We look forward to hearing from you and responding to your inquiries. Here's how to be in touch:

Call:              434.244.0955

E-mail:          ccjds@cvilledayschool.org

Mail:             534-C East Main St
                    Charlottesville, VA 22902

Emergency: 434.566.3884

Welcome to the Charlottesville Community Jewish Day School, a very special place for children of all Jewish affiliations — or none — and their families. Our program is taught by excellent, degreed educators and offers students truly individualized General and Judaic/Hebrew Studies within a caring community of lifelong learners.  Last year we were K-2; this coming year we're K-3; next year we expect to be K-4... eventually up to 5th grade!

Our students benefit from an enriching array of secular and Judaic subjects. Our General Studies program for all grades includes math, science, language arts & reading, social studies, some of the fine and performing arts (e.g. Israeli dancing), and exceeds the parameters of the Virginia Standards of Learning. The Judaic portion of our curriculum includes religion, holidays, and cultural studies, morals and ethics, and Hebrew language immersion taught by an experienced and specially trained native born Israeli educator. 

CCJDS rejoices in being a community school:

• A lifelong learning community for students and families...
• A community encouraging families to share in their children’s education...
• A community appreciating and celebrating the richness of diversity...
• A community building Jewish identity and providing a meaningful, substantive alternative to local public and private schools...
• A community adhering to principles of excellence and working to one's potential.

Welcome to a compelling learning experience for your children.
Welcome to the Charlottesville Community Jewish Day School.

Shalom!

Jan

Jan L. Chase
Head of School

The Charlottesville Community Jewish Day School aims to help Jewish families of all denominations raise children who are knowledgeable about their Jewish heritage, proficient in Hebrew, mindful of the mitzvot, connected to Israel and inspired by reverence and spirituality. By nurturing students’ curiosity and creativity, and by developing their intellectual competence, the school aims to encourage a love of learning in both Jewish and secular spheres. Because students’ experiences at school powerfully shape their understanding of ethical conduct, the Charlottesville Community Jewish Day School will strive to realize the ideals of social responsibility and mutual respect in its day-to-day practices, so as to serve as a foundation for our children as they mature into contributing members of the Charlottesville community, the people Israel and the wider world.

1.  I believe in public schools. Why should I consider a Jewish day school?

We all support public education as an essential strength in our democracy.   We all pay taxes that fund the public schools, whether or not our children attend them.  We also support diversity and choice. Families across the United States may choose to send their child to a Jewish day school, a school associated with a different religion, any other independent school, a public school, or a school to address special needs. Since 1948 Jewish day schools have proliferated across North America. For many Jewish families the opportunity to provide their children with an excellent general education within the context of Jewish culture, beliefs and language is a wonderful choice.

2.  Doesn’t going to a Jewish day school limit a child’s exposure to diversity?

Not at all.  Quite the opposite.  The positive value of diversity means a respect for those whom we perceive as different from ourselves.  Some of those differences might be skin color, country of origin, and spoken language.  In fact, our curriculum includes issues of identity and diversity, includingg learning about Jews and their differences and similarities all around the world.  We also celebrate the rich diversity among our school families: Ashkenazic and Sephardic; secular, Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, unaffiliated; families where one parent is Jewish and where the parents adhere to different forms of Judaism; students and/or parents born in Canada, England, Israel, Romania and the U.S.;  grandparents who are American, British, Canadian, German, Israeli, Polish and Romanian.    

3.  How does a community Jewish day school differ from other types of Jewish day schools, such as   a Solomon Schechter school (Conservative) or a Torah U’Mesorah school (Orthodox)?

Unlike these kinds of Jewish day schools, the curriculum of a community Jewish day school does not conform to the perspective of a single denomination. As they study together, Jewish children of all backgrounds learn to respect and accept the different approaches to their common background. Although they are expected to adhere to their families’ religious practices and observance, the children understand and respect that other families may do things differently.

4. I am not Jewish, but my husband is and we are not affiliated with a synagogue, nor are we religious.  Are our children still welcome at CCJDS?

Absolutely! The fact that CCJDS is a community Jewish day school means that we welcome all students to apply whose parents share our school’s mission. If you want your children to have an excellent General Studies education, integrated with superior instruction in Jewish heritage, culture, and the Hebrew language, CCJDS is the right choice for your family to explore.

5.  Won’t going to a small Jewish day school make for a difficult transition into a large public or private school later on?

Not at all. The low teacher-student ratios of a school like CCJDS, and the nurturing, intellectually stimulating environment inevitably result in a high level of self-esteem for students. This stands them in good stead when they graduate or transfer. In addition, we seek opportunities to connect with the larger Charlottesville community in order to provide diversity and enrichment. Also, the organizational and critical thinking skills cultivated in our students will make for a smooth transition into any new educational environment. Statistics from Jewish day schools across North America indicate that graduates transition to other systems easily and perform exceptionally well. Finally, consider that Hebrew language learning has crossover benefits in a student’s capacity for learning other languages and subjects — clearly an advantage when a child moves on to other educational settings.

6.  Why shouldn’t children just go to Sunday and Hebrew school?

Sunday and Hebrew school are important options for many families. However, a Jewish day school curriculum is a more comprehensive and academic program.  Furthermore, our students are engaged during the regular school day, when they are more energetic and receptive than they are in after-hours and Sunday programs. In our school Judaic/Hebrew Studies are integrated into the curriculum throughout the day, rather than being reserved for a couple hours on Sunday and/or a weekday evening.  CCJDS is a natural next step for children who have already begun their Jewish education in an early childhood program, such as is offered at the CBI Preschool.

7.  When do CCJDS classes begin?

Classes for the 2007-2008 academic year will begin in August 2007.  We’ll determine the first day of school in the spring of 2007.  Our school day is from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

8.  Where is CCJDS located?

We’re conveniently located at the Pavilion end of Charlottesville’s Historic Downtown Mall, just around the corner from the Virginia Discovery Museum, on the side of the Merrill-Lynch building at 534-C East Main Street, Charlottesville, VA  22902.

9.  How is CCJDS funded?

In a survey of 11 Jewish day schools conducted by the Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education (PEJE), only 40% to 60% of total operational costs were covered by tuition. Thus, as with most Jewish and other private/independent schools, CCJDS funds its operations through a combination of tuition, cash and in-kind donations, grants and deferred gifts (e.g., stock, bequests, trusts, etc.).  This summer we hope to begin funding an endowment, the interest from which will help fund scholarships.

10.  What are the tuition and fees?

Tuition for the 2007-2008 academic year is expected to be a moderate $8,700.  CCJDS has a generous needs-based financial assistance policy to make this educational Jewish experience available to as broad a segment of the community as possible. 

11.  Will there be scholarships available?

Definitely! Needs-based scholarships are available up to 75%.  For those not receiving financial assistance, every effort is made to establish a payment plan that works for both the families and the school.

12.  I’d really like to send my child to CCJDS, but I’m concerned that it’s so new.

With a very successful first year under our belt, we’re off and running into our second.  CCJDS retained all of its students from last year, as well as added new students.  We encourage you to speak to the parents of our students.  Learn from them why they are so enthusiastic about keeping their children at CCJDS.  (Contact Head of School Jan Chase for current parent contact information.)  Read our materials.  Ask CBI Preschool Director Ellen Dietrick, from whose school many of our students come.  Most importantly, come observe for yourself!

13.  CCJDS sounds just right for our child, but we’re wondering about the small class size.

At CCJDS we've designed the curriculum and structured the schedule and classes to maximize the advantages of small class size.  Research shows that in new elementary educational settings, combined classes can offset negatives of very small class size.  Combined classes, differentiated curriculum and the use of individual and small group centers all make the most of our small classes.  Beyond that, educational professionals say that small class size has a direct correlation with high academic performance, as well as overall satisfaction among both students and parents.  Socially, one advantage is in the strength of the friendships that develop among the students, their families, and with the teachers.

Should I apply for tuition assistance?

Jewish day school education represents a bargain in many ways: It is perhaps the most effective way to ensure that your children will become knowledgeable and committed Jews. In addition, the small class size and flexibility CCJDS offers ensure a high-quality secular education. Comparable private schools are generally more expensive.

Nevertheless, the tuition payments are high enough that some families feel they cannot afford a day-school education for their children. Of course, some financial sacrifice (such as less expensive vacations or delayed purchase of new cars) will be necessary for many CCJDS families. But our goal is that no family will be forced to choose between financial necessities and educational needs.

Our local Jewish community recognizes that assisting such families not only benefits them but also provides vital support to the goals of Jewish continuity and renaissance.

If you want to send your children to CCJDS but feel you cannot afford to do so, we very strongly encourage applying for tuition assistance.

How are awards made?

Assistance is available for tuition but not for other fees. Awards are based on financial need. We take into account a family’s income and its financial capabilities. Once we determine how much a family can afford, we adjust this figure according to special circumstances and expenses.

We do not publish the precise formula we use for determining an award for several reasons:. Firstly, we will make adjustments in the formula based on the changing characteristics of our parent body. Secondly, we do not wish to have it appear that we are “coaching applicants” on how to submit information; this might create an image of unfairness and undermine the integrity of the process. However, our formula does resemble those use by other day schools and by national services that assess financial need.

Language Arts

Literacy enables students to use language effectively, both orally and in writing, and to facilitate learning, thinking and self-expression. The understanding and application of language arts — listening, speaking, reading and writing — is the cornerstone for both literacy and learning. A developmentally appropriate, child-centered approach to learning is combined with creative and integrated instruction through which the students at the CCJDS are immersed in a print rich environment.  It is through this supportive approach to learning, while emphasizing the highest academic standards, that CCJDS students develop oral language skills, phonological awareness, print awareness, vocabulary, comprehension, and an appreciation for literature. Guided reading instruction coupled with time to independently explore print teaches our students how to apply skills learned in lessons to their own reading experiences. Curricular integration is also critical to our program. Stories relating to a social studies topic or Jewish history will frequently be the theme of a language arts lesson. To provide a well rounded program, direct phonics instruction (word study), spelling rules, handwriting and other mechanical skills and language processes are explored.

Math and Science

The math program follows recommendations made by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). Students use a variety of methods to develop their calculation skills, problem solving abilities and understanding of mathematical concepts. They learn to express their mathematical thinking through writing, talking and drawing pictures and graphs. Our aim is for students to have an understanding of scientific concepts. We focus on helping children develop the habits of questioning, assessing, connecting and applying knowledge to test theories about how the world works.  Scientific literacy in all our children is developed and consolidated through hands-on classroom experimentation, visits to museums and outdoor education.  

Social Studies and Citizenship

The social studies curriculum ranges from a study of family and community, to an exploration of the state in which we live, the United States and the world. Students develop research and study skills through individual and group work. Concepts of citizenship are related to Jewish values regarding public life.  We educate our students to better understand their place in our dynamic and diverse world. We stress the teaching of tikkun olam, “repairing the world,”by getting involved with the community in which we live.

Art and Music

Art and music are incorporated into the regular daily curriculum: For example art may be used to develop Jewish themes, or to relate to science, by using the observation of the natural world as a basis for creative expression. Music is taught to develop basic musical concepts and to provide a vehicle for self-expression. A range of music is introduced, including Jewish and Hebrew songs.

Computing

Computers are an integral part of our daily curriculum as students explore their applications to a variety of situations. Technology is used to enhance class activities and as a means of communication and self-expression.

Physical Education

Our physical educational program provides the child with physical challenge while stressing effort, fair play, coordination, endurance, flexibility, muscle tone and spatial awareness. We focus on play, encouraging teamwork and cooperation, rule following, negotiation, building self-esteem and striving for one’s personal best.

‘…and you shall teach these words diligently to your children...’ Deuteronomy 6.7

Jewish values and tradition guide our curriculum, calendar, daily schedule and celebrations. Through the study of the Hebrew language and Jewish heritage, our students strengthen their identities as Jews, their connection to the Jewish people worldwide and to the State of Israel. Through our ongoing study of mitzvot and Jewish values, our students are challenged to develop a personal ethic of compassion and social responsibility. Through t'filah (prayer), we nurture in our students a spiritual dimension, a quest for understanding G-d and an appreciation of the beauty and sanctity in their everyday lives. The words of Torah and rabbinic tradition are at the heart of our program.

Shabbat and Holidays 

Our week is framed by active celebration.  Friday afternoons are a particularly joyous and festive time as we celebrate Kabbalat Shabbat (Welcoming Shabbat) with song, prayer, stories and community.  Parents and friends are encouraged to attend this celebration.  In addition to our celebration, we teach about the themes of Shabbat (creation, rest, prayer, etc) and various approaches to Shabbat ritual and practice.
We enjoy celebrating and learning about the Jewish holidays as they occur during the year.  The holiday cycle connects us to the seasonal celebrations of the year and the land of Israel, and elevates the passage of time to a plane of holiness and beauty through rituals, texts and traditions. We learn about the High Holy Days, the pilgrimage festivals, the minor holidays (Chanukah and Purim) and Rosh Chodesh. Music, cooking and creative arts enhance our holiday curriculum.

Mitzvot and Ethics 

Mitzvot and Jewish ethics provide us with a Jewish lens on the world, urging us to respond in Jewish ways to the world around us.  The system of mitzvot provides guidance on how we should live our lives, relate to each other, to G-d, and to the world around us. We involve ourselves in many projects relating to tzedakah and tikun olam (charity and repairing the world).

Lifecycle 

We celebrate and learn about the significant events that make up a Jewish life.  Emphasized are topics of covenant, naming, Bar/Bat Mitzvah and the Jewish wedding. 

Prayer – T’filah 

At CCJDS students will learn the rituals and language of prayer, with an emphasis on understanding the meanings and themes of these prayers.   

Hebrew Language and Israel 

We are committed to teaching Hebrew both as the present-day language of the Jewish people and as the language of study of Bible. Students learn Hebrew conversation, reading and writing. CCJDS fosters a special connection to the land of Israel, its language, culture and people. Israeli history, symbols, culture and geography are also part of the curriculum.  Hebrew language is taught in Hebrew by a native Israeli speaker so students learn authentic pronunciation.

Bible – Tanach  

Students are taught to encounter biblical text in the original Hebrew. Bible study is one of the most important ways of nurturing our students’ spiritual development and Jewish identity. Students are engaged in the tradition of interpretation through their own questions and responses to the text.

Our program of instruction fosters students’ curiosity and creativity and facilitates the development of their intellectual proficiency and spiritual awareness. Whenever possible, General and Jewish studies are integrated to provide an enriched, cohesive learning experience. The CCJDS Curriculum now in development is comprehensive and covers the following subject areas:

General Studies:
Language Arts, including listening and speaking, reading and writing; mathematics; science; social studies and citizenship; art; music; computing and physical education. The level of academic excellence to which our curriculum aspires exceeds the Standards of Leaning in all areas.

Judaic Studies:
Bible, Hebrew language, mitzvot and ethics, Shabbat, holidays and life cycle events, Israel and prayer. The focus is on our students becoming knowledgeable about their heritage, proficient in Hebrew, mindful of mitzvot, connected to Israel, inspired by reverence and spirituality and respectful of Jewish diversity.

The Charlottesville Community Jewish Day School is committed to fostering the intellectual, spiritual and moral development of our students. The school will strive to model the ideals of social responsibility and mutual respect in its day-to-day practices.

1. Academic excellence

• Prepare students to become self-directed, life-long learners by fostering critical inquiry, imagination and creativity in a challenging and rigorous curriculum

2. Joyful Jewish learning in a pluralistic setting

• Instill a strong sense of Jewish identity and pride through the study of Hebrew language, Torah, Jewish values and heritage
• Support multiple perspectives within Judaism and respect individual traditions in the home environment
• Weave together Jewish and general studies as fully as possible so that they build upon and complement each other

3. Individual attention in a nurturing environment

• Celebrate each child’s individuality and individual learning styles with hands-on experiential learning in small group settings
• Provide a vibrant and caring environment with low student-teacher ratios
• Incorporate systematic learning through play in the early grades
• Integrate the arts into the curriculum

4. A community school

• Families play an important role as participants in school life and as partners in Jewish learning
• CCJDS sees itself as a small community within a larger local community: The school will seek out opportunities to connect with the greater Charlottesville school community in order to provide diversity and additional enrichment.

Our educational philosophy rests on the pillars of intellectual, spiritual and moral development and on educating within the context of the wholeness of mind, spirit and body. Our goal is to cultivate our students’ intellectual, spiritual, social, emotional and physical growth within a nurturing, stimulating, challenging, creative educational environment. Our students are encouraged to be independent, critical thinkers, as well as productive, enthusiastic group participants. We want our students to work and play with vigor…embrace academic excellence…be joyous, disciplined lifelong learners in both general and Jewish studies…lovers of knowledge…seekers of wisdom…and ethical, kind thoughtful members of their families, their communities, the people of Israel and the world.

Educators

Haya Naftali Doppelt, Hebrew/Judaic Studies
Josh Friedman, General and Judaic Studies
Lauren Funk, General and Judaic Studies

Specialists

Rina Farber-Mazor Ruth Goldeen, Yoga
Rabbi Tom Gutherz, Shabbat, Tom Tov Singalong
Heena Reiter, Shabbat, Yom Tov Singalong

Administration

Jan L. Chase, Head of School

Charlottesville Community Jewish Day School
2006-2007 Calendar
(08-28-06)

July
Su 02            HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HAMORAH LAUREN!
Th 06            Board Meeting
Tu 18            HAPPY 7TH BIRTHDAY, CHARLIE!

August
Tu 01            Board Meeting 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
W 16            HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY, MENI
Th 17            CCJDS faculty/staff CPR, P.E., and other training with CBI Preschool at CBI
Su 27            Back-to-School Orientation and Party
M  21 – F 25  CCJDS faculty/staff orientation/preparation week
M  28            First Day of School

September
F   01           Dedication of our new site 8:15 – 8:45 a.m. at CCJDS
M  04            LABOR DAY - SCHOOL CLOSED
Th 07            Board Meeting 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Sa  23 – Su 24         Rosh Hashana

October
M  02            YOM KIPPUR - SCHOOL CLOSED
Th 05            Board Meeting 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Sa 07 – Su 08 SUKKOT
M  09 – Th 12 Chol Chamoed Sukkot
M  09 – F 13  PALS (reading assessment)
F   13           Hoshanah Rabah
Sa 14            Shemini Atzeret
M  16 – F 20  Everyday Math Assessment
M   23 – W 25 PEJE Admission & Recruitment Workshop (Jan returns to school Th 26)
Tu 24            Disney’s Cinderella Kids & Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids (Paramount Theater)
Su 29            Daylight Savings Time ends – set clock back 1 hour

November
Tu 07            Election Day
Th 09            Board Meeting (Dave Truslow)
F   17           Big Ray & the Kool Kats (Paramount Theater) and end of first grading period
W  22           TEACHER IN-SERVICE DAY - SCHOOL CLOSED FOR STUDENTS
Th  23 – Su 26         THANKSGIVING BREAK - SCHOOL CLOSED            
M   27           Grades/Narratives Due from Teachers

December
F  01            Progress Reports sent home
Th 07            Board Meeting 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
M 03 – F 08   Parent-Teacher Conferences
Tu 12            HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHLOE & HILLEL!
W 13            HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HAMORAH HAYA!
F  15            Erev Chanukah
Sa16 – F 22   Chanukah
M 25 – M Jan. 01  WINTER BREAK - SCHOOL CLOSED

January
Tu 02            School resumes
Th 04            Board Meeting 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
M  15  MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY - SCHOOL CLOSED (cancelled if we need this as a snow day)
Sa 27            HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ROLAND!

February
Th 01            Board Meeting
Sa 03            Tu B’Shevat
M  05 – F 09  Everyday Math Assessment
F   16           End of second grading period
M  19            PRESIDENT'S DAY – SCHOOL CLOSED (cancelled if we need this as a snow day)
Tu 20            TEACHER IN-SERVICE DAY - SCHOOL CLOSED FOR STUDENTS
M  26            Grades/Narratives Due from Teachers

March
Th 01            Board Meeting 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
F   02           Progress Reports sent home
Su 04            Purim
M  05 – F 09  Parent-Teacher Conferences
F   09           Moscow Festival Ballet: Sleeping Beauty (Paramount Theater)
Su 11            Daylight Savings Time begins – set clock ahead 1 hour (new law in U.S. moved it here)
Tu 20            HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HAMOREH JOSH!

April
M  02 - Tu10  PASSOVER BREAK - SCHOOL CLOSED
Th 12            Board Meeting 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
W  11           School resumes
F   13           The Orpheus Chamber Orchestra with Gil Shaham (Paramount)
Su 15            Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day)
Su 22            Yom HaZikaron (Israel's National Memorial Day for the Fallen)
M  23            Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israel Independence Day)

May
Th 03            Board Meeting 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Su 06            Lag B’Omer
M 07 – F 11   Everyday Math Assessment
Su 13            Mother’s Day
M 14 – F 18   PALS (reading assessment)
M 21             End of grading period
W 23 – Th 24 SHAVUOT – SCHOOL CLOSED
F  25            TEACHER IN-SERVICE DAY - SCHOOL CLOSED FOR STUDENTS
M 28             MEMORIAL DAY – SCHOOL CLOSED
Grades/Narratives Due from Teachers

June
F  01            Progress Reports sent home
M 04 – F 08   Parent Teacher Conferences
Sa 09            HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MINAHELET JAN!
Th 07            Board Meeting 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
F   08           LAST DAY OF SCHOOL : HAVE A LOVELY SUMMER!
M  11 – F 15  Faculty/Staff Work Week
F   22           HAPPY 7TH BIRTHDAY, EMANUEL!
Th 28            HAPPY 7TH  BIRTHDAY, REUVI