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What is
JPDS?
The Jewish Primary Day School of the Nation's Capital is a community of learners comprised of students, their parents and families, and our dedicated and caring staff and administrators. The school is headed by Naomi Reem. We provide our students with a firm foundation in Jewish and secular learning to lay the groundwork for our children to become knowledgeable, responsible Jews and citizens.
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When was the school founded?
JPDS was founded in 1988 at the Adas Israel Congregation. We have been an independent institution since July 1, 1999.
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Is the school affiliated with any particular Jewish movement?
We are an independent community day school. Our school is traditional and egalitarian, and our parents and students come from across the entire spectrum of Jewish observance and practice.
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What characterizes JPDS?
JPDS is characterized by our feeling of community, of caring for each other. We foster in our students a deep respect for themselves and others, an appreciation of diversity, a strong commitment to Jewish living and Jewish values, and a lifelong love of learning. We celebrate and capitalize on our students' strengths and learning styles.
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What subjects are taught in addition to the usual ones?
We have specialists in Science, Art, Music, Choir, P.E., Library and sign language, in addition to the classroom teachers in General, Hebrew, and Judaic Studies. We also have a sophisticated technology curriculum and we are the only area Jewish day school selected to be a part of the Ma'alah Hebrew Immersion Program.
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How is the week divided between General Studies and Judaic Studies?
Approximately sixty percent of the week is spent in the General Studies curriculum and approximately twenty percent of the time is spent in each, Judaic Studies and Hebrew language.
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How is curriculum taught at JPDS?
We use a developmental "hands-on" approach to learning. Our integrated curriculum reinforces how we acquire knowledge in the real world.
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How is math taught?
JPDS uses "Everyday Math" that was developed at the University of Chicago. It is an enriched math program, which presents and teaches math concepts using everyday objects and circumstances.
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What else do students learn at JPDS?
We "build mensches" at JPDS, by teaching proper middot, proper values and behavior, as taught in our tradition. We teach this through stories, drama, and as a part of our Judaic and General Studies' curricula.
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How many students are in the school?
Currently we have 262 students in grades pre-kindergarten through 6.
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How large are the classes?
The Jewish Primary Day School believes in the importance of small class size. Sixteen to eighteen is the usual maximum class size. In kindergarten, classes have a full-time teacher and a full-time assistant. In other grades, classes have a full-time teacher and a part-time assistant, depending on the age and number of students. Hebrew language and Judaic studies teachers integrate classes with the secular studies teachers. In addition, a librarian and specialists in Science, Music, Choir, Art, Physical Education, Sign Language and Child Development add to the core teaching staff on a regular basis.
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How long is the day?
For all grades, the day begins at 8:30. Monday through Thursday school ends at 3:30, and on Fridays, at 2:15 throughout the entire school year.
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Is there an after-school program?
We offer JAS (JPDS After School) on site. Children have fun playing, receiving homework help and participating in sports, arts and crafts and outdoor play. JAS is offered Monday through Thursday until 6:30 p.m. and Friday until 6:00 p.m. and is available almost all days of no school.
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Where is the school located?
We are located in the District of Columbia at 6045 16th Street, NW, the northeast corner of 16th Street and Military Road. Click here for a map.
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How long will you be in this location?
The building at 6045 16th Street, NW and the next door property were purchased in 2002-03 as the permanent home for JPDS-NC.
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Where do JPDS families live?
Our families are almost evenly split between the District of Columbia and Montgomery County.
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How do JPDS students get to school?
We have a DC and Montgomery County bus. There are a small number of centralized stops that serve our parents, yet keep our young riders on the bus as short a time as possible. There is also a very active carpool community. To foster this, we issue a zip code roster each June to help facilitate the formation of carpools.
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When they graduate, where do JPDS students go to school next?
Our graduates go on to Jewish Day Schools, prestigious private schools, as well as public schools. Some of the middle schools to which are students have been accepted recently include:
The Bullis School
Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School
City Collegiate
Edmund Burke School
The Field School
Georgetown Day School
Holton-Arms School
Maret School
McLean School of Maryland
Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy
National Cathedral School
Norwood School
Sidwell Friends School
St. Andrews Episcopal Our graduates thrive and take leadership roles in many exciting aspects of school life, inlcuding the sciences, student government, athletics, the arts, community service, jounalism, creative writing, drama, and music.
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What do students take away from JPDS?
Our students develop a strong sense of themselves - who they are as individuals; a strong sense of themselves as part of the Jewish Community; the understanding of how to learn, and an appreciation of learning
In the event we need to close early due to weather conditions, parents or emergency contacts will be called. Please make sure that we always have current emergency contact information.
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