Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I enroll my children at the Charlotte Jewish Day School when I have a fine public school in my neighborhood?
We believe in educating the whole child and providing a rigorous, up-to-date curriculum in a nurturing and stimulating environment to promote optimal learning. Our small class sizes allow for individualized, differentiated instruction, where our teachers modify content, process, and product to accommodate different styles of learning. We closely gauge academic, social, and creative development, challenging students at their individual level. Daily Judaic studies and a dual-language Hebrew immersion curriculum fosters problem-solving, critical thinking, and a love of Judaism. Project-based learning and Makerspace initiatives provide opportunities for our students to cultivate creativity, team building, communication, technology, and collaboration. A CJDS graduate has a strong Jewish identity, is a lifelong learner, and a leader among peers.
Is Charlotte Jewish Day School associated with a particular movement of Judaism?
No. CJDS is a community day school. Our students come from all of our local synagogues and bridge the spectrum from unaffiliated to Orthodox. Students are taught what we all have in common, allowing families to explore their own path of Judaism.
Will my family feel comfortable even though we do not have a kosher home?
CJDS students are taught what they CAN do, rather than what they CANNOT. We teach what we have in common, understanding that families make their own decisions and that those decisions are accepted and respected.
How much of the day is spent on Judaica and Hebrew language?
Approximately 1/3 of each day is spent studying Hebrew and learning Jewish history, sacred text, holidays, and customs. Critical thinking and interpretation skills are developed through their daily Torah study. The school day is maximized to benefit both Judaic and General Study disciplines. For example, in Kindergarten Judaica, the students write a Megillah (scroll) for Purim using and reinforcing the writing skills they learned in Language Arts.
How well do CJDS students perform on standardized tests?
For the fifth year in a row, CJDS students’ average CTP IV and ERB scores outperform those of national private schools.
How does CJDS help students transition into the school?
To ease the transition, all new families are matched with a CJDS family. Although the primary year of entry into CJDS is kindergarten, many new students join us starting in other grades. For many of our students, this is their first experience at a Jewish day school and learning the Hebrew language. We have accommodations in place to help. Our students and faculty are very welcoming and are always excited to have new students join their classes.
Can my child enter CJDS at Middle School without having attended during the elementary years?
Yes, we welcome new students to join us in middle school. We understand your child may not have previous experience at a Jewish day school or with Hebrew language learning. We have accommodations in place to help ease the transition and bring them up to speed.
How do we engage our parents?
As a CJDS parent, you are a vital part of our community. We have an active PTO that holds parent-only socials, as well as all-school events. Throughout the year, parents are invited into the classroom to celebrate special events and milestones.
What is the Tuition Affordability Program?
We have a holistic affordability program that works with families to make it possible to provide a Jewish education for their children. Providing a quality education for your children is a commitment we share, and we recognize the financial commitment required. We want every family to feel that CJDS can be a viable option. The CJDS Tuition Affordability Program takes into consideration the number of children in a family, the total number of family tuition years at CJDS, adjusted gross income, and a variety of other factors.
The process is completely confidential. We use a third-party company, in conjunction with guidelines established by the school, to work to make CJDS a realistic option for our families. Click here to learn more.
Does applying for financial aid affect an applicant’s chance for admission?
No, admission decisions are made separately from financial aid decisions.
Is there a pre-care and after-care program?
CJDS offers pre-care starting at 7:30 a.m. For after-care, students can enroll in variety of student clubs or a daily Study Hall from 3:00-4:00 p.m. The Levine Jewish Community Center also offers an after-school program, JTeam, until 6:00 p.m., as well as a variety of afterschool classes. CJDS students can be escorted to JTeam.
Does CJDS have a lunch program?
Yes. Our cafeteria offers a kosher hot lunch choice each day. Other options include a sandwich or salad bar.
Does CJDS have after-school clubs and activities?
Yes, CJDS offers a variety of options for after-school clubs. Clubs run from 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Does CJDS offer bus service?
Yes, CJDS offers morning bus service, picking up at StoneCrest Shopping Center in front of the movie theater.
How do I apply to CJDS?
All admission information, including important dates and deadlines, can be found on our admissions page.
