Admissions Checklist/Calendar

Thank you for your interest in being a part of the CJDS community! Please follow these steps below: 

Come for a Visit!

While our website and videos begin to give you a feel of our school community, coming to see it for yourself is really the best way to understand what makes Chicago Jewish Day School truly extraordinary. Touring the program during the school day gives you opportunity to observe our students actively engaged in our integrated, experiential, and progressive curriculum. A tour allows you to see the way students collaborate with one another and how they interact on an individual level with their teachers. To schedule a tour, request information about our program, and learn about upcoming admission events, contact Cortney Stark Cope at 773-271-2700. Tours are typically scheduled on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings by appointment. 

Prospective Parent Meeting

We know that for many of our parents, a Sunday event is more conducive to their schedule. Each fall, we offer an informational meeting where you will have an opportunity to learn more about our educational philosophy and approach, meet faculty, senior administrative leadership, current parents, and alumni. Our Prospective Parent Meeting took place in November 2018. However, there are still many opportunities to tour our school! Contact Cortney Stark Cope to setup a tour. 

CJDS Application 

You can download your application here. The application process allows us to get to know your child and your family through your eyes. Applications were due on Wednesday, December 5, 2018. Please be sure to include the following items with your application. 

Preschool Visit

As a school, we believe that the best way to evaluate readiness for Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten is to observe your child at their current school program. We want to see a true representation of your child in their most comfortable school setting. We are interested in seeing how your child interacts with their peers, their teachers, and how they transition from one activity the next. If your child is applying for Grades One through Eight, we will schedule a time for your child to come visit CJDS for a two-day observation inside the classroom. 

Head of School Meeting

At Chicago Jewish Day School, we see parents as our partners in sacred work of educating your child. To achieve this partnership, we foster many avenues allowing for open and clear communication. The first step in this partnership is giving you the opportunity to get to know our senior leadership. Our Head of School and Assistant Head of School both play active roles in the education and development of your child. This evening, typically in January and February, is an opportunity for them to get to know you and you to get to know them.

Acceptance and Enrollment

Admissions decisions, along with tuition assistance grants, are mailed to families in March. Families who are offered an enrollment contract are asked to return a signed contract with a deposit to secure their child’s space in the class.

Layla Tov

Upon enrolling your Junior Kindergarten or Kindergarten student, you will receive an invitation to our annual Layla Tov event. This event is your child’s first introduction to Chicago Jewish Day School. It is an opportunity to meet teachers, see the classrooms, and get to know other new Chicago Jewish Day School families. Families with children who are accepted to Chicago Jewish Day School will receive a formal invitation. This year's Layla Tov program is taking place on Thursday, May 2, 2019. 

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If you have any questions regarding the admissions process, you are welcome to contact Cortney Stark Cope at 773-271-2700.