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Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten

Children are jumping on rocks in a shallow pool in the foreground, with a building and trees in the background.

In the Beginning/Beresheit

A student holds a magnifying glass up to her face to examine something in the classroom

The theme for Junior Kindergarten is "Beresheit", meaning "In the beginning," connecting to the Torah's opening words. This year represents new beginnings for students as they become aware of their expanding world and their role in it. Students will explore their creativity in new classrooms and social settings, engaging in projects and forming friendships that highlight their impact on the world.

Our Kehilla (Community)

A Kindergarten student is focused on a craft project in the foreground, while a teacher smiles at him in the background, surrounded by art supplies and Hebrew text.

In Kindergarten, Kehilla (community) comes to life as students learn to belong, contribute, and care for one another while building a strong foundation for academic growth and character.

Through active, hands-on learning, students build foundational skills in language arts, math, science, social studies, Hebrew, and Judaic Studies, while exploring Jewish traditions, holidays, and values.

 

Explore • Discover • Grow 

A JK student balances a pretend apple on her head and smiles for the camera.

Reggio-Inspired Approach

In Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten, children are honored for the knowledge, curiosity, and wonder they bring to learning. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach and grounded in Jewish values, our classrooms encourage children to explore, create, collaborate, think critically, and deepen their understanding of the world around them.

Through The Hundred Languages of Children, introduced by Reggio Emilia founder Loris Malaguzzi, students express their ideas, questions, and discoveries in many ways, from words and movement to drawing, painting, building, and dramatic play. The classroom environment serves as a “third teacher,” thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity and invite exploration. In this inquiry approach, our educators observe, listen, and learn alongside their students, building on children’s questions and interests to create meaningful opportunities for discovery and growth.

A smiling boy in a blue cap holds a green and yellow toy in the foreground, with a blurred classroom background.

Play

Young children learn best through play as active participants in constructing knowledge. Concrete, hands-on experiences allow them to explore ideas, make meaningful connections, and develop their own understanding of the world around them. Teachers create rich, engaging environments that invite curiosity and discovery, then thoughtfully guide learning by asking questions, encouraging conversation, and helping children extend their thinking. In this way, play becomes a powerful pathway to deeper learning.

JK students reenact the Passover story

Educating the Whole Child

At CJDS, we believe in educating the whole child by taking into account the social, emotional, academic, spiritual, physical, and creative needs of a student. We help children become good learners and good people. Our social and academic learning are intertwined, and each one enhances the other. By attending to the whole child, we set the tone and atmosphere for students to learn outside of their comfort zone and take risks as part of the learning process. 

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JK & K FAQS

Two Junior Kindergarten students examine a basket of seashells

The academics and facilities speak for themselves, but it’s really watching our son navigate life with confidence and handle interpersonal situations with grace that has blown us away."- CJDS Parent

Lower School

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Two Grade 1 students enjoy their Tu BiShvat Seder

 

Middle School

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