Frequently Asked Questions
Why should we choose Chicago Jewish Day School?>
Parents want to offer their children the best possible learning environment to begin their formal education, and here at CJDS we offer just that. Our children benefit from an outstanding faculty and an exceptional multi-sensory curriculum of Jewish and general studies that is attentive to students’ individual needs. By integrating our subject areas into thematic units, our students develop an understanding of the world around them, allowing them to see and participate in all activities as Jews and Americans. In addition, our educational approach and school culture appreciate and affirm differences in Jewish philosophy and background and value the range of Jewish religious practices among its students.
What about music? art? technology? P.E.? recess?
We believe in the importance of integrating all these disciplines throughout our day. In addition, CJDS has specialists in music, art, P.E. and technology who work with each grade multiple times per week. Our students have recess twice each day. This is just one of the wonderful opportunities for children of different grades to interact with each other socially. Recess is held outside on the grassy field and beach, weather permitting, or inside in one of the large social halls downstairs from our classrooms. Additionally, a brand-new playground will soon be under construction right next door to our school facility.
What about lunch? What if my family doesn’t keep kosher?
CJDS values and respects the varied approaches to the laws of kashrut that exist within our community. Our observance of kashrut is guided by the concerns that all members of our community feel comfortable eating at school functions. Therefore, school lunches are catered daily from Kosher Gourmet. The cost for these lunches is included in the annual tuition.
How old does my child have to be in order to begin school?
Your child should be 4 years old by September 1 of the year of enrollment to enter Junior Kindergarten and 5 years old by September 1 of the year of enrollment to enter Kindergarten.
Where is the school located?
Our school is located at 5959 North Sheridan Road in Chicago, easily accessible just north of Lake Shore Drive, on the Emanuel Congregation campus.
Does the school provide transportation?
Not at this time, though most families form car pools with others in the school community. Phone lists are distributed over the summer to facilitate this.
How long is the school day?
The school day begins at 8:15 a.m. for all grades. Junior Kindergarten ends after lunch at 12:30 p.m. with optional enrichment daily until 3:15 p.m. The school day for all other grades ends at 3:15 p.m. All students are invited to participate in afterschool programs, called Afterschool Adventures. During the winter months CJDS dismisses at 2:30 p.m. on Friday afternoons for Shabbat and CJDS dismisses at noon on the afternoon preceding Jewish holidays. Before-care and after-care (through the JCC’s Kids Club program) are available onsite for students in all grades.
How can I support CJDS?
As with virtually all independent schools, CJDS relies on the generosity of board members, parents, grandparents, and members of the community to bridge the gap between tuition income and actual operating expenses. Our Annual Campaign is the primary vehicle for financially supporting our daily programs and operations, including faculty salaries and benefits, curricular materials, professional development, classroom supplies, our art, music and physical education programs and financial aid/tuition assistance. A tribute donation offers you a thoughtful way to celebrate a simcha or express your sympathy while contributing to Chicago Jewish Day School’s mission. An acknowledgement of your donation will be sent to the honoree or the family of the person you are memorializing.
Why should we choose Chicago Jewish Day School?>
Parents want to offer their children the best possible learning environment to begin their formal education, and here at CJDS we offer just that. Our children benefit from an outstanding faculty and an exceptional multi-sensory curriculum of Jewish and general studies that is attentive to students’ individual needs. By integrating our subject areas into thematic units, our students develop an understanding of the world around them, allowing them to see and participate in all activities as Jews and Americans. In addition, our educational approach and school culture appreciate and affirm differences in Jewish philosophy and background and value the range of Jewish religious practices among its students.
What about music? art? technology? P.E.? recess?
We believe in the importance of integrating all these disciplines throughout our day. In addition, CJDS has specialists in music, art, P.E. and technology who work with each grade multiple times per week. Our students have recess twice each day. This is just one of the wonderful opportunities for children of different grades to interact with each other socially. Recess is held outside on the grassy field and beach, weather permitting, or inside in one of the large social halls downstairs from our classrooms. Additionally, a brand-new playground will soon be under construction right next door to our school facility.
What about lunch? What if my family doesn’t keep kosher?
CJDS values and respects the varied approaches to the laws of kashrut that exist within our community. Our observance of kashrut is guided by the concerns that all members of our community feel comfortable eating at school functions. Therefore, school lunches are catered daily from Kosher Gourmet. The cost for these lunches is included in the annual tuition.
How old does my child have to be in order to begin school?
Your child should be 4 years old by September 1 of the year of enrollment to enter Junior Kindergarten and 5 years old by September 1 of the year of enrollment to enter Kindergarten.
Where is the school located?
Our school is located at 5959 North Sheridan Road in Chicago, easily accessible just north of Lake Shore Drive, on the Emanuel Congregation campus.
Does the school provide transportation?
Not at this time, though most families form car pools with others in the school community. Phone lists are distributed over the summer to facilitate this.
How long is the school day?
The school day begins at 8:15 a.m. for all grades. Junior Kindergarten ends after lunch at 12:30 p.m. with optional enrichment daily until 3:15 p.m. The school day for all other grades ends at 3:15 p.m. All students are invited to participate in afterschool programs, called Afterschool Adventures. During the winter months CJDS dismisses at 2:30 p.m. on Friday afternoons for Shabbat and CJDS dismisses at noon on the afternoon preceding Jewish holidays. Before-care and after-care (through the JCC’s Kids Club program) are available onsite for students in all grades.
How can I support CJDS?
As with virtually all independent schools, CJDS relies on the generosity of board members, parents, grandparents, and members of the community to bridge the gap between tuition income and actual operating expenses. Our Annual Campaign is the primary vehicle for financially supporting our daily programs and operations, including faculty salaries and benefits, curricular materials, professional development, classroom supplies, our art, music and physical education programs and financial aid/tuition assistance. A tribute donation offers you a thoughtful way to celebrate a simcha or express your sympathy while contributing to Chicago Jewish Day School’s mission. An acknowledgement of your donation will be sent to the honoree or the family of the person you are memorializing.
