In Judaism, a love of learning has always been paramount. After all, people become more empathetic, compassionate people the more they learn! Jewish schools around the world are dedicated to providing students with a supportive learning environment while helping to create well-rounded humans who care for the world, others, and themselves. Here in Seattle, the Seattle Jewish Community School has created an inclusive school community that celebrates the joys of learning while preparing students to make a positive impact on the world. This coed Jewish school is unaffiliated with any particular Jewish movement, welcoming families from across the spectrum of Jewish life.
If you’re looking for a wonderful, supportive, Jewish learning environment for your little one in kindergarten through 5th grade, check out the Seattle Jewish Community School!
About the Seattle Jewish Community School
7217 Woodlawn Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115
Seattle Jewish Community School (SJCS) was established in 1991 as the Seattle Jewish Primary School but changed its name after expanding to 5th grade a few years later. The school’s joyful and welcoming environment has always remained the same. However, creating a community of Jewish values in the pursuit of wisdom and knowledge. In its earlier years, the school resided in several North Seattle synagogues before moving into its own campus in 2008. Over a decade later, the SJCS relocated to a brand new campus in the heart of the Green Lake neighborhood, where it continues to grow and thrive today.
The mission, vision, and educational philosophy of SJCS are all rooted in the diverse ethical roots of the Jewish community, including Moreshet (heritage), Kehillah (community), and Makom (Place). As a school, SJCS carries Judaism’s commitments to cultural and religious traditions, spiritual insights, faith in the power of self-reflection, and derech eretz (ethical conduct) and tikkun olam (repairing the world). Differences within the community are celebrated in every form, and social justice is always pursued with a commitment to dignity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Living in a place as uniquely magnificent as the Pacific Northwest, SJCS also acknowledges and honors that they reside on the land of the Coast Salish people and instills a sense of wonder and responsibility in regard to the precious environment of the greater Seattle area.
All of this comes together to create an inclusive school community that celebrates “the joys of learning and community while preparing students to influence their world for the good.”
What They Teach At Seattle Jewish Community School
At SJCS, their staff and teachers value the pursuit of understanding, purpose, and self-awareness in addition to knowledge, embracing and teaching the power of questions. Students in every grade will learn how to consider different perspectives throughout their learning and gain a better understanding that the world is never black and white. They’ll also be encouraged to be curious and unique individuals while thriving in an environment that is safe and inclusive. Your child will undoubtedly develop traits like empathy, resilience, awe and wonder, a delight in challenge, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the world.
In every grade at SJCS, the curriculum maintains a strong focus on social-emotional learning, which goes hand-in-hand with Jewish values. Not only will students excel academically, but they’ll also grow as well-rounded, responsible, and empathetic individuals within their communities.
Kindergarten
Beginning in kindergarten, Seattle Jewish Community School students will engage with a strong foundation that is designed to support them through future learning. They’ll enjoy hands-on activities to help them develop skills in subjects like English, math, Hebrew, art, music, phys ed, and Judaic studies. Plus, all kindergarten students pair with 5th-grade buddies. Creating a relationship as they work together throughout the year to foster a sense of community and mentorship.
1st Through 5th Grades
The 1st and 2nd-grade cohort builds on the foundational skills of kindergarten while preparing students for more advanced academic challenges. The curriculum emphasizes teamwork, cultivating curiosity, and embracing the innate drive to learn and explore. This is a “looping” program, meaning children will have the same teacher for consecutive years, allowing them to build a strong relationship where teachers can better understand each student’s individual needs.
In 3rd and 4th grade, students begin to explore collaborative learning while simultaneously gaining independence. They’ll learn to become self-motivated learners who actively and responsibly engage within their communities. The looping continues into this cohort, allowing for similarly strong relationships with instructors as your child grows.
Then, finally, comes the capstone year at SJCS – 5th grade. A joint program called Kehillah M’Shulevet brings SJCS students together with peers at the Jewish Day School in Bellevue to experience team-building activities and learn about other Jewish institutions in the city. 5th graders will also step into their mentorship roles as “buddies” with the kindergarteners, helping them to develop important leadership skills.
From start to finish, an education at Seattle Jewish Community School is a beautiful step of an amazing journey to success and independence.
All Of The Fun!
The SJCS fun doesn’t end at the end of the school day! Before and After School Enrichment, or BASE, provides additional opportunities for students to interact with peers and try new things. While the BASE offerings change from year to year, past favorites have included Kung Fu, Dance, Drama, Cooking, Parkour, and even Dungeons and Dragons. They also offer full-day camps during normal school hours on days when there is no school, like parent-teacher conference days or staff in-service days. Kids love that they get to explore fun new fields, and parents love that their kids have a convenient, safe place to play, relax, and socialize before and after school!
Your Kids Will Love Spending Every Day At The Seattle Jewish Community School
The Seattle Jewish Community School is a wonderful learning environment for children and a phenomenal community for all Jewish families. If you want to take a closer look at the school, SJCS offers tours led by parents of currently enrolled students for an authentic peek into the day-to-day life of an SJCS student. You can also learn more about their curriculum in-depth on their website and the admissions process. Of course, their helpful staff is always just a phone call or an email away to answer any questions, too!
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