San Diego Jewish Academy

Hello, I'll do my best to tell you a little about SDJA from a parent's perspective. Our 2nd grade son has attended a few different schools (private immersion, a private jewish school, and a 5 star public school) so we have a pretty good grasp on his schooling and how he is learning/growing. What I'll say is that SDJA nourishes his overall development (core education, ancillary education, and character building). The educators and staff know my son and care about him. To the point when I pick him up after school I feel like I'm getting a better kid than I dropped off that morning. ;-) Oh, and the campus is gated, safe and beautiful. Now it's expensive, but they work with you and have a good financial assistance program. So if you can find a way to afford it you will not be disappointed. Honestly, we just really love this place.
—Submitted by a parent

The San Diego Jewish Academy is a GREAT SCHOOL and we trust that it will always be.
—Submitted by a parent

Hey I used to be a student that attends the SDJA. The SDJA works greatly on benefits of a full good life. It encourages aspect of both nourishment and academic achievement. I have recently graduated from Harvard University!!! Great School!

Very professional school. Many activities. Greatest upper school music program with a great educator! Nurturing environment. Have observed preschool and find the curriculum and teachers to be superior to other preschools!

I have two children at SDJA in the lower school. They are both very happy and challenged. The great thing about this school is that the teachers are very in tune with each individual student. They are aware if the student needs more difficult work than the rest of the class and they take extra time to create special coursework for these kids. The emphasis on character as well as academics sets the school apart. My children are learning to be citizens of the world who contribute to the betterment of the community around them.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had 3 children at the SDJA and have been very pleased with their growth and development. They have turned into thoughtful and intelligent adults. Of the 2 that have graduated, both attend excellent colleges and my 7th grader is on the right path. I encourage enrollment in SDJA if you want our child to have an excellent jewish and secular education in a nurturing yet challenging environment. Respectfully submitted, a parent of 3!
—Submitted by a parent

My child has attended SDJA since Kindergarten and is currently in High School. SDJA has been a fantastic school in every way and I am particularly thrilled as a high school parent that my child will reap all the college benefits of graduating from SDJA.
—Submitted by a parent

My three children have attended SDJA since Kindergarten. They have not only flourished academically but as individuals with character. SDJA has provided an unparalleled learning environment that challeges each individual student to maximize his or her potential in a nurturing and caring community. This excellence in academics is complmented by the emphasis on become good people with ethical values and good character. But what better example of the fantastic results of this institution tahn the fact that my daughter has been accepted to the University of Pennsylvania in the fall. SDJA also boasts first place winners of the INTEL science competition.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been a Parent of this amazing institution for 13 years, my children have been in this school from kindergarten to HIgh School, the level of education is amazing, Both of my older kids were accepted to amazing Universities, the curriculum and the programing is excellent. The teachers are so well prepared and they are very involved with the kids, I am so happy my children are not only a number, they are persons, every teacher knows their name. It's a great institution!
—Submitted by a parent

My children (now a freshman in college and a junior at SDJA) have been at SDJA since kindergarten. The faculty is committed, creative, knowledgeable and caring. Teachers know their students and work hard to bring out the best in each child. The high school science and math program is outstanding, producing science fair award winners year after year. The innovative 9th and 10th grade integrated Humanities curriculum provides students with an opportunity to explore the question "How Are We to Live." SDJA students consistently outperform peers on the ACT, SAT, and AP exams. Students learn about their Jewish heritage, traditions, customs, texts and beliefs in a pluralistic environment where all views are respected. High school students can participate in varsity sports, music programs, student government or the award winning yearbook. The middle and high school principal knows each student by name, and works tirelessly to ensure, a safe, respectful, challenging environment for all. SDJA is well governed, academically challenging, supportive and caring.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been a parent at the school for 16 years, and I feel so fortunate to be part of such a warm and nurturing community. "it takes a village to raise a child," and I am so happy to be a part of the San Diego Jewish Academy village, with warm, caring and nurturing faculty and families that share the same values. Academically, the school is on the cutting edge of education, and challenges each and every student to achieve his/her potential. But more important than academics, the school helps families raise "menschy" kids...kids who understand their role in the world around them, and the importance of "tikkun olam," of repairing the world and making it a better place for future generations. Students who graduate from SDJA are not only academically prepared for college, but they have a strong sense of who they are, they can communicate well, they understand complicated issues of current events, and they feel empowered to make a difference in the world.
—Submitted by a parent

I feel like I have another partner raising my children. My children went from kindergarden to 12th grade, each one different and SDJA brought out the best in each of them. I like the nurturing in the younger grades and critical thinking as they moved up. Although each of them was accepted to their first choice university, what I am most proud of is how they call their Grandmothers each week! I am very proud of who they have become and I believe SDJA had a big part of that. From the edible garden, the sports programs, science program, the arts and so much more SDJA looks at the whole child and prepares them for life!
—Submitted by a parent

My children have blossomed in this school. Academics are excellent and ethics are strongly emphasized. My older is already getting recruited by several colleges due to strong test scores.
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended this school from 7th grade until the end of 8th. Im so glad i took him out. I realized how much better he did at other schools. The school tries to hard to keep the school "perfect". When we were applying, the principal made the school seem flawless. But after my son said that he needs to leave, because he didnt feel comfortable there, I learned that something was going on at that school that no one was aware of. When ever he told someone he went to the San Diego Jewish Academy, people would always make rude comments towards his religion. The teachers dont pay to much attention to the kids, and they always go of topic which affects their learning. i sat in on one of the classes, and that specific teacher had no control over any of the children. The kids think the world revolves around them, and are rude. I am SO (emphasis on the SO) glad that i took out my son. He is now doing much better out of the SDJA
—Submitted by a parent

This school has a lot of potential but in my opinion it has many problems. It tries too hard to keep its student with too many speches and talks and they should persuade us with example and good characteristics. the teachers are good quality, the facilities are like no other, the administration (Athletic and main office) is disorganized> they need to have discipline and be able to handle the students better and not treat them in an unethical fashion
—Submitted by a student

It would be 4 1/2 stars if I could do it --- 4 stars is too low. We have 2 kids in the lower school and love it so far. If you're looking for a school to push as much 'facts based' education down your kids throat, this isn't your school. If you're looking for a school that pushes your kids intellectually, with an additional strong emphasis on science & Judaism/values while not forgetting art & physical education, then this is your school. I don't care if my children learn the multiplication tables 6 months earlier, I want them to understand math. I want them to learn to read more critically and most importantly, learn to think and be critical. The SDJA has done that amazingly well while instilling real study and organizational skills (anothe huge one for us). (We had 1 of our kids in San Diego public schools for 3 years.)
—Submitted by a parent

No school is perfect, but there is a real feeling of community here, some great teachers, an inspiring principal, and great kids. My only criticisms are that they can be a little disorganized, and I think the classes are too long.
—Submitted by a parent

Absolutley atrocius High and Middle school. Lower school is awsome but the rest of the school is stupid and full of clicks. This school only cares about jocks not students.
—Submitted by a student

The SDJA is extremely unique as it is strongly rooted in Jewish ideology and values. From the young age of kindergarten we study Hebrew, learn about our Judaic background and history and enthusiastically celebrate Jewish holidays. I have such fond memories from these experiences. For example, the Hebrew kitchen in 5th grade is an activity that I will cherish forever. It is extremely crucial to keep such memories alive because we are the future of the Jewish people. If we can associate our childhood memories with positive Jewish experiences then we can assure that the next generation of Jewish leaders supports our people. The continuity and support of Judaism in the future depends on us. Thus, if we are strongly rooted with knowledge and a love of our people, then we can adequately fulfill our role in the Jewish community.
—Submitted by a student

I feel that San Diego Jewish Academy does a great job accomplishing its mission: to challenge students to achieve their full academic potential and become individuals of strong moral and ethical character, while inspiring them to make Judaism a vital and relevant aspect of their lives.