History

I

n 1949, the founders of the Memphis Hebrew Academy had nothing but a dream. They dedicated their efforts to building a school with the highest standards in both Judaic and general studies. With limited funds, but endowed with unswerving determination, the school began with a handful of students in kindergarten and first grade.

These schools offered general and Judaic studies, including advanced Torah learning on a post high-school level. In 1981, the school dedicated the facility as the Memphis Hebrew Academy/David Shainberg Education Campus. In 1987, the Memphis Hebrew Academy and the Yeshiva of the South became one institution with classes from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade.

In 1964, two high schools serving young men and women were founded as an extension of the Memphis Hebrew Academy. The boys' division was called Yeshiva of the South. The girls division was named Goldie Margolin School for Girls, in memory of the mother of Ben, Joe and Sam Margolin, who were among the founders of the school.

In 1991, the Memphis Hebrew Academy changed its name to Margolin Hebrew Academy to honor the long-standing support of the Margolin family. The pre-school division was dedicated in 1992 as the Leach Early Childhood Education Center in memory of Beatrice and Ben Leach by their children and grandchildren, ardent supporters and alumni of the school. Also in 1992, the boys' division of the Yeshiva of the South was named Cooper Yeshiva High School for Boys in recognition of Irby and Bernice Cooper and their family, long-time supporters of the school. In 1994, Yeshiva of the South was dedicated by Dr. W. Harry Feinstone in memory of his parents.

These families have given generously of their time and resources to ensure that students are continually provided with the spiritual and ethical direction and the practical and interpersonal skills required to lead fulfilling and Jewishly-committed lives. With each change, the Academy/Yeshiva rededicated itself to Jewish values in a modern world, to the evolving State of Israel and to the highest academic standards. MHA/FYOS as it is commonly known, is constantly rededicating itself to providing cutting-edge opportunities to ensure student success in whatever professional endeavors they may choose.