About our school

  • A good-sized group of kids went to DJCS from Palmerston School every Wednesday. We must have looked as if we were going to have fun because I remember one non-Jewish friend saying to his mom “I want to go to the Jewish school too!” My time at DJCS definitely enhanced my Jewish identity.

    Eli, DJCS graduate

  • I have been moved by the DJCS’s uniquely honest and unpretentious approach to providing Jewish education to a very diverse population of children and their families.

    Ruth, DJCS teacher

  • At our PD day in November, as I was enjoying the company of my co-workers, it occurred to me what a special group of teachers our Executive Director, Joan, had cultivated. Besides feeling myself in the company of capable, experienced, and professional staff, I recognized how caring and full of midot the group around me was – truly a superlative group of role models for the next generations. The diversity of the families reflects the school’s philosophy — that there are many ways of being Jewish.

    Tally, DJCS teacher

  • We have been parents at DJCS since 1999. Both of our children have enjoyed (and continue to enjoy) their experiences there. My eleven-year old son actually doesn’t mind getting up on Sunday morning to attend his classes! Over the years we’ve had some truly wonderful teachers. Joan, the principal, has consistently tried to populate her staff with warm, caring and engaging individuals...

    Lori MD, FRCP(C), DJCS parent

  • DJCS has given us the opportunity to pass on a Jewish identity to our kids that we otherwise would not have been able to do. It does this in a relaxed and inclusive environment that doesn’t judge us on our level of “Jewishness”. The staff is energetic and committed, and the attending families all want to be there. Being at Bloor and Spadina doesn’t hurt either!

    Stephen, DJCS parent

  • “DJCS taught me to take a pluralistic, open minded, enthusiastic approach to Jewish life and tradition.”

    Rabbi Rachel, DJCS graduate

Why choose DJCS

Choosing any school is a major decision, all the more so when your family’s Jewish life will be impacted for years to come. Word of mouth from students, neighbors and friends is a helpful source of information. Parents should trust their instincts while taking into account the individual needs and situation of their children and family setup.

 

Click here for 10 good reasons!

What follows are some guidelines for making sure the program you choose comes closest to what is most meaningful to your family.

 

Mission and Values

Community schools such as DJCS embrace a wide spectrum of Jewish choices.   Do you feel comfortable in such a liberal setting or do you prefer a set prescribed religious philosophy? It is important that families like yours are welcome, and that your concerns are acknowledged.  At DJCS, we have a diverse, pluralistic parent body. Our philosophy is fundamentally inclusive and accepting of the many ways of being Jewish.


Student-teacher ratio

Our maximum class size at DJCS is 20. Our JK-1 classes have a teacher as well as a teaching assistant in the class. As a general rule, a ratio of 25 to 1 or less is considered adequate.

 

Great and Well Qualified Teachers

At DJCS, our teachers are well qualified (refer to our Teacher Bios section to see all their degrees and experience) and known as some of the best in the city. At DJCS we make learning interactive, positive and fun while placing high value on content and depth of knowledge.

 

DJCS is in a class by itself

Leading our community 

Since 1979, DJCS has led the way in the revival of Jewish life in downtown Toronto.  We are Downtown Toronto’s finest and largest supplementary Hebrew school.

 

Enriched curriculum

The DJCS curriculum learning objectives are carefully designed for each grade to build the tools our children need to meaningfully participate in Jewish life.  Enrichment activities include art, music, drama, cooking, storytelling, shofar factory, and tallit workshops.

 

Free MNJCC Membership for all students

That’s right! Every child upon enrollment will receive a complimentary MNJCC membership.

 

Convenient location

We are conveniently located in the “home” of the downtown Jewish community – the Miles Nadal JCC at Bloor & Spadina. As such, DJCS students and their families are immersed in the energy of their environment, the bustling Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre.  Parents can drop off the children while they go to the gym, pool or a local café.  We are easily accessible by TTC; the school is right across the street from the Spadina subway station.

 

Diverse, inclusive & welcoming community

For many families, DJCS is their first Jewish affiliation. It’s not their last. DJCS provides you and your family with communal affiliation, involvement and links to other resources available to Toronto’s Jewish community

 

Family and Parent Education

Beyond [Over and above??] Adult Education opportunities, parents learn with their children in the classroom in an enjoyable, non-threatening environment and are given the resources they need to follow up at home. Great special events include: Community holiday celebrations, Family Oneg Shabbat dinners, young Israeli educational emissaries & relevant lectures for parents & grandparents.

 

Pluralism, Equality and Diversity

DJCS is pluralistic in both vision and practice, teaching our young people that there are many ways of being Jewish. The school values and reflects its uniquely diverse population.

 

Expert, dedicated professional staff

Our staff is among the city’s best, chosen for their qualifications and experience.

 

Fully tax deductible tuition

The DJCS is a charitable institution.  Tuition fees are fully tax deductible as a charitable donation.

 

The Azrieli Bursaries

Families in need of financial assistance may apply for tuition financial assistance, based on UJA Federation guidelines.  All requests are treated confidentially.