Berkeley Parents Network: Contra Costa Jewish Day School

Berkeley Parents Network

Contra Costa Jewish Day School

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > K-12 Schools > Contra Costa Jewish Day School

Jan 2007

I found only one fairly old review of this school in the archives, and was wondering if anyone has more recent impressions to share. Thanks anon

I currently have 2 kids who attend The Contra Costa Jewish Day School and I couldn't be happier. We have been a part of the school since the very beginning and it's growing at an amazing rate. The academics are excellent and the environment is nurturing and embracing. The best thing to do it to come see it for yourself to see if it would be the right fit for you and your child Happy CCJDS parent

I'd love to share my impressions of the Contra Costa Jewish Day School. My twin girls are in 3rd grade at CCJDS, having been there since Kindergarten, and we really love it. The school has grown substantially since Jenny wrote in 2003; we run from K to 8th now and our first graduating class will head off to high school next year. The older grades are currently in combined two grade classes – the 3rd/4th graders are in one room, the 5th/6th class in one and 7th/8th class in another – but enrollment has grown so much over the years that all the new incoming classes for the last 3 years have had a single grade in each room.

Even with this growth, the instruction has remained very individualized. Children who are more advanced are able to progress at their pace. The same is true for students who need more work on material; they are also given the help they need and the opportunity to excel. The academic program compares favorably with the excellent local public schools in the area; my kids are often working on material that is advanced compared with their peers.

The Judaic/Hebrew program is very good. My kids in 3rd grade have a strong knowledge of Judaism and what it means to be Jewish. They are involved in Tikun Olam (healing the world) through school-wide and classroom Mitzvah projects. CCJDS is also very inclusive; we have families who are secular, Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, interfaith and some non-Jewish families. In the last several years, CCJDS added music, art and drama programs. We’re putting on our second all-school musical this year.

I could go on and on. We’ve reevaluated every year if our girls should continue at CCJDS, and every year the answer has been yes and based on our experience I expect that to continue. If anyone has any questions, I am more than happy to respond to any email questions. Mike B

We are a new family at CCJDS, and we can't say enough good things about the school! The head of school is absolutely amazing and extremely dedicated, and has been with the school since the very start when they were in the planning stages. The teachers are so engaging, and do a fabulous job of bringing the curriculum to life. Even in kindergarten, the kids get individualized work, which we really like. The academics are superb, and that is the main reason we are at the school. We also like how they approach the Judaics and Hebrew in such a way that everyone feels comfortable, whether you are a very observant Jew or part of an interfaith marriage. My child comes home telling me about her day, and wakes up on the weekend wanting to go to school-- I can't ask for more than that! We live in Oakland and were very worried about the commute time, but there are a number of famlies we can carpool with, and we do. It only takes 15 minutes from Montclair village. There is a very strong aftercare program, which my child asks to attend all the time, and you can do it on a drop-in basis. I often use it when I need to work in the afternoon. It's like a built-in playdate at a very reasonable price, and my house doesn't get any wear and tear :) Good luck with your school selection! happy CCJDS parent

Our 2 kids are currently in K and 1st grade at Contra Costa Jewish Day School (CCJDS). As we went through the process of selecting a school for our kids, we looked at quite a few, and were so impressed with CCJDS. What drew us to the school was the knowledgeable, creative and enthusiastic faculty; this energy starts with the Head of School and is apparent in each teacher. We also liked the schools mission to develop the whole child - intellectually, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Since CCJDS is in a location where there are excellent public schools, they need to offer something unique. We feel that the small class sizes and an individuated curriculum that focuses on each student’s learning style is something we could not find anywhere else. Also, as a committed, but not very religious, Jewish family it was important to us that our children would feel comfortable and accepted with our own family practices. We are excited that our children are learning Modern Hebrew and about Jewish values, ethics and their cultural and religious heritage. With small class sizes, and a teachers assistant in the classroom most of the day, my kids get lots of individual attention. I also must add that we love the strong sense of community we feel with the families at the school. There are many opportunities to be involved in the school if you wish. When we chose CCJDS the only hesitation we had was the commute from Oakland to Lafayette, this has proved to be very easy and our daily carpools really help too! We are delighted to be a CCJDS family! CCJDS parent, gemma

I live in Oakland near Montclair and my 5 year old daughter began at Contra Costa Jewish Day School this year. We chose Contra Costa Jewish Day School becuase it was clearly academically superior to our public schools and to the two other East Bay Jewish Day Schools. My wife and I did this despite the fact that Oakland Hebrew Day School is around the corner from us and I have 3 half siblings who attend Tehiyah.

In the year that my daughter has been at CCJDS, I have thought that everything in the school has been tremendous. My daughter comes home begging to do more math problems, reading simple books(when she entered she did not recognize all her letters), talking to me in Hebrew(which she did not know one word of prior), asking constantly to go visit her friends from school, and begging to stay longer in after care.

Finally, I would just add that for the parents CCJDS is a wonderful school as well. I personally feel part of a community that supports learning, Judaism, friendship, and obviously my child. There is even adult education at the school after drop off on fridays. My wife and I both love the school and think it is an amazing place for both our children and ourselves. Ilan

Dec 2006

Re: Private schools in Orinda, Lafayette, Walnut Creek
Contra Costa Jewish Day School in Lafayette is right off of Mount Diablo Blvd. If you are interested in a safe and nurturing school for your middle school child, you should consider our school. CCJDS is an independent K-8th grade school, with 82 students. What we love about CCJDS is that the school works with each student to reach their full academic and personal potential. My kids benefit from the small class sizes and the individual attention they recieve from their teachers. The teachers are terrific all have Masters degrees and/or teaching credentials. Their love for teaching at this school is apparent, they are dedicated to individuate curriculum to meet diverse learning styles. We appreciate that the school not only focuses on strong academics but works towards creating caring and responsible students. They learn social responsiblity by participating in a variety of mitzvah community service projects throughout the year. Our family also enjoys the caring and supportive school community.
Jonathan, happy CCJDS parent of 2 Jan 2003

I wanted to add another possibility for families. I live in Montclair and my son goes to Contra Costa Jewish Day School(CCJDS) in Lafayette. This new school has exceeded all my expectations of what a good school can do for my child. Because it is only in it's second year, the grades offered are kindergarten through fourth. Each year it will add a grade until it reaches eigth grade. The academics and teachers are outstanding. But the most important benefit in my mind has been the sense of every teacher and staff person caring deeply for each student. Their is a very strong sense of family within the school. The instruction is very individualized and project based. It has been an excellent investment in my son's future. Call 925-284-8288 for more information. Jenny

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