Chicago Jewish Day School, widely known as CJDS, is a multi-denominational Jewish day school that has been shaping a new generation of students in Chicago for over two decades. The school seamlessly blends academic excellence with a profound respect for Jewish tradition. Operating under the motto “Educationally Extraordinary. Joyfully Jewish,” the institution fosters an environment where high educational standards meet a vibrant and meaningful Jewish identity. Read more on chicago1.one.
The Founding Story
The vision for Chicago Jewish Day School emerged in the early 2000s to fill the need for a multi-denominational Jewish school within the Chicago city limits. After conducting feasibility studies, hosting strategic meetings, and forming a Board of Trustees, the school officially opened its doors for the 2003-2004 academic year.
The first day of classes took place at the St. Alphonsus facility with a modest enrollment of just seven students. From its inception, CJDS grew steadily, adding new grades and expanding its educational programs each year. Within a few years, the school established a full primary program and eventually a middle school. During its first decade, CJDS experienced rapid growth in both size and reputation. The school expanded into new campuses and larger facilities, gradually building its own infrastructure. During this period, CJDS earned full accreditation from the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS), a significant milestone confirming its commitment to high educational standards. Simultaneously, a strong school community began to take root, giving rise to cherished traditions like the annual eighth-grade trip to Israel, musical productions, sports teams, and the introduction of the school’s mascot, the Rams.
The mission of Chicago Jewish Day School is to provide a top-tier education in both Judaic and general studies. The school aims to graduate students who possess a strong Jewish identity, a deep love of learning, and a clear sense of responsibility toward their community and the world. The CJDS vision is built on an integrated, multi-sensory educational model that respects the individual needs of every child. Jewish tradition is woven into the curriculum, the calendar, and daily life, while the school remains open to diverse religious practices and philosophical perspectives.
Major Milestones and Expansion
A pivotal moment in the history of Chicago Jewish Day School was the move to a new campus in 2018. The grand opening drew hundreds of community members and city officials, and the City of Chicago officially proclaimed the day as “Chicago Jewish Day School Day.” The new space allowed for a cutting-edge learning environment with dedicated zones for academics, play, the arts, and athletics.
In the following years, the school completed several major infrastructure projects, including the Dr. Carol Fuchs Kaufman Playground and Shelby’s Field of Dreams. The 2024-2025 academic year marked the start of the second phase of campus reconstruction, which includes expanding facilities and creating a dedicated space for the middle school.
CJDS has consistently demonstrated its ability to lead through crisis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the school safely reopened thanks to a medical advisory team composed of parent-physicians. The curriculum was adapted to new conditions without sacrificing academic quality, all while prioritizing the emotional well-being of the students. Similarly, following the events of October 7, 2023, in Israel, CJDS became a pillar of support for the community. The school welcomed families temporarily relocating from Israel to Chicago, integrated relevant topics into the curriculum, and upheld the tradition of educational trips to Israel.
An Innovative Approach to Education
The educational model at Chicago Jewish Day School prioritizes deep conceptual understanding over rote memorization. Learning is centered around inquiry, research, and interdisciplinary connections, helping students find meaning in their studies and apply knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Active and experiential learning are fundamental pillars of the CJDS experience. Students are not passive listeners but active participants in their own education. The school places a high value on developing intrinsic motivation, fostering collaboration, and cultivating a responsible attitude toward academic growth.
CJDS also follows a “whole child” philosophy, balancing academic development with social, emotional, spiritual, and physical growth. Central to this is the concept of Tikkun Olam—the responsibility to repair and improve the world through action, compassion, and social justice.
Chicago Jewish Day School stands as a premier example of a modern Jewish educational institution that successfully bridges tradition and innovation. Over its twenty-year history, the school has evolved into a vital hub for Jewish life in Chicago. It continues to graduate students who think critically, act responsibly, and are prepared to lead meaningful Jewish lives in a global society.