Chicago Jewish Day School

Academics

CJDS follows a dual curriculum, integrating Hebrew and Judaic studies with secular subjects. Students begin natural acquisition of the Hebrew language in Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten and progress in their language abilities toward fluency as they move through the school. Rooted in progressive education and the wisdom of Torah, CJDS uses our past to inform our present and provide a compass for our future. Reading secular and sacred texts, CJDS students are immersed in a learning environment which encourages both analytical and critical thinking. Committed to academic excellence and social-emotional growth, grounded in educational research and driven by best practice, integrated and experiential learning are at the core of our student-centered curriculum, which develops a passion for lifelong learning. In addition to academic subjects, physical education, art, and music are part of the regular school day, and enrichment activities (After School Adventures) such as chess, cooking, and yoga are offered in the afternoon.

History

CJDS opened in 2003 with seven students and has added one grade level per year until 2011. In 2012, CJDS held its inaugural graduation of our grade 8 class of five students. The school's founders included Orthodox Rabbi Asher Lopatin of Anshe Sholom B'nai Israel Congregation, Conservative Rabbi Michael Siegel of Anshe Emet Synagogue, and Reform Rabbi Aaron Mark Petuchowski of Temple Sholom. CJDS's multidenominational philosophy encourages the intentional inclusion of all Jewish identities. Students come from a wide variety of Jewish backgrounds, including but not limited to Reform, Reconstructionist, Conservative, Orthodox, and unaffiliated families.

New Campus

CJDS is currently located in Edgewater and is building a new campus to call home in the Irving Park neighborhood. Nestled in a tree-lined urban neighborhood in a growing hub of family-friendly programming, the new campus will have easy access to both downtown and suburban living. It's a 2.6-acre campus, complete with multiple state-of-the-art buildings, an on-site gymnasium, sports field, playgrounds, and outdoor basketball courts. CJDS will be located in vintage buildings renovated to include flexible classroom spaces and progressive science and innovation labs, where digital learning and experiential learning live in harmony while Judaism is explored, integrated, and celebrated in all areas in the school.

Affliations and Accreditations

CJDS is in proud partnership with the Jewish United Fund and is accreditated by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS).