It takes a pretty special place to convince someone for who's openly ambivalent about their Jewish identity AND a booster of public education to decide to send their child there, but SJCS is that kind of place. I would have to say that in some ways the operative word in the institution's name may be "Community" rather than "School", not because the education is less than outstanding, but because it's that sense of community - transmitted from teachers to children to their families every day - that makes this such a terrific school. Our kids have not just become smart or become mensches, but been empowered to feel a critical part of the minyan of the world. Choosing SJCS was not easy in many ways, personally or financially, but it's a choice I'm rewarded for making every day.
SJCS is, quite simply, a reflection of Jewish identity at its best. Families bringing meals to a teacher recovering from surgery. 5th graders making direct eye contact and offering warm smiles to the homeless as they distribute food. Kindergartners bringing out pennies and nickles to put into the Tz'dakah box on Friday. Opportunities for taking responsibility, for reflection, for awareness, and for learning. It's community with songs for Shabbat, and Brachot for the small gratitudes in each day. It's personal accountability and collective values. For me, SJCS has given purpose to my work, and pride to my Jewishness.
Knowing many of the teachers, board members, parents, and students, I can attest to the high quality of the education, both secular and Jewish. In addition, SJCS instills a sense of wonder and delight in whole process of learning; they don't just teach, they create lifelong learners.
Whenever I am at SJCS (and in my career as an Educational Consultant, I have been watching its growth for more than fifteen years) I am reminded of what a good school is and does. This school has high standards for its students, parents, faculty and staff; they treat each other with kindness and great integrity; everyone is expected to do the very best they can in all areas and all are rewarded with love and acceptance as well as support and encouragement always. From the perspective of a Temporary Office Manager, I got to be part of front office for a few weeks, supporting the community in its efforts to function as effectively as it does to educate PreK-5th grade children, maintain an impressive local and national image, and contribute to the number of bright and thoughtful "menschlich" in our world.
Over four years ago I was a student at this school. The three years I learned at this school were something remarkable. Not only did I learn about Judaism and general knowledge (math, reading, etc.), but I learned that you need to be against fighting and that there is always a peaceful way to resolve a conflict. During my time we were at the old building adjacent to the synagogue, but they're now at the new building, which, sadly, I wasn't able to learn at. Nevertheless, I visited the school at the new building about three and a half years ago and it is still the remarkable place that I remember. Today we need these type of school, and being in different places across the planet, I really know. Long live SJCS!!
this is one of a handful of jewish day schools that really understands the tzedakah and tikkun olam side of their curriculum. i have been impressed with the teachers and students in this area (and other areas as well). keep up the good work!
Our children are first graders at SJCS. We chose this school because it provided a loving and nurturing environment, a rigorous education, and provided children with a strong cultural identity and sense of self. It does everything I hoped - and more. The kids are very happy there and say they can't imagine being in school somewhere else.
Very warm and haimish feeling. Great sense of community. Lots of love for all the kids. Fabulous teacher. The alumni leave with a wonderful love of torah and great skills for their future.
Several years ago, I was a Jewish mom with a son going into Kindergarten. I had looked at the Jewish day schools in the area, but none had before- and after-school care. I was resigned to sending my son to public school when I heard about SJCS. I contacted them with just a couple of months until school started, applied, and he was accepted right before the term started! From the get-go, I was impressed by the teachers & staff, and then by the parents & volunteers. I believe this school has exactly the right emphasis on both social and academic areas, and I thank G-d all the time that it exists. We have felt welcomed and appreciated by the school "family" and are looking forward to the rest of our time at this school.
So often a mission statement is nothing more than some words composed by a chosen few yet as a former teacher at the school, I can honestly say that many of the aspects mentioned in SJCS' mission statement are embedded in the every day life of the school. At SJCS children are genuinely nurtured. Children and teachers learn from eachother and demonstrate true derech eretz. I left SJCS several years ago nevertheless there are so many wonderful practices that I continue to use in my teaching today.
My son got a great education at SJCS. Just ask him and he'll be the first to tell you so. He went on to excel at all his other schools. He also learned many of life's important lessons, as they were modeled for him on a daily basis. And I had the privilege of being both a parent and a teacher at SJCS. It is truly a wonderful organization, full of great people who really care and give their all to the students.
Fout grandchildren have attended the school and one is attending now. Two of my daughters are teachers there. We are contributors to the school and the catalyst for fundraising. We were honored by the school for our efforts.
I like SJCS because there are lots of adults who keep me safe and help me learn. I love learning to play sports during PE. I like learning Hebrew since it's fun to speak in a different language.
One day I was playing outside and I got hurt. A friend immediately came over to help me. SJCS teaches friends to care for each other and that's one reason I love going to school at SJCS. My teachers are awesome!
I chose SJCS because I was looking for a moral education for my children at a school that shares my values. The focus on derech eretz, tikkun olam, and being of service to the community at large is central in my children's education at SJCS. Equally important is the teacher's support of my children's individual learning styles and needs and the services provided by the learning specialist. I have been incredibly impressed by the teacher's willingness to incorporate the outside services my children are receiving into their teaching plans. However, most of all I am impressed by every staff members true love and commitment to children.
There are many teachers at SJCS, but they're all super good at their job. They might be so good that you can't choose which grade is better. We are taught step by step, it just depends on what grade you're in. I've been supported in every which way possible (so far). I'm one of the 2 girls in my class. It's actually pretty fun! But sometimes it can be a little bit overwhelming at first, but then you get used to it and it's not so bad 'cause you have friends! (at SJCS you always have friends). Every kid gets a 'shabat.' We also have a bunch of celebrations! They're so fun. We get to pretend to be in Israel; we have Chanukah parties, Purim parties; we even celebrate Passover and more! SJCS is so cool. It's such an awesome place! (Written by Amalya - edited for spelling and typed by her mother).
We're grandparents of two students at SJCS, and we're so delighted with this school's focus on developing, in an age appropriate way, a sense of community and mutual responsibility. Children clearly embrace theses values and live them in their daily encounters with each other. As two of the three coauthors of a parenting book, "The Too Precious Child," we have written about the increasing pressure on children to compete for first place and first prize. Here's a school with a structured and demanding program that reserves its highest praise for helpfulness and kindness. Pretty impressive! Louisa Rose Henry S. Berman, M.D.
I have been a parent at SJCS for the last 8 years with two kids. I am still amazed at the enthusiasm of the staff and the dedication to learning that each staff member exhudes. The community is a great web of support and new friends.
SJCS has been a wonderful way for us to provide a Jewish community for our children. As an interfaith family raising Jewish children, we were concerned with finding a place where our children felt they belonged and that would respect our family's choices. Our children are encouraged, challenged and valued as whole people. The staff are amazing! I just can't say enough good things but here are a few examples: *My son was allowed to go at his own pace in first grade (he was the youngest in his class and we wanted to give him time). When he still wasn't reading at the beginning of second grade, they immediately started him working with the school's learning specialist and he now reads well above grade level. I appreciated the school's respect for our desire not to push, while at the same time providing him with all the support he needed. *Both of my children come home singing songs in Hebrew. They start working with Hebrew and Judaics in kindergarten. I really feel it is a gift to give my kids a thorough knowledge of the traditions and rituals of Judaism (while respecting the diversity of practice represented in the school and the wider world.) *Regular field trips to the food bank in third grade - social justice is practiced throughout the school. *Regular interaction with kids from other grade levels. Children get frequent opportunities to be mentors or to learn from older students. I remember in grade school that the kids in the older grades never talked to younger kids - it wasn't "cool." SJCS is teaching kids that helping others *is* cool. My children know and interact during the school day with kids in both younger and older grades.
I have been a fan of SJCS since before its inception! In those early days, with no facility nor any equipment, all we had was our core values of Yiddishkeit, hamishness, and the highest achedemic aspirations. The positive results were immediately apparent. From its earliest days, SJCS has produced students of confidence, developed ability and moral insight, along with strong and positive Jewish identity and skills. Today those same values remain the focus of SJCS. Today, in our wonderful building, and with a deepening community of supporters, we are poised to grow further and bring these benefits to a larger community.
We have two kids at SJCS and I think it is an outstanding school. I love the dual curriculum with its focus on ethical values, and I love the sense of community at the place. I know that my kids are getting a great education academically, emotionally and in Judaics at SJCS and I really appreciate it.
Our family loves SJCS! The warm, caring SJCS community and staff helped our son seamlessly transition into 3rd grade from his local public school. He is now a 5th grader. Our experience has been so positive that we sent our kindergartener to SJCS even though we long ago decided "she would do just fine" in public school. SJCS' rigorous general and Judaics studies curriculum will keep my kids challenged and the values and social skills that they're learning will serve them their entire lives. The wonderful teachers make learning fun at SJCS. The staff knows each student and understands what makes them tick. I never hear "I don't want to go to school!"
As a donor and a staff member, I can proudly say that I believe in this school. I see children every day who are being taught not only reading, writing, math, science, Hebrew, and Torah, but more importantly how to be good people. I think that this is the greatest strength of SJCS. This school emphasizes teaching children strong morals that will help them for the rest of their lives.
We just assumed our daughter would go to our local public elementary school. All the neighborhood kids had been to this school and we liked the idea of being part of a community. About the time I was visiting this school, we were introduced to SJCS. Naturally...there were considerations, but we were so inspired by what we saw happening at SJCS and the amazing, confident, enthusiastic students it was graduating, that we really had no choice to make. It was quite obvious what the right choice was. She is now in her 3rd year at SJCS and thriving. She loves the school! We love the school! The SJCS community is amazing, especially its shared values and commitment to excellence. We especially value the teachers' dedication and open-mindedness as it relates to how children learn differently. They really teach to each individual child's needs. The values the school instills during these formative years will serve our daughter well for the rest of her life -- nowhere else would she be obtaining such a strong base of values and enhanced Jewish identity. And from her, our family has all learned more about ourselves.
What a privilege to work with SJCS on their development efforts. The professional and volunteer leadership are extraordinarily committed, and their dedication shows in the quality of their program. What a great resource for Seattle families!
We're the parents of two kids currently at the school and one graduate. The school is a model for how Jewish education should be done. My children are informed, able to ask intelligent questions and imbued with an understanding of what the responsibilities of "citizenship" and "community" are. Socializing kids to think about others and to put their community in the center of their world is so important and yet so difficult to teach in a world of crass materialism.
My children attend SJCS 17 years ago. It was a nurturing and stimulating environment. Ideas and opinions were readily encouraged and shared. After leaving SJCS, my children transitioned to public school with no difficulty. They were well prepared. They've grown up to be thoughtful, considerate, concerned citizens of the world. I believe much of this is from the start they got at this school. Now, years later, I am an employee of the school and find the same sense of community, respect, and love of learning that was there for my family so many years ago.
Our family joined the SJCS community this year. We were drawn by the absolutely amazing community of families. Community support far exceeds what we could have hoped for in any other elementary school. As new parents, we were not around for the rough times. Our eyes see a flourishing school, in a lovely building of its own, continually enriching the curriculum and the overall learning environment. Our son loves the new science teacher and her curriculum. As a first grader he gets dance, art, music, PE, and science every week in addition to the solid basic curriculum. The Judaic studies enrich not just our son's learning but help guide our family's exploration of our Jewish identity.
SJCS is a great school. It is a family, everyone is there for you when you need support. The education is outstanding and my children are way ahead of their peers who attend public school.
SJCS is an small, egalitarian community Jewish school - that means that my daughter knows all the kids in her school, from pre-K to fifth grade. The school is a caring, open community - although I think everyone is Jewish, the observance varies from very observant to secular, and includes Israeli kids who are able to integrate because of the Hebrew/Judaic studies half of every day. And the education is excellent - my daughter is advanced, and the teachers are able to challenge her without making her feel different. She is getting a second language, values integrated into her education, and building friendships that will last a lifetime. The staff at the school are amazing - they have very committed staff who have been with the school for a very long time, and their ability to work together really benefits the kids. Every year in the fall, instead of that 'getting to know you' phase that comes with public school (where our son excels), we've had a teacher who already knows my daughter, has had her in her class because they do a good bit of blending during the day depending on subjects and needs of the child. That means that we hit the ground running every year. I highly recommend this school
Our grandchildren attend SJCS and our entire family praises the school. Each child's needs are met in a way that is personal and perfect to their individual learning style. We love that each child is becoming a mensch, ready to take on the world (or at least middle school).
SJCS is a warm loving environment that encourages all its members (staff, students, parents) to grow and learn. I feel lucky to be a member of the team.
My children loved their time at SJCS. Both boys went from K-5th. The education both Judaic and Secular was top notch. They were prepared well for 6th grade, and were able to have a nice foundation of morals and values as well.
This is a "hamish" school, very community oriented, with the highest quality teaching staff I have ever had the pleasure to work with - we are truly a team, and each one of us strengthens the links that let us provide the best education to each and every student we encounter. It never feels competitive the way it has at other schools where I have taught - this is just the opposite, with teachers sharing insights and strategies and always looking for ways to be flexible and support each other.
Since my very first day of teaching for SJCS, 19 years ago, SJCS has been a place where teachers can bring their passions, creativity, and love for children to their workplace. In a world where our culture increasingly demands "a product," SJCS continues to strive to always to create a learning environment that provides for the 'whole' child. An environment where parents and school are partners as we 'grow' children. SJCS is a place where teachers, parents, and children learn together. A place where 'Jewish' becomes a verb!
Why SJCS? The answer is simple. SJCS builds mensches. When we first explored SJCS, we met several recent graduates. Self-confidence, wisdom, self-respect. We saw who our daughter could become and the choice was obvious, an SJCS education. We love this school!
SJCS is an excellent school all around. We have two children in the school, and both are thriving. The school is very nurturing, which was especially important to us in the early years. Class sizes are small, teachers and staff are first-rate, and parents are considered partners in their children’s education. The school focuses not only on academic excellence, but also on social and emotional intelligence. We chose the school for these reasons and also to provide a strong Jewish foundation, one that emphasizes core values such as caring for others; repairing the world, living with intention and purpose; and doing mitzvot. SJCS prepares kids not only for their future education but for life. In addition, the school also offers an extremely warm community of parents and friends who are welcoming and supportive every step of the way. SJCS is a gem—it’s rare to find a school like this.
I have 3 children who graduated from SJCS. I started as a parent in the school and eventually also joined the teaching staff. My children were well-prepared for life by SJCS teachers and staff. I was always very impressed with the approach of the school. The staff teaches the whole child. Deep Jewish roots and love of learning are provided by an SJCS education. Children are taught that kindness matters. I was honored to join the staff and work with such outstanding teachers. I learn from and am inspired by my colleagues and my students every day. The school has been a gift to my children. Two are in college. One is almsot finished with high school. SJCS provided a fabulous foundation for them. My husband and I are very grateful to SJCS.
We have been blown away by SJCS. We never planned to send our kids to Jewish day school, but the challenging dual curriculum as well as the emphasis on the not-solely academic parts of the childrens' lives sold us on SJCS. The emphasis on the whole child helps us know that our kids are not just being taught top-notch academics (in 2 languages), but that that they are also being taken care of. SJCS helps children learn to be critical thinkers by challenging their ideas. The school helps kids learn to get along in the community of their peers, a vital part of elementary education, but an area seldom focused on by other schools we considered.
This school has exceeded my expectations not only on an educational level but on a developmental and spiritual level as well. My children are challenged, engaged, have a deep love of learning and seek out ways to do good in the world and show kindness to others.
I am currently a General Studies teacher at SJCS, and was thrilled to come to a school with a dual-language curriculum. From an educational standpoint, I feel this is so vital in becoming a gobal citizen and so important for every child's development. From a professional standpoint, I am happy to be included in such a skilled cohort of teachers, with such an amazing administrative staff. I came to SJCS from a public school and did not know how team-teaching would be, but my Judaic Studies partner has not only become one of my best friends but is a constant source of inspiration. From a purely emotional standpoint, I have had wonderful students who bring a smile to my face daily, with such a supportive, caring group of parents. This is truly a community, enriched by the teachings in Judaic Studies.
Both our sons have gone/is going to the SJSC and we have nothing but praise for the school. SJCS is a wonderful choice for Jewish families in Seattle who wish to send their children to Jewish Day School but for various reasons find Seattle Hebrew Academy or the Jewish Day School on the Eastside not as good a fit. The SJCS is egalatarian and imbues our children with a strong, positive and proud sense of Jewish identity. The school's ethos of Derech Eretz or "being on path" coupled with the Gottman philosophy of raising children with emotional intelligence makes for a wonderful environment of learning to be full, moral youngsters. The academic offerings are very competitive and our 12 year old had a very smooth transition into Middle School where he was easily able to move into honors classes. The teachers are warm, committed and very knowledge in their respective fields. Perhaps most importantly, the SJCS has truly lived up to its reputation as a COMMUNITY school. We have had terrific experiences with many, many families and know that in times of need as well as in times of joy, the community comes out en masse to help celebrate, grieve and be there for each other. Couldn't recommend the school more highly! The Brumers
I came to SJCS as a skeptic. I wondered why any parent would want to take 2 hours a day for Judaic Studies. I am now a real believer in the mission, academic excellence and sense of community the school offers to each student. Children get individualized attention and are challenged in many ways. The sense of community at the school is excellent. Families regularly get together outside of school and they make all newcomers feel welcome. Students are engaged as kinesthetic learners in science lab twice a week. They are powerful writers and avid readers. These kids have a strong moral sense of Jewish identity and doing good for the world. I feel so fortunate to be a part of SJCS community. Children leave the school as confident lifelong learners who are also happy Jewish kids!
This school is a wonderful place for children to learn. The relatively small class sizes ensure that every child receives the attention he/she needs to succeed, while the enthusiasm and vibrancy shown by the kids gives off the impression of a large, goal-driven community.
SJCS is an amazing place for students and parents. It is a warm, welcoming community with small class sizes and attention to educational details. The teachers and staff here are top-notch. The new building is spacious and allows for components such as a new pre-K program and science lab. The students get a strong, basic Jewish education and walk away with a strong sense of self and place as a Jew in the world. I give SJCS an A-Plus.
It is my privilege to have been the dance teacher at SJCS, originally the Seattle Jewish Primary School, for 18 years of its history. I have been a part of the school as it progressed through four different locations, finally coming to rest in its own beautiful building. To my mind, what has always driven the school forward through each development is the determination and dedication of a giant range of individuals (families, administrators, teachers, volunteers) and supportive funders to provide the highest quality general and Jewish education to students, thus developing, enlarging, and continuing the richness and intelligence of Jewish culture and, therefore, the culture at large. I have watched as the school has added a strong a focus on science (under-represented in most school curricula), has always had a strong focus on the arts (knowledge and skills of which are proving to be important centerpieces of children's readiness for the 21st century), how it made sure there was a gym for the development of physical intelligence and teamwork: these, along with a well-developed Jewish studies curriculum, are each indicators of the strength and wholeness of the school's curriculum focus. Further, the school's move toward accreditation by the Pacific Northwest Association of Independent Schools and the strong attention for each educator's professional development are strong indicators of the school's interest and ability to remain current with the field and its peers. Each of these constant strivings forward, all in accord with current educational research, are steps of progress which are meant for, and benefit the growth of the school's students. I am proud to be a part of SJCS. I would recommend the school to any parent who wishes to see their student in an environment that is rich, full, supportive, and rigorous and to any funder who would like to see their funding put to effective use where each and every dollar will be judiciously spent.
SJCS is the real deal....a warm, nurturing, creative and academically challenging school where the students truly learn to see life through a Jewish lens. The staff is devoted to each and every child and goes the extra mile to meet their individual needs.
My children are thriving at SJCS. They are so excited about learning and their process of learning at the school. Each student is recognized, valued, and honored for their own uniqueness and abilities. Every teacher there is outstanding, giving their absolute best to the children and the SJCS community. Parent ideas and concerns are acknowledged and implemented when appropriate. SJCS has been an incredible educational base for our family.
Have one SJCS graduate, another in the school, a third going when she is old enough! Can't say enough good things. No child falls through the cracks here - the ones who need more academic stimulation get it, the ones who need help academically or otherwise get the help. A warm and nurturing community as well, and a fully integrated dual curriculum.
A wonderful, warm environment. My daughter loves SJCS and we are so glad we chose such an incredible school for her. The community is warm, the teachers are dedicated and the curriculum excellent.
I am the parent of two children currently at SJCS and we are very happy there. SJCS's strenghts? The close and loving community, small class sizes, integrated curriculum, the spirit of derech eretz which permeates it all. The teachers really know the kids and can speak to their strengths and areas of improvement with authority and creativity. I feel I have a place to go with any issues or concerns I may have, be heard, and then have those issues be acted upon. Best of all, the kids are consistently excited to head to school in the morning!
After experiencing other public and private schools, SJCS wins hands down. Perfect combination of academics, creative arts, socialization, values, and community that cares.
We've had a great experience at SJCS. Our twin daughters are thriving there. For both kindergarten (Gan) and 1st grade, we've found the teachers to be thoughtful, astute, creative, and very experienced. We chose SJCS for the combined Jewish and general studies curriculum and have been thrilled to see our children's enthusiasm understanding, and love for Judaism and Jewish culture. At the same time their reading and math skills are taking off. The teachers appear able to keep our girls challenged while also addressing the specific needs of their classmates. In that sense you get what you pay for -- the teacher student ration is quite low. The first grade has 20 children and a total of three teachers during the day (usually 2 at a time).
Skeptical about Jewish education and the benefits of a small school, I have been overwhelmed with the attention and affection my child and my family receive. There is something very special going on here. Regular notes homes, formal evaluations, lots of hand holding and my adopted chinese born daughter singing herself to sleep every night in Hebrew. MAGIC.
SJCS has met our needs very well. The administration makes very good decisions and is supportive of each family. All kinds of kids from all kinds of backgrounds with varying interests and abilities are destined for success at SJCS. They have child study teams that meet about each child in the school to make sure everyone is challenged and that all needs are met. The values are great. Judaics, science, art, music, dance, library, math, literacy, Torah, values, problem solving, social skills.....
A small school with a big heart. Supplying the kids with a broad general and Judaic study base and a sense of identity while preparing them well for middle school and beyond.
A wonderful school that's strong in both secular and Jewish curriculum. We particularly like the emphasis on how to develop one's own interests and abilities while participating in a larger community. The teachers are exceptional in their skill, dedication, and caring. The administration makes thoughtful decisions. The graduates we've met have been uniformly, shockingly impressive people.
I have two children at the Seattle Jewish Community School. The school excels at many levels. The academics are strong * each child is challenged * the teachers cooperate and communicate, both within and across grade levels * there's an integrated curriculum -- reasoning, good communication skills, and imagination are not pigeonholed into arts versus science The social curriculum and community are strong * Moody pre-teen SJCS graduate boys will play sports with my second grader, with no insults or injuries -- how impressive is that? The Judaics curriculum is impressive * The kids have a strong Jewish identity, and aren't judgemental of others' religious practices The only area that is lacking is conversational Hebrew. I'm very happy with SJCS.
SJCS builds menshes. Kids move on to 6th grade with a love of Judiasm that they carry with them to every middle school (public, private, religious, wherever) the attend. The school does an excellent job at fostering intellectual curiosity, creativity, and respect for diverse points of view. Each morning the kids in our car pool run into school, looking forward to the day ahead.
This has been a great school for our daughter. We've been consistently impressed with the quality of the teachers and the care with which the school is run. SJCS really walks the walk in terms of teaching and demonstrating how live a respectful life that is embedded in community. The conflict resolution curriculum is clear, helpful, and flexible for the varied ages of the students. We chose to send our child here because every graduate we met from the school was a mensch and understood how to be an individual and still contribute to a community.
Both of my children have attended their entire elementary school career at SJCS. One is now in 6th grade in Seattle Public Schools and the other is still at SJCS. SJCS has been a wonderful experience for the children. The teachers and staff provide a thorough and thoughtful education that integrates Jewish values, such as derech eretz and gemilut chasidim, throughout both the secular and the Jewish portions of the education. We had other options for giving our children a quality secular education, but SJCS was the best choice for both an equally good secular education and a Jewish education that supported the values we wanted to teach our children and also gave them knowledge that we wouldn't be able to give them without SJCS. Our 6th grader has gone on to the public school system and excelled because of the education received at SJCS, especially because of the way SJCS tailors the education to the child.
Seattle Jewish Community School made a huge difference in my children's development. They thrived with all the warmth and personal attention, focus on social values, and belonging to a strong and nurturing community.
I was introduced to the school over 15 years ago and I fell in love with the school, the people involved and the children they were turning out. Although my children are grown and my grandchildren do not live near the school, I have been privileged to serve on the Board of Directors twice, on the executive board and co-chairman of a major fundraiser. I give my volunteer hours because this school helps children understand their role in the world, feel good about themselves, and see the good in others... all while giving them an outstanding secular and Jewish education. It is the BEST!
Sending our son to Seattle Jewish Community School is one of the best decisions our family has ever made, and it goes far beyond the student:teacher ratio and the philosophy of introducing students to the joy in learning and discovery. I appreciate the school's emphasis on teaching children how to be an individual within a community, and the welcoming environment it provides to students and their families.
My wife and I decided to send our child to SJCS, and it was the best decision we have ever made. He is learning valuable lessons about contribution and becoming part of the greater community. The teachers are committed to excellence, and are completely focused on the children s well being. I wish I had this same exposure as a child, and would recommend the school to everyone.
Our son is in his first year at SJCS and I am gaining a deeper appreciation of the school every day. It is clear that the school is focused on teaching the kids how to be kind and considerate little people. I know that my boy is in good hands and wonderful company when I drop him off in the morning and that means everything to me.
We had children in this school for 7 years. It is an excellent school and my children received an excellent education. Our children and our family benefitted enormously from the community that developed through our involvement at the school, and the larger Jewish community that we became a part of. My child was well-prepared to succeed in middle-school. I've now had experience at several other private schools, and have to say that SJCS can be proud of its teachers, the education it provides, and the environment in which the children are educated.
We were deeply involved with the school for 12 years and enjoyed every minute of it. We chose SJCS because of the opportunity to build Jewish identity and values for our children, but were pleased to also find a demanding curriculum and a caring, wonderful faculty and community. All of our children moved seamlessly from 5th grade to a private, selective middle school 6th grade. They learned to be confident about participating in classroom discussion and to write well. Having the Hebrew background seemed to make learning a third language easy for them. Being a part of the SJCS community was a wonderful experience for our whole family.
Before our children were born we selected SJCS as our school of choice. Not only had we heard wonderful reports about the school, we were also deeply impressed with SJCS's commitment to egalitarian education. We felt that our family values would be reinforced by the principles of the school. Now that our children are 9 and 10, we've experienced endless examples of how SJCS transcends the ordinary academically, socially and spiritually. We feel blessed to be part of the the SJCS family.
We have been thrilled with our experience at SJCS. The emphasis on creating a welcoming, supportive Jewish community at the school is what attracted us to the school, and SJCS has exceeded our expectations. Personally, I am enjoying rediscovering my Jewish heritage through my involvement as a parent.
SJCS takes care of the needs of individuals, while fostering community spirit. Children leave at 5th grade as future leaders, with a strong sense of dereh eretz--of what is right and how to behave in the world.
This is a great school providing warm environment for my kids, excellent teachers and community spirit. Brings the kids and families together and strengthen their Jewish identity. ישר כח
We love the sense of community that's fostered at Seattle Jewish COMMUNITY School! We felt welcomed and nurtured from day one. The attention and care that our child receives is terrific.
The school's small class sizes and emphasis on teaching values, community-building, duel literacy and strong academics makes it top-notch. Our family loves this school!
Two kids in this school over the past 9 years. Couldn't be happier with the quality of general and Jewish education.
I have been a parent and an active volunteer at the Seattle Jewish Community School for more than 7 years. SJCS not only provides a superior general studies education and Judaic curriculum, it teaches children life skills in the context of their Jewish values. My children are being taught the importance of caring for others and caring for the world at the same time that they are learning math, science and language arts. The school and the community that makes up the school have been an integral part of the village that is helping us raise our children, the school and the school community are an extension of our home life and the lessons taught at home are reinforced and expanded at school.
I wear three hats. I am a board member. I am an alumna parent. And I am a parent of a child currently enrolled. Looking at SJCS from the alumna perspective, my child received an excellent preparation for middle school. She is continuing at a Jewish day school. Her Judaic studies preparation appears to been more than satisfactory; SJCS' emphasis on text study puts her at great advantage. Her Hebrew preparation was equal to her peers at her new school and she transitioned seamlessly. As for general studies, SJCS laid an outstanding foundation for success. My child thrived at SJCS and is now doing every bit as well in middle school. As a current parent, I continue to be impressed by the integration: of the curriculum, of the teaching staff, of the focus on Dereh Eretz and on a team approach to educating the whole child. Whether the student is gifted or needs an extra push, resources are available. One of the best qualities I've found at SJCS, in addition to the education, is the amazing sense of community. This committed group of folks comes together to support school families in good times and in bad. The warmth and caring is unlike anything I've experienced elsewhere. It's a whole package: people, learning and building a community -- as well as a community of learners and doers.