User:Gazose

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Seattle Jewish Community School
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The Seattle Jewish Community School, referred to as SJCS, is an independent, egalitarian Jewish day school for children from age 5 through 5th grade located in North Seattle, Washington, USA. Established in 1991 as Seattle Jewish Primary School, the school later expanded to 5th grade and changed its name to SJCS. SJCS was located at Congregation Beth Shalom, then Temple Beth Am, and the school purchased its current building in on October 24, 2008. In September of 2009, SJCS added Chai Fives, a new early childhood option for the young 5-year-old.

SJCS has had two permanent Heads of School in its 19-year history. Debra J.G. Butler was the founding principal and served until 1995, establishing the school's primary division. Joyce Shane was Head for a decade, and led a period of growth that included expansion through the 5th grade. Upon Shane's retirement, Butler returned to SJCS to lead the transition to SJCS' current Northgate-area campus.

In addition to tuition, SJCS receives funding from individual and institutional donors including The Jewish Federation of Greater Seattleand the Samis Foundation.  

Educational Objectives
' The SJCS educational program weaves together an enriched General and Judaic Studies curriculum. A low student-to-staff ratio affords teachers the opportunity to guide every child toward realizing individual potential. Students are challenged to learn and grow at their own pace.

The SJCS program teaches critical thinking skills in a cooperative atmosphere and prepares students for future academic and intellectual challenges. SJCS fosters pride in Jewish identity and imparts Jewish values to the students through a love of tradition, Torah study, t’fillah (prayer), song, and Hebrew language. A nurturing, non-competitive, and egalitarian environment builds the students’ sense of self and engenders respect for others. SJCS reaches beyond the classroom to involve home and community.

 

Alumni Information
' 43% of SJCS graduates continue their educations in public schools, and about half of those enter advanced learning programs – including Seattle Public School’s Spectrum, Advanced Progress, and International Baccalaureate programs. 32% of graduates continue at selective, private schools; and, 25% go to Jewish day schools.

Alumni have attended: Billings Middle School, Brookside, Eckstein Middle School, Evergreen School, Garfield High School, Hamilton Middle School, Highland Terrace, Ingraham High School, Jewish Day School of Metropolitan Seattle, Lakeside, Lake Washington Girls Middle School, Nathan Hale High School, Northwest School, Northwest Yeshiva High School, Phillips Andover Academy, Roosevelt High School, Salmon Bay, Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences, Seattle Girls School, Seattle Hebrew Academy, and University Prep.

 

Mission Statement
' SJCS provides an excellent, egalitarian, K–5 General and Judaic education that promotes Jewish identity and practice, respect for diversity, responsibility for our world, and commitment to lifelong learning.

 

Accreditation and Affiliations
'	Accredited by the State of Washington

RAVSAK (Jewish Community Day School Network), Member

Washington Federation of Independent Schools, Member

Pacific Northwest Association of Independent Schools, Candidate Member

Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education

Big Tent Judaism Coalition Washington State non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation

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Demographics
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SJCS families come from eleven zip codes and speak English, Hebrew, and Russian as first languages in their homes. There is a broad socio-economic range, and families are both affiliated and unaffiliated with a synagogue or havurah.

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Services and Specialty Curricula
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Art

Before- and After-School Enrichment

Creative Dance/Movement

Learning Specialist

Library

Music

Physical Education

School Counselor

Science