Accreditations and Associations
Testimonials
From the PARENTS:
"What we have found to be most gratifying is that our children's independent thinking and problem solving skills are fostered in this environment." LB (Parent)
"At JCDS we have found [our daughter] to be engaged in learning, asking questions, incorporating what she has mastered as she goes farther. … She is learning how to make inferences - in Jewish and secular texts. She enthusiastically seeks linkages between various things she learns and applies what she learns in different contexts." CG (Parent)
Sent to Head of School on a note card with a reproduction of an artist's painting of a succah: "I know it is not Succot! But I loved this card for you because it is such a metaphor for you and what you create. You shelter our children and yet leave plenty of space for the sunlight and stars to shine through. You give them a refuge and yet widen their horizons. What a gift you have given my daughter of a school, a community where she felt cherished and challenged. [She] will live her life strengthened by what you create. SK (Parents)
From our LEADERS:
"We have created a community that serves as a role model for our children. The sense of respect, caring, comfort, joy, challenge, spirituality, self worth, belonging, and relevance make the school the unique place that it is." Hamutal Gavish, Head of School
"We want JCDS to be both a think tank for and a synthesis of the execution of "best practices"… from around the world. Arnee Winshall, Founding Chair
From OUTSIDE OBSERVERS:
"Every time I visit, I am amazed by the staff's devotion to the students and the ways in which the students respond to such respect. The high levels of intellectual and emotional inquiry and integrity exhibited by the students and staff are a testimony to the exceptionality of this institution. Seeing the truly integrated curriculum and nurturing environment created by the staff makes me wish that I could go back to day school!" Sarah Flicker, Jewish Women's Archive
"One of the things that struck me was the collaboration between the staff
and students. Also, the integration of curriculum was very smooth and
effective. … I loved how the children were obviously moving into Hebrew
and English so effortlessly and how they were using hallways and outdoor
spaces in addition to the classroom spaces for learning…" Peggy Davis,
Assistant Director of AISNE,
From the STUDENTS:
"Everyone in the community has responsibility. When we need to put an article in the school newsletter it's done by the students not the teachers. … The relationship between teachers and students is special. We know all the students in the school really well, not only those in our own class. We get together to celebrate holidays, go on trips, and to do special activities. We really feel we know our teachers, too, and they know us." DC (Student) (age 11)
"Teachers take the time to get to know each student. We even enjoy talking with our teachers during our free time. Our relationships go beyond just the usual teacher-student relationships - we're more like friends." DP (Student) (age 10)
"We've gone on some really interesting and educational field trips. Our class went to the Christa McAuliffe Space Center where we experienced a simulated space flight. It was awesome! The whole school went to the Rockery in Ipswich to do tashlich, and last spring we spent the day at the beach in Rockport learning about the ocean and having fun. This year the Middle School went on a 4-day, 3-night trip to Camp Teva with other area Jewish Day Schools." LA (Student) (age 12)