Our Mission

The Chicago Jewish Day School creates for our students a standard of excellence in both Jewish and General Studies. Our students develop a passion for learning and a strong sense of themselves as Jews and as human beings. We inspire our students to:

develop a strong Jewish identity through an integrated curriculum within a nurturing, stimulating and creative environment

become a community of learners

respect and appreciate diversity

love Torah, Israel, Hebrew language and prayer

be contributing, caring and knowledgeable members of our community, our country and the world

Our Vision

CJDS provides a standard of excellence in both Jewish and General studies, through an integrated, multi-sensory curriculum that is attentive to student’s individual needs. Students learn a rich system of Jewish values, which stresses the practice of mitzvot and the development of ethical character. Through school experiences, our students gain creative and critical thinking skills and develop a passion for life-long learning.

Chicago Jewish Day School serves the entire Jewish community and is a leader in promoting togetherness, cooperation, and respect across all Jewish denominations. Our educational approach appreciates and affirms differences in Jewish philosophy and background and values the range of Jewish religious practices among its students.

At CJDS, Jewish tradition informs our curriculum, calendar, celebrations and daily schedule. We are committed to transmitting an in-depth knowledge of sacred Jewish texts and rituals, tradition and customs, and Jewish history. Our students gain fluency in reading, speaking and understanding Hebrew language and literature, both classical and modern.

Students also discover how to have a significant and joyful relationship with God, how to pray as a Jew, and to appreciate the centrality of Israel — the people and the land. Through this knowledge and experience, our students build meaningful Jewish lives.

We are equally dedicated to excellence in our general studies program, encompassing language arts, mathematics, social and natural sciences, the humanities and technology.

Chicago Jewish Day School weaves values of Tikkun Olam (repair of the world) into every aspect of the school experience. Faculty, students, and parents are strongly encouraged to participate in activities which improve the world and which promote justice, peace, compassion, and respect.

Our school operates as a community of learners with students, teachers and families all partaking in the educational process. Our teachers and school staff care deeply about the school, the children they work with and Jewish education. They understand and embrace the school’s mission, adopting and supporting the principles we value as a school community. Because we believe that students are inspired by adults who appreciate learning and who pursue their own emotional, intellectual and religious growth, the school encourages and provides ongoing educational opportunities for teachers, parents and all community members.

CJDS establishes a safe, supportive environment which fosters the kind of trust and warmth that encourages students take risks and rise to challenges. Such an environment allows each student to shine, to strive for personal excellence, and to develop a strong sense of self as a human being and as a Jew.

The community that has evolved around our school is nurturing and warm. Our daughters are speaking Hebrew, doing complex math problems, reading stories, creating paintings and exhibiting important values that are crucial to being a good Jews and Chicagoans.

Jacob H., CJDS Parent