Father Alleges Kiryas Joel Yeshiva has left 11-year-old son without Basic English, Math Skills

An ultra-Orthodox father from Orange County is once again expressing concern over his son's education.

In one of the highest-ranking school districts in the state, hundreds of private school children in the insular community of Palm Tree are allegedly slipping through the cracks. The allegations, made by a father who didn't want to reveal his identity out of fear of retribution, says his 11-year-old son goes to the private yeshiva Shaarei Torah in Monroe. He says his son doesn't know the alphabet and can barely add and subtract.

"The yeshivas, they don't give good education and the children cannot grow up in the normal way," says the father.

The father first reported the allegations to News 12 in January, which he says prompted the school to briefly teach English and math, as required by law, for about an hour a day. But he says that was short-lived, and since the start of school this year, nothing but religious studies are being taught.

A school official told News 12, "I think it's not right, but I don't want to comment."

Under state law, superintendents are required to ensure private schools in their district are giving students an education equivalent to those in public schools. In this case, the jurisdiction falls under Monroe-Woodbury.

Jewish education activist Naftuli Moster helped the father file a complaint with Monroe-Woodbury earlier this year. Superintendent Elsie Rodriguez says she met with yeshiva leaders and is "waiting on more guidance from the state."

News 12 reached out to the state Department of Education, who asked to inquire about the allegations by email. So far, there has been no response.