The Jewish Day School takes students beyond the basics. Long recognized for academic excellence, second-language acquisition for all students, and a richly integrated curriculum of general and Judaic studies, today’s JDS prepares preschool through 8th grade students to become inquiring, compassionate leaders in the community and the world.
The program includes science lab, language arts, social studies, math, Hebrew language, Jewish studies and holidays. Specialists in music, art, physical education and library work with students to enrich the core curriculum. Middle school competitive athletics and a variety of after-school programs, including cheerleading, robotics, karate, sports, music and science enhance the JDS experience. Students enjoy leadership opportunities in student government and their student-led, award-winning environmental team.
Small class sizes foster the development of critical thinking and leadership skills. Community service projects, electives, field trips and outdoor experiences provide unique learning opportunities, a hallmark of the program. The 8th grade Israel trip brings the history, traditions and values of the Jewish people profoundly to life.
The seven-acre JDS campus is in Bellevue, two miles south of the Microsoft campus, and includes a soccer field and a 10,000-square-foot state-of-the-art athletic center. Classrooms use the latest in educational technology, including laptops and interactive whiteboards. The Learning Resource Center supports student learning and provides enrichment opportunities with the goal of helping all students reach their individual academic potential.
JDS has an active community of families with preschool through 8th grade children. Extended care is offered for all students and bus service is available from Seattle and Mercer Island. The faculty, students and their families reflect the religious, cultural and economic diversity of Seattle’s Jewish community. JDS is a member of the Pacific Northwest Association of Independent Schools and is a Level 2 King County Green School. Discovery grants are available for new families with no income threshold.