FEATUREOctober 2024

Inspiring Minds, Shaping Futures

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San Diego Jewish Academy empowers each student to learn for life, guided by Jewish values and rooted in strength of community. As a pluralistic community K-12 school with a thriving early childhood center, SDJA inspires and supports students with personalized and innovative learning. Educational and community experiences are infused with Jewish values. SDJA’s graduates are leaders and positive changemakers in their communities and beyond, and its excellent teachers and state-of-the-art campus enable students to grow and try new activities in a supportive environment.

SDJA’s philosophy is to embrace learning experiences that inspire and expand thinking through real-world experience. Students engage in strong academics—whether in classrooms, labs, playgrounds, athletic facilities, art and music studios, and outdoor learning spaces. Its Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurial Thinking (CIET), led by Director Adam Borek, plays a crucial role in integrating innovation and technology across the school. CIET is dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and entrepreneurial thinking by collaborating with faculty to incorporate cutting-edge pedagogical practices and new technologies into the curriculum. The department manages the school’s technology infrastructure, ensures data security, and provides professional development opportunities for staff. CIET also spearheads unique learning initiatives such as the “Ideas to Products” class and the Lions Incubator Program, which empower students to develop real-world business ventures. By bridging the SDJA community with the world, CIET amplifies Jewish values and encourages the creation of meaningful, innovative student experiences.

The Maimonides Upper School (grades 6-12) experience at SDJA nurtures students to become independent, confident learners and leaders. Its rigorous academic program encourages students to engage with complex ideas, develop critical thinking skills, and persevere through challenges. By analyzing data and designing innovative solutions, students create meaning and impact in the world around them. Whether in the classroom, labs, or on the sports fields, SDJA students are prepared to navigate and contribute thoughtfully to any field or life circumstance, equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed and make a positive difference.

In SDJA’s Golda Meir Lower School (grades K-5), the new leadership of Shani Abed, Head of GMLS, and Shelly Moses, Associate Head of GMLS bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record in educational leadership at SDJA. They are excited to bring their vision of inspired learning to the Lower School. ”Our focus on small group instruction, supported by additional push-in teachers, ensures that each student is given the opportunity to learn in ways that are appropriate for them, with support and enrichment to make sure they are engaged and challenged,” said Abed. “Aligned with our school mission to empower each student to learn for life, guided by Jewish values and rooted in the strength of community, we prioritize comprehensive development, character building, and lifelong learning.”

The Early Childhood Center offers a holistic approach to early childhood education. Rooted in Jewish values and honoring the strength of community, children aged 18 months to 5 years old  learn how to view their world with continued joy as they grow into who they were meant to be, guided by the values they learn.

Through different tikkun olam projects throughout the year, SDJA students live out Jewish values to help those in need. Students donate toys for local animal shelters; participate in blood drives; and visit senior living centers to bring joy to the residents through Jewish programming and delivering “Shabbat in a Box” gifts.

“We love the community, the people, and the education that my daughter is getting,” said Lee (Wollach) Weinstein, an alumni of SDJA and now a parent of a current student. “It’s the education that I received when I was  at SDJA too. I want the next generation to have that. At SDJA, it’s not just a school, it’s not just a class. You really build a community that becomes a part of your family life.”

SDJA’s array of extracurricular programs and inclusive curriculum classes in sports, arts, music, and science are integral in developing well-rounded students through various experiences. The Ana “Janche” Galicot Performing Arts Auditorium (PAA) is a 5,000 square foot facility with three multi-purpose rooms, a theater space and auditorium, as well as state-of-the-art audio, visual, lighting, and acoustical design. Its central garden space provides unique opportunities for outdoor learning and community gathering.

As a strong and vibrant community rooted in Jewish values, SDJA’s educational approach weaves Jewish and secular learning intentionally and purposefully. Faculty instill a deep understanding and respect for the values and insights of Jewish tradition and a personal connection to Israel. The senior class trip to Israel is always a special experience and a culmination of their time at SDJA. Last year’s trip, in the shadow of October 7th, took on even deeper meaning as students reconnected with peers SDJA hosted earlier in the year from Sha’ar HaNegev, and experienced the country and its people at a profound moment in the history of the Jewish people.

“At SDJA, we believe that when our students feel safe, supported, and connected to a strong community, they are empowered to thrive academically and emotionally. We cultivate minds to explore, learn, and grow. Our focus is on fostering skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and resourcefulness, setting our students up for success in an ever-changing world,” adds Head of School Zvi Weiss.

To learn more, visit www.sdja.com.

 

L'Chaim

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