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Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School is an institution committed to excellence and anchored in Jewish values. Everything we do is through the lens of our core values, from the classroom to the athletics fields to the cafeteria. We are developing mensches, people of integrity and honor. Respect and courtesy precedes all learning at CESJDS.
CESJDS is more than a school that you will attend. It`s a community where you will grow from within, develop lifelong friendships, and explore your passions in the company of faculty and staff that will help you cultivate your own success.
We are one of the largest independent Jewish day schools in North America, located in Rockville, Maryland. Our two expansive campuses are just 10 miles from the Nation`s Capital, and we take advantage of Washington, D.C. as an extension of our classroom.
A Capella Choir, Art Club, Ceramics Club, Collage - Literary Magazine, Computer Club, Debate Team, Dimensions - Yearbook, Fencing Club, Intramural Sports, Israel Awareness Club, Jazz Band, Junior Statesmen of America, Knesset (student government), Lion's Tale - Newspaper, M'AT Community Service, Math Team, Melting Pot - Romance Language Magazine, Mock Trial, Outdoors Club, Peer Tutors, Poetry Club, Reflections - Literary Magazine, Robotics, Talmund Club, Theater, Video/Photo Club
School Notes
The Portrait of a CESJDS Graduate articulates the broad knowledge,
skills, habits of mind, and character traits that guide our vision
for students as we foster the growth of confident, compassionate
thinkers who engage the world through Jewish values.
Independent, Creative, and Critical Thinker
Exhibits diverse and broad knowledge with the passion and
skills for lifelong learning.
Evaluates ideas and information from diverse sources for
validity, relevance, and significance.
Formulates questions and problems clearly and precisely.
Reaches well-reasoned and creative evidence-based conclusions
and solutions, testing them against relevant criteria and
standards.
Uses information to strengthen comprehension and deepen
awareness.
Exhibits the ability to analyze and synthesize
information.
Displays an innovative and growth mindset.
Knowledgeable, Engaged, and Passionate Jew
Embraces pluralism in Jewish life.
Reads, explains, interprets, and makes personal meaning from a
wide range of Jewish texts.
Speaks, reads, writes, and understands Hebrew.
Has a personal connection with and nuanced understanding of
Israel, its people, history, and culture.
Demonstrates knowledge of Jewish history and literature and
their impact on Jewish life.
Participates in and builds Jewish communal life.
Has the skills to engage in Jewish ritual/spiritual
practice.
Effective Communicator
Reads for comprehension from various literary sources and
styles.
Listens actively to advance understanding.
Demonstrates a genuine desire to learn and share ideas in a
variety of conversations and group discussions through
participation and inquiry.
Speaks in a purposeful manner to inform, influence, motivate,
or engage listeners.
Writes effectively for various audiences and with personal
voice.
Uses technology and digital tools appropriately to explore,
research, and exchange ideas.
Uses oral, written, and artistic forms to express feelings and
convey meaning.
Thoughtful and Reflective Collaborator
Works interdependently within a group to promote learning,
increase productivity, and achieve common goals.
Respects divergent thinking to engage people of diverse
backgrounds and beliefs in thoughtful discussion.
Seeks and uses feedback from others to self-reflect and adapt
ideas.
Ethical, Responsible, and Compassionate Global Citizen
Has the skills and social understanding to lead.
Understands and appreciates identity as a rich mix of national,
regional, cultural, ethnic, religious, gender, orientation,
socioeconomic, and other factors.
Shows awareness, respect, and knowledge of diverse
perspectives, peoples, places, and cultures.
Demonstrates a commitment to tikkun olam (social
responsibility) through acts of tzedakah (creating a just
world).
Advocates for and has the confidence to stand up for their
beliefs.
Integrates and applies Jewish values in daily life and
decision-making.
Understands and appreciates the foundations of the United
States, our democracy, and values.
Exhibits empathy and compassion toward others.
Demonstrates knowledge of and care for the environment.
Focused and Resilient Individual
Persists to accomplish difficult academic, social, and personal
challenges.
Self-advocates and seeks assistance to overcome
difficulties.
Engages in healthy and positive personal habits and
relationships.
Takes appropriate risks to pursue goals and growth.
Has a positive self-image and a well-adjusted social,
emotional, and spiritual life.
Successfully employs time-management and organizational
skills.
Exhibits skills and strategies to identify and cope with
stress.
What sports does Charles E Smith Jewish Day School offer?
Charles E Smith Jewish Day School offers 13 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Winter Track and Wrestling. Charles E Smith Jewish Day School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Maryland for most sports offered.
What is Charles E Smith Jewish Day School's ranking?
When is the application deadline for Charles E Smith Jewish Day School?
The application deadline for Charles E Smith Jewish Day School is Jan. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
I am the parent of two current students and one alumnus. I have one child in elementary school who LOVES going to school, loves his teachers, his activities, and his friends, and feels so safe and cared for. I am blown away by the education- the way he talks about his own learning style, the tools he uses, and the projects he does in class. I have another child in high school who I have seen blossom in the past years to be a strong, confident young woman and leader at school. She chooses to challenge herself with difficult classes and makes use of all the resources that the school provides so that she can manage the coursework along with vibrant social life and extra-curricular interests. My oldest now attends Johns Hopkins University and tells me that he is more prepared and successful than his fellow students - particularly in the area of writing. He says that while a lot of other freshmen had a difficult transition to college, his was so much easier because of the Senior Capstone Trips that the students go on for the second semester of senior year and because he is so comfortable in knowing himself and what he values. I couldn't ask for more.
- Posted by Parent - Lauren
510/27/2022
My 3 kids attend Charles E. Smith - all with different interests and needs, and it has everything you could want in a school. As a former school professional, I know the professionalism and thoroughness they bring to everything they do. They are excellent!!
- Posted by Parent - Miriam Stein
51/12/2022
I am an alum parent who has my last student getting ready to graduate and I could not be sadder! It has been a pleasure watching all three of my children grow as students and well-rounded human beings while attending CESJDS. They have learned how to be great thinkers, self-motivated, hard-working, and all-around good people - I believe it is in large part to this school.
- Posted by Parent - E.Cohen
510/27/2021
My 4 children attended CESJDS from Kindergarten through 12th grade. They benefited greatly from the small classes, stimulating curriculum, relationships with teachers and friendships that they formed during their time here. CESJDS provided all of them a unique educational and social experience that had had a lasting impact on each of them. They benefited from extra curricular experiences that might never have been able to participate in if they attended a school that was less inclusive of student abilities and talents. The 3 month experience during their senior year in Israel and Eastern Europe was life changing to all of them in different ways and has played a role in shaping the continuing Jewish journey that they are each on. We couldn't have been happier with our choice of CESJDS for our family.
- Posted by Parent - Ellie
510/20/2021
I have two children at CESJDS and am so happy with the decision to join this community! My family has really found our place at the school, which is warm and welcoming. My kids are happy - they love their classes and their teachers and want to go to school each day (which is amazing!) One of my kids is really engaged in the STEM program. They are coding and doing challenging assignments, which she finds really interesting and fun. My other kid is more into arts and there are lots of classes and opportunities for him to explore. He brings home incredible work that now hangs on my kitchen walls!
- Posted by Parent - Jennifer
58/12/2018
I love JDS!!! My son started in 9th grade when we moved from Florida. The teachers, students and entire community is so warm and welcoming. My son has profoundly benefited from the values-based/character education. He also loves the dual-language environment and the superb Judaic Studies curriculum. He has gained important skills for life including critical thinking and analysis, ethical leadership and study skills. JDS also has a huge range of extracurricular and elective opportunities. I highly recommend JDS to any family, especially the high school.
- Posted by Parent - Tsila
58/12/2018
I love JDS!!! My son started in 9th grade when we moved from Florida. The teachers, students and entire community is so warm and welcoming. My son has profoundly benefited from the values-based/character education. He also loves the dual-language environment and the superb Judaic Studies curriculum. He has gained important skills for life including critical thinking and analysis, ethical leadership and study skills. JDS also has a huge range of extracurricular and elective opportunities. I highly recommend JDS to any family especially the high school.
- Posted by Parent - TK
53/15/2013
I absolutely love this school. As a Freshman at JDS, I can honestly say I have had the best experience at the upper school, as well as the lower school. I have become close with every single one of my teachers. Not to mention my fellow students. We are one community. One family. We are united in the fact that we all share a common history and background. It does not matter if you are Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, etc. You are accepted here. And I can honestly say I am extremely happy that my parents sent me to the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in kindegarden. I would not have my excellent GPA, my dedicated teachers, my amazing friends, and the chance to pursue anything I wanted, if I had gone to another school.
- Posted by Student/Alumni - ammep
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