Academics

Chicago Jewish Day School (CJDS) offers an exciting and innovative dual curriculum, encompassing the best of General Studies, Hebrew and Judaic Studies. From our youngest to our oldest students we employ principles of Responsive Classroom in which social and academic learning is inextricably connected and fully integrated throughout the day. CJDS students approach excellence in academic achievement in an atmosphere created by our faculty, which is challenging, safe, collaborative and supportive.

The foundation of our CJDS academic program is designed to inspire our students to engage in a lifelong love of learning. Our students acquire impressive academic skills, are enthusiastic learners, deepen their love for learning, acquire self-confidence and a strong self-image, and develop respect for self, others and the environment.

Our CJDS faculty members recognize the different ways in which students learn and approach teaching using differentiated, innovative and creative methods that address the learning styles of each individual student. In addition to the core academic areas of study, our academic studies include the arts, technology, physical education, experiential projects, field trips incorporating “the city” as an extension of our classrooms, guest speakers, and opportunities for expressing the values of tzedakah (justice) and mitzvot (commandments/good deeds) through community service.

Founded as a multi-denominational Jewish community day school, CJDS is committed to a culture of inclusivity and celebration of our diversity. Faculty, staff, students, parents and grandparents reflect the varied traditions of Jewish observance and identification from around the world.

Finally, CJDS is committed to supporting our students through outstanding parent — teacher communication. Goal setting conferences prior to the opening of school, weekly newsletters from faculty and the Head of School, touch-base phone calls, regularly scheduled conferences and progress reports are all components of our ongoing communication with parents. We believe that school success depends upon a positive partnership between parents, students, faculty, staff and administrators.

After sending our girls to CJDS the past three years, I cannot imagine them anywhere else. The warmth inside the building is palatable. The focus on helping parents turn their children into contributing, respectful members of society is profound. Teaching Jewish values, history and culture aside, CJDS is simply a place of higher learning for our children.

Morry S., CJDS parent

This is a place where parents who are our friends teach my children in after school classes, and seek ways to tie in their special talents with the curriculum of the regular classes. This is a community coming together to raise up incredible kids.

Max H., CJDS Parent

Our son teaches us Hebrew and parasha weekly... we love learning what he is learning and he loves feeling like he has a lot to teach us... it is amazing!

Michael B., CJDS parent

We love the 1st grade unit on the Marine World in which the kids use technology to research sea animals, writing to create letters to President Obama about the importance of protecting our oceans, and Hebrew/Judaic Studies to learn Hebrew vocabulary and prayers for protecting our environment.

Karen G., CJDS Parent

In a few short months our 1st grade daughter became a wonderful reader. She was not alone --her entire class reads beautifully. The CJDS environment fosters not only a love of Jewish ritual and tradition but also gives our daughter and her classmates an outstanding secular education. We are very fortunate to be members of the CJDS community."

Jay G., CJDS parent

I love teaching at a school where there is a coherent philosophy of education which drives all aspects of our practice.

Morah Nina, CJDS Faculty

I love dropping my son off in the mornings. It is great seeing him run to his classroom, excited to see his teachers and the other kids.

Mike L., CJDS parent

At parent-teacher conferences, we were impressed with the integration of the curriculum, the way the teachers knew our son, the things he had learned and created. But what blew us away was that, beyond anything else, his teachers were impressed with his character. "Your son is such a kind person," they said, and they told us a story about how careful he was with the feelings of another student. That was the most important thing to his teachers, as it is to us.

Rabbi Josh F. & Natalie B., CJDS parents

CJDS truly epitomizes the concept of differentiated learning. My 2 children, who have very different learning styles are both thriving. The teachers are creative, flexible and make learning fun. We love this school.

Gayle S., CJDS Parent

CJDS makes a tremendous effort to celebrate what every individual child creates, sky rocketing their self image and self confidence.

David F., CJDS Parent

We feel comfortable practicing Judaism in a way that is right for our family and makes sense to us. In no way have we felt any pressure from anyone involved with the school that our choices are either too Jewish or not Jewish enough and that is exactly how we want it.