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. 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, T’fillah/Prayers, Israel, Holidays/Rituals, Jewish History, and Values) are emphasized in the afternoon.
Are there specialty resources and curricula at SJCS?
Our student support team includes a learning specialist, school counselor, and student support specialist. 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. Alumni have attended these middle schools, among others:
| Billings Middle School | SAAS |
| Evergreen | Seattle Girls' School |
| Jewish Day School of Metropolitan Seattle | Seattle Public Schools |
| Lakeside | Seattle Waldorf School |
| Lake Washington Girls Middle School | Shoreline Public Schools |
| Northwest | UPrep |
Who are the SJCS families?
As an egalitarian Jewish community day school unaffiliated with any particular Jewish movement, SJCS welcomes families from across the spectrum of Jewish life, including (but not limited to) affiliated and unaffiliated, interfaith, Reform, Conservative, Renewal, Orthodox, Reconstructionist, traditional, secular, cultural, Israeli, and “just Jewish.”
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 2012-13 is $16,650.
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.
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 fundraising 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’s long-term growth and stability. The Gala is our annual community fundraising event.
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. Kindergarten ends their day at 3:15 p.m. Grades 1-5 finish at 3:30 p.m. During the late fall and winter, Friday dismissal takes place at 2:30 p.m. for Shabbat/Sabbath.
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.
During the academic year, when is school closed?
SJCS is not in session on the Fall Jewish holidays, during Passover, on the spring holiday of 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, vegetarian, or kosher fish lunches from home. SJCS strives to be a peanut and tree nut free environment. Kosher hot lunch is available for purchase three days a week. Boys and girls wear kippot/head coverings during mealtime, t'fillah/prayers, and Torah/Bible study - and throughout the day if they prefer.
How do I receive information about my child?
Your student’s teaching team reports three times yearly. There are two opportunities to conference with your students teaching team (fall/spring). In addition to these formal mechanisms, teachers are available to parents for informal communication as needed.