematian family
Milestones
Growing with our students
2023
Our doors open
MESA welcomes its first students in Great Neck, led by a founding team of experienced Judaic and General Studies educators.
2024
Growing one grade at a time
With kindergarten, first and second grade for 2024–2025, new families join, and our bridge with Shalom Early Childhood Center gives young learners a seamless start.
2025
Candidate for Accreditation
MESA is recognized as a Candidate for Accreditation by MSA-CESS and begins a school-wide self-study with families, students and teachers.
2026
Kindergarten through Grade 4
In our fourth year, MESA serves kindergarten through fourth grade, with a brand-new library, a multi-purpose room and weekly MESA Wednesday trips for our Kindergarten students.
We believe that the Jewish education of Torah values will protect the fruitfulness of our community's future.
Admissions
Join the MESA family
Applications for the 2027–2028 school year are accepted November 2–20, 2026. Come see our classrooms, meet our teachers, and imagine your child here.