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Why send kids to day school? JEWISH DAY SCHOOL BENEFITS

Low student-to-teacher ratios.
Portland’s three Jewish day schools of- in all classes. Lessons might include how
fer an abundance of benefits for Jewish to be a positive member of a classroom A community of learners where every
children at any time. Now, two years into community, dealing with conflict in kind person is honored and valued.
a pandemic that has battered everyone’s and constructive ways, building social A values-based education that engag-
equilibrium, Jewish day schools offer even skills and showing kavod (respect) for our- es the mind, body and spirit.
more advantages – not just for the students, selves, others and property.” A school experience that encourages
but for the world. Maayan Torah Day School also offers students to participate in Jewish life,
“We are living in a very chaotic world, values-based education – one that inspires engage in the broader Jewish commu-
and a private Jewish school can bring in children to love Judaism and mitzvot. nity and become change-makers in the
values and ethics,” says Maimonides Jew- Wilhelm notes that Judaism also teaches world.
ish Day School Director Devora Wilhelm. that every person makes a difference in the
“Having a values-based education is even world. A school that is grounded in Jewish
more important now than five years ago.” “If every child could feel ‘I have purpose, values, informing everything from cur-
Portland Jewish Academy Admissions what I do is important and I can make a riculum development to hiring.
Director Sarah Glass agrees that Jewish difference,’ we would have a better world,” Hebrew language (foreign language
day schools have much to offer in the way says Wilhelm. acquisition).
of flexibility and core values. The low ratio of students to teachers, Increasing a student’s Jewish literacy
“Our Jewish studies curriculum provides ranging from 5:1 at MJDS to 10:1 at PJA, (understanding of Jewish history, texts,
a built-in structure for social/emotional enables day school staff to be in tune with and culture).
development by using our Jewish texts to their students’ emotional and social needs,
learn lessons about how to live our lives as well as their academic needs. Strengthening a student’s Jewish
with gratitude, respect, care for oneself and “This year, we are noticing a greater need identity.
for the community,” says Glass. “We also Courtesy of Portland Jewish Academy.
incorporate a social/emotional curriculum See WHY, page 11
DAY SCHOOLS (continued)

to accommodate for learning differences, whether it is for a student
who is struggling with a concept or for a student that is beyond the
given lesson and needs enrichment.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW: We believe individuals progress and
thrive most successfully at their own pace, so we maintain an ex-
cellent ratio of staff to students. We also believe that Judaism is
applicable, relevant and supports meaningful and successful daily
living. It is taught using a project-based approach that helps chil-
dren love and personally connect to Jewish tradition and values.
We believe that as active members of the 21st century, students
must be curious, critical thinkers and lifelong learners.

PORTLAND JEWISH ACADEMY
Director of Admission: Sarah Glass
503-535-3599 | sglass@pjaproud.org
pjaproud.org Portland Jewish Academy kindergartners work together.
6651 SW Capitol Highway, Portland, OR 97219 essary and as long as we have the resources to do so. PJA has a
ACCREDITATION: Northwest Association of Independent Support Services team of educators who provide support in both
academic and social/emotional skills. In addition, we have support
Schools (NWAIS) for students new to Hebrew language learning. Support is given
TUITION: K-5th, $22,050; Middle School, $22,800 (2022-23) both in the classroom and in individual or small group sessions.
FINANCIAL AID: We offer tuition assistance. More than 50% of PROGRAM OVERVIEW: Founded in 1961, Portland Jewish
PJA families receive tuition assistance. We also offer a 30% tuition Academy is an independent, inclusive Jewish community school
discount for Jewish Communal Professionals. that welcomes families of all backgrounds. PJA provides an aca-
BEFORE AND/OR AFTER SCHOOL: We offer after-school demically rich environment that supports each student’s personal
care for K-5th grade students. growth and development, from infants through 8th grade. Our
KINDERGARTEN-8TH GRADE: 186 students hands-on interdisciplinary curriculum emphasizes collaborative
learning, critical thinking and community engagement. At PJA,
ACCOMMODATION FOR LEARNING DIFFERENCES: students are empowered to think for themselves and work for the
We will make accommodations for learning differences as nec- world.
NEXT UP: Day camps: March 16 issue | Jewish preschools: March 30 issue

Jewish Review March 2, 2022 7