Admissions FAQ
What size are your classes?
SJCS maintains a low student-to-teacher ratio. An average SJCS class has 14 students. K-5 classes have a lead teacher in General Studies and Judaic Studies. Chai Fives has a single lead teacher for General and Judaic Studies. We use teaching assistants and learning specialists to ensure that every student receives developmentally appropriate, individualized attention.
What does the SJCS day look like?
General Studies (Math, Science, Language Arts, and Social Studies) are emphasized in the morning, and Judaic studies (Hebrew, Torah/Bible, Israel, Holidays/Rituals, Jewish History, and Values) are emphasized in the afternoon.
Are there specialty resources and curricula at SJCS?
Our General Studies Learning Specialist provides support for students across the academic spectrum and supervises school-wide assessments. Our school psychologist is onsite two days per week as a resource for families, teachers, and students. Our enriched curriculum includes P.E., Creative Dance, Music, Library, Art, Science labs, and Technology.
Where do SJCS students go when they graduate?
Approximately 43% go to public schools (about half enter advanced learning programs), 32% go to selective private schools, and 25% go to Jewish day schools.
How long is the school day?
SJCS opens its doors to students at 8:15 a.m. Formal learning begins at 8:30 a.m. Chai Fives and Kindergarten end their day at 3:15p.m. Grades 1-5 finish at 3:30p.m. During the late fall and winter, Friday dismissal takes place at 2:30 p.m. for Shabbat.
During the academic year, when is school closed?
SJCS is not in session on the Fall Jewish holidays, during Passover, on Shavuot, and for some American holidays and traditional school breaks. There are four days annually for Parent-Teacher conferences. SJCS provides its staff professional development opportunities through in-service time. School is not in session for students during in-service hours.
What do snack and lunchtime look like?
The school kitchen is kosher and supervised, but students may bring dairy or pareve lunches from home. Kosher, hot lunch is available for purchase twice weekly. Boys and girls wear kippot/head coverings during mealtime, t'fillah/prayer, and Torah/Bible study - and throughout the day if they prefer.
Do you offer onsite before- and after- school care?
The BASE (Before- and After- School Enrichment) program is available for a fee. Breakfast Club is available from 7:15 - 8:15 a.m., Monday - Friday. After-school programs are offered Monday - Thursday until 6:00 p.m. The University Family YMCA (hosted at Magnuson Park) offers school's-out care and after-school care on Fridays for SJCS students.
How do I know what tuition will be in the future?
Tuition is set annually by the Board of Trustees in December for the upcoming school year. Tuition for 2010-2011 is $14,525.
Are there other fees besides tuition?
There are very few. Before- and After-School Enrichment (BASE) programs have additional fees as does the hot lunch program. 5th grade parents pay an additional fee for an annual trip to IslandWood Environmental Camp.
Is there fund raising at SJCS?
Like other independent schools, SJCS tuition does not cover the true cost of educating our students. Parents support the cost of an SJCS education through tuition, volunteerism, and philanthropic giving. The SJCS Annual Fund supports our operating budget. We strive for 100% participation from our Board of Trustees, staff, and parents in contributing to this Fund. The Campaign for SJCS is for capital needs and is vital to ensuring SJCS' long-term growth and stability. The Gala is our annual community and fundraising event.
Is financial aid available?
SJCS is committed to maintaining an economically diverse community, and we have a confidential Tuition Assessment process. Families who feel they cannot pay full tuition are encouraged to participate in the assessment process to see if they qualify for reduced tuition. When applicable, tuition assistance is offered in the form of reduced tuition (i.e., not loans). Families must apply annually for tuition assistance.