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The Arts

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Where Creativity Takes Center Stage

At Chicago Jewish Day School, creativity isn't an enrichment. It's a way of thinking and an essential part of how students learn, express themselves, and discover their unique voices. Whether painting a self-portrait, composing music, or performing under the spotlight, every student is encouraged to imagine boldly, take creative risks, and bring ideas to life.

Visual Arts Specialist Rachel Treister inspires the beautiful artwork that decorates the walls of CJDS.

A Grade 5 student places the finishing touches on his self-portrait

Visual Arts

Art at CJDS is both a dedicated subject and an integral part of interdisciplinary learning. Lower School visual arts classes are thoughtfully designed around classroom themes, allowing students to deepen their understanding of the current curriculum. As they explore drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, ceramics, sculpture, and mixed media, students strengthen technical skills while learning to communicate ideas visually.

A Grade 1 student plays guitar in Music class

General Music

Music class introduces our lower school students to the fundamentals through singing, movement, rhythm, instruments, composition, and performance. Students explore a wide variety of musical genres, cultures, and styles while exploring several instruments. Through active participation, they discover the joy of making music and develop an appreciation for the role music plays in our world.

A young boy claps and sings during Kabbalat Shabbat

Jewish Music

Jewish music connects students to their heritage through the rich traditions of Jewish song. Students learn music associated with tefillah (prayer), Shabbat, holidays, Israel, and Jewish communities around the world. The communal experience of singing together allows them to appreciate the power of music in building community, celebrating traditions, and expressing their Jewish identity.

A Middle School student rehearses her solo song in the Middle School's production of %22Newsies%22

Middle School Musical

The Middle School Arts Program is a hallmark of the CJDS experience. Every student participates in the annual musical, discovering their talents both on stage and behind the scenes. Whether acting, singing, dancing, designing costumes, creating sets, or managing lighting and sound, students collaborate to produce a full-scale theatrical performance. Read more about the Middle School Musical below.

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When Middle School Takes the Stage

More than a production, the musical teaches leadership, responsibility, perseverance, and teamwork while strengthening friendships and building confidence. 

Recent productions include Newsies Jr., The Wedding Singer, High School Musical Jr., Singin' in the Rain, Grease, Fiddler on the Roof, School of Rock, Mamma Mia, Bye Bye Birdie, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and The Sound of Music.