Martin J Gottlieb Day School

My child's first year here was marvelous. The staff was like one big family; the principal, Willard Kennedy, was phenomenal. Then many changes were made and the school became a joke. It's all about appearances and talk. Students can't do basic math or even write. Look beyond the surfaces here. The good teachers that were there when my child attended have all been fired or "retired". Principal replaced annually until latest one. He's probably the worst; was caught lying to the committee that hired him and still kept on. Many teachers replaced with young teachers in low-cut tops. I didn't want my child around this type of behavior. Not recommended for anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

I am so pleased that my children have an opportunity to attend a private school that combines the finest in secular academics along with a world-class Jewish education. This school compares with the most rigorous independent schools in Jacksonville AND provides moral and character development. We could not be more thrilled.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a good school in Jacksonville for Jewish children. It has a good Hebrew program, it includes conversational Hebrew, reading, and writing, and Torah. There is P.E. every day, music, art, technology, and library once a week. Website is www.mjgds.org Some of the general studies (English, math, etc) teaching staff is good, a few are great, but several of the teachers need to be replaced. This is the real downside to the school - the teachers who aren't good but keep returning. It is a hope that the new principal fixes this problem.
—Submitted by a parent

Warm, loving, school with good academics. But, some teachers are very weak and need to be replaced. Overall, good experience.
—Submitted by a parent

If you are looking for a warm and nurturing environment, this is the school for you. If you are looking for 21st Century Learning skills (smartboards, blogs, wikis, tv production, nings and digital storytelling), this is the place for you. If you are looking for a Judaic program that will not only teach students critical thinking skills, prayers, and the Hebrew language, but also give them a sense of belonging to something bigger than themselves, this is the school for you. If you are looking for resources (music, P.E., art, computer lab and library) once a week, this is the school for you. If you are looking for a school that encourages parent involvement, this is the school for you. I highly recommend having a look at MJGDS and seeing for yourself how incredibly welcoming this school is!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is a Jewish school. The parents want the very best for the students. The best is strived for at this facility. The most negative thing I could find about the school is;the parents are too involved. Involved to the point that they are not realistic about the teachers and what the student can do.
—Submitted by a staff

My daughter attended Solomon Schechter of the Jacksonville Jewish Center from 1990-1999 (Preschool - 7th). Teachers and curriculum were outstanding. Kids learn about being part of the greater community and diversity with active volunteer projects. My daughter 'graduated' in 7th grade and then attended Darnell and Stanton (top public schools) and was so well prepared for the most challenging programmes offered in this county. In speaking with other parents, they site the same experiences. It is not an exageration to state that 95% of all the kids who finish elementary (and middle school) at this Solomon Schechter Day school go on to become leaders academically, socially, in whichever schools, public or private, that they next attend. So many SSDS graduates go on to become National Merit, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate Scholars, that it can not be attributed to chance, but to the outstanding, well-rounded curriculum, teachers, and supportive parents.
—Submitted by a parent