VOSJCC-EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
12701 N Scottsdale Road, Ste. 201
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
480-634-4949 ext. 1275
www.vosjcc.org
The Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center’s Early Childhood Center is a play-based preschool with strong emphasis on academic preparedness. Each child’s natural curiosity, intelligence and interests are nurtured in an atmosphere that also helps to develop their Jewish identity. Young minds and bodies grow through art, music, movement and learning. Parents have entrusted their children to The J for more than 50 years.
Nationally accredited by NAEYC, the Early Childhood Center serves children age 6 weeks to pre-kindergarten. The school holds a 5-star rating with First Things First, a critical partner that supports the development, health and early education of all Arizona’s children birth through age 5. A low staff-child ratio in all the programs enables the faculty to provide close personal attention and quality direction to each child.
In addition, the school partners with the Pre-K Academy Program to expand the Literacy Links Program for children age 3 to Pre-K. Literacy Links provides fun, hands-on, developmentally appropriate learning experiences for young children and encourages the love of learning and reading. Highly trained Literacy Coaches come into the preschool classrooms and teach fun, multisensory lessons that prepare children for the Arizona Common Core Standards. The curriculum is based on the Arizona Early Learning Standards and the National Institute for Literacy’s recommendations for later academic success.
Specialty enrichment classes encourage children to pursue special interests while they are gaining new skills. The afternoon classes are open to preschoolers who attend other schools.
Classes are also offered in gym, swim and cultural programs as well as parenting and social programs for families and adults.
For information and a tour, please contact 480-659-7769 or [email protected].
Technion
4079 Governor Dr., #343
San Diego, CA 92122
(858) 750-2135
www.ats.org
Technion–Israel Institute of Technology, located in Haifa, Israel, is consistently ranked as one of the top 50 technology schools in the world. Although the official language of instruction at Technion is Hebrew, summer programs for high school students and several undergraduate programs are taught in English through Technion International.
High school summer programs include:
• SciTech Summer Science Camp combines scientific research along with cultural and social activities bringing together students from around the world. Projects are conducted in the Technion’s many departments of science, engineering, mathematics, medicine and architecture and makes use of the state-of-the-art research facilities on campus.
• Start-Up Program enables students to explore high-tech business development and experiment with entrepreneurship and innovation, in a fun and welcoming atmosphere. Students learn about entrepreneurship in workshops on product definition and development, industrial design, company planning, patents and business law; participate in stimulating business and technology sessions and panels; and come up with a business start-up plan. At the end of the program, students present their business plan to a panel of Israeli CEOs, like a real VC presentation.
• STEP Technology is similar to the Start-Up Program, but is designed specifically for modern Orthodox students to learn about entrepreneurship.
High school graduates can apply to Technion for enrollment in one of the degree programs offered in English:
• BSc in Civil Engineering trains future engineers to meet the infrastructure creation and modernization challenges of the 21st century.
• BSc in Chemical Engineering prepares future engineers to tackle many of the global challenges we will face in the next 50 years, in areas such as energy, healthcare, food production and water, and the environmental problems associated with them.
For more information, contact Mark Greenberg at 858-750-2135 or [email protected]) 750-2135 or [email protected]
International School of Arizona
9128 E San Salvador Dr.
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
www.isaz.org
480- 874-2326
The mission of the International School of Arizona is to provide academic excellence in preschool, elementary and middle school through second language immersion. Within a diverse and nurturing environment, ISA prepares its students to become global citizens.
“Through our focus on second and third language acquisition, we develop future citizens who are creative problem solvers, collaborative, adaptable and internationally minded,” says Head of School Dr. Ettie Zilber. “Our students engage naturally with the diversity in the world.”
ISA has grown each year and is starting its new middle school program for grades 6 and 7 this year. Class groupings have a very low student-to-teacher ratio, taught by native-speaking teachers hired directly from France, Spain and/or Latin America. Rather than simply teaching languages, the school teaches the entire curriculum in the French or Spanish language, distinguishing itself from other schools with language immersion programs.
While students are engaged in the target language full time, they continue to score high above grade level on the Stanford Achievement Exam, indicating their bilingual fluency and knowledge in English, math and sciences. They consistently score high as well on both the French DELF exam and the Spanish DELE exam of language proficiency.
Emphasizing diversity and inclusivity, attending students have multiple passports and represent a wide variety of religious, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Students embrace diversity not only as a given, but also as an advantage in today’s global community.
“According to the National Association of Independent Schools, the key skills for your child’s future success are based on the 5 C’s: Critical thinking, Creativity (innovation), Collaboration, Cooperation and Cross-cultural communication,” says Dr. Zilber. “ISA provides opportunities to achieve them all.”
TEMPLE KOL AMI
15030 N 64th St.
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
www.templekolami.org
480-951-5825
The philosophy at Temple Kol Ami is to foster each child’s intellectual, physical, emotional and language development in an environment which is safe, nurturing and challenging while being sensitive to the needs and preferences of families. Infants through pre-Kindergarten learn to grow and develop a positive self-image and strong sense of their Jewish identity using a multi-sensory approach and a developmentally age appropriate curriculum that integrates Judaic and secular materials.
This year, Temple Kol Ami has a beautiful new splash pad. Navehsplash! is a first-of-its-kind water play area that celebrates the Jewish concept of naveh and honors our Temple’s innovative spirit. Naveh comes from the phrase naveh shalom (oasis of peace) found in Isaiah 32:18: “My people shall dwell in an oasis of peace.”
Temple Kol Ami Early Childhood Center provides intimate classroom settings with small student to teacher ratios. “This individual personal attention creates a unique and strong sense of community among our preschool families,” explains Debbie Glassman, Early Childhood Director.
In addition to having two infant care rooms, Temple Kol Ami ECC offers a weekly Mommy and Me program on Friday mornings for young moms and their children ages Infant to 24 months old. “This teacher-led class is a first step in preparing children for preschool and is a wonderful opportunity to socialize with other parents in the community,” states Debbie. She invites parents and children to come and “enjoy participating in various theme related activities including Shabbat, Music, Art and Play.”
THE ORME SCHOOL
1000 E Orme School Road
Mayer, AZ 86333
www.ormeschool.org
928-632-7601
Established in 1929, The Orme School is one of the most unique boarding schools in the country. Set on a 26,000 acre cattle ranch in the high desert, the rigorous college preparatory curriculum (grades 8-12) challenges students to reach their full potential academically, while rounding out their education with a variety of unique electives such as Blacksmithing Art, Glassblowing, Sustainability and Horsemanship. Recently ranked as one of the top 20 boarding schools in the county, Orme includes students from around the globe who go on to some of the best colleges in the world.
Backed by a $1.5 million grant from the Burpee Foundation,The Orme School has an extensive Sustainability program with a goal over the next few years to be growing almost all of their own food. There is a large garden, a 200-tree orchard, a vineyard and construction is nearly complete on a greenhouse.
Students can also participate in Horsemanship and on the active Rodeo Team, which competes across the state and country. Home to more than 40 horses, Orme’s state of the art equestrian facility offers a full, lighted rodeo arena, numerous warm-up pens and over 25 stalls for student horses.
Through a structured, supportive and diverse educational community, Orme’s mission is to develop sound character, scholastic growth and intellectual curiosity. Head of School Bruce Sanborn states, “Our challenging curriculum features a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on learning and both environmental and aesthetic awareness. From the academic program to residential and community life, the guiding principles of Excellence, Tradition, and Character are applied to every facet of an Orme education.”
TUCSON HEBREW Academy
3888 E River Road
Tucson, AZ 85718
www.thaaz.org
520-529-3888
Tucson Hebrew Academy (THA) is a pluralistic Kindergarten through 8th grade Jewish Day School. THA fosters educational excellence through an interdisciplinary, integrated General Studies and Judaic curriculum. Students are taught to apply Jewish values and learning to everyday life, enabling them to make their community and the world a better place.
Offering an integrated approach to learning, THA blends studies in music, art, drama and creative writing as well as Judaic studies throughout the curriculum.
The lower school program (K-4) provides a safe, nurturing environment that encourages each child to reach his or her academic and creative potential. The Middle school program (5-8) challenges students through an academically rigorous program and helps them master the skills that serve them in high school and beyond.
This year THA is integrating a new school-wide electives program, providing students with more options and teachers with more opportunities for collaboration. “One of many exciting developments is expanding our enrichment program for gifted students grades 1-8; another is electives like chess, conversational Hebrew, Spanish, computer coding, forensics, Israeli dance, and kosher cooking,” says THA alumnus Head of School Jon Ben-Asher. “THA is on the move!”
THA offers small class sizes on a safe and secure campus. Parents, teachers and community members are highly involved in school life and the success of the students. Generous tuition assistance is available.
Tucson Hebrew Academy prides itself on having served the community for 41 years with excellent Judaic and secular education programs and outstanding acceptance rates at Tucson’s premier high schools.
RANCHO SOLANO PREPARATORY SCHOOL
9180 E Via de Ventura
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
www.RanchoSolano.com
480-646-8200
Rancho Solano Preparatory School is a PK-12 international learning community for high-achieving students.
“We are committed to cultivating in our students the ingenuity to thrive in a global society and to be architects of their future,” says Head of School Dr. Audrey Menard. “Our small classes offer students a personalized yet comprehensive educational experience. Our individualized academic approach develops students’ passions and interests, emphasizes critical thinking, and encourages personal growth and fulfillment.”
Commitment to academic excellence starts with the youngest students. The school’s exceptional early learning program sets the course for successful academic careers and life skills. In the early grades, the curriculum incorporates foreign language, math, fine arts and technology. The nurturing and productive learning environment promotes social, emotional, intellectual and physical development.
The middle and upper schools use a unit approach to ensure students experience an engaging series of lessons relevant to them and the world around us. Textbooks are augmented by a myriad of resources including experts in the field, primary-source documents and discipline-specific technical pieces to provide varied viewpoints.
Rancho Solano is expanding its Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs. Immersion in those four disciplines develops students who are curious, ask questions and make connections about why the world exists as it does. The majority of Rancho Solano’s high-achieving students are also scholar athletes, musicians and artists.
Rancho Solano Preparatory School recently became the first school in Arizona to partner with SAGE (Students for the Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship). The global organization’s mission is to create the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders whose innovations address some of the world’s most urgent needs.
Rancho Solano is the only private school in the greater Phoenix area to receive International Baccalaureate authorization.
BUREAU OF JEWISH EDUCATION of GREATER PHOENIX
12701 N Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
www.bjephoenix.org
480-634-8050
The Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater Phoenix works to strengthen Jewish identity, love of Israel and spiritual life through a pluralistic, egalitarian, nondenominational and respectful learning environment throughout the Valley of Sun.
The Phoenix High School of Jewish Studies – Hebrew High – is a vibrant program, providing positive Jewish experiences for Valley teens. Hebrew High offers the only program in the Valley for Jewish teens of all different affiliations to meet and interact weekly with hundreds of their peers. It is an academic as well as social experience designed to meet the needs of adolescents. The Hebrew for Credit program has earned accreditation by AdvanED; language credits are accepted at all high schools for college bearing foreign language credit. Additional high school opportunities include Alexander Muss High School in Israel, annual summer Care-a-Van mitzvah tour, bikkur cholim hospital visitations, Passover food drive and more.
The BJE offers a wide range of programming for all ages and stages of life including Jewish Baby University for expectant parents, Baby and Me Shabbat, a first-Friday free program, Jewish Marriage University, Interfaith classes, Jewish Lifelong Learning Adult Education classes covering a myriad of topics, The Passages Lecture Series bringing world-renowned speakers to our community, the annual community Jewish Women’s Symposium, ACT – Action, Connect, Think – for adults in their 20s and 30s to connect socially through gemilut chasadim, acts of lovingkindness, and much more.
In addition, the BJE offers educator conferences for Jewish teachers, the Carolyn Nathan Educators Holocaust Conference and the Kurt and Gerda Klein Holocaust Forum for Teens.
The BJE is home to a Jewish Community Library/Resource Center, which houses more than 11,000 titles of Judaica, including books, DVDs, CDs and reference materials, and hosts book clubs’ monthly meetings.
The BJE is a strategic partner of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix. [email protected]
B’nai Tzedek Youth Philanthropy Program of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix
12701 N Scottsdale Road, Ste. 202
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
www.jcfphoenix.org
480-699-1717
The B’nai Tzedek Youth Philanthropy Program empowers Jewish teens to help change the world through Jewish philanthropy, tzedakah and tikkun olam. Valley teens in grades 7-12 establish a charitable endowment fund in their name and gain knowledge and skills from Jewish sources on giving, financial literacy and modern philanthropy. The organization also helps establish relationships between Jewish teens and Jewish organizations in our community and abroad.
Through a wide range of outreach programs, B’nai Tzedek offers teens an opportunity to deepen their commitment to social action as well as a chance to engage in meaningful community service projects, from aiding the needy to enhancing the lives of seniors.
“It’s exciting to see the teens accept their privileges and responsibilities of having their own funds,” says Director of Youth Philanthropy Andrea Cohen. “Since the inception of the B’nai Tzedek program in 2005, the 290 B’nai Tzedek Youth Philanthropists have recommended $23,222 from their individual funds to over 150 nonprofit organizations all over the world.”
“We’re educating and developing the next generation of leaders in the Jewish community,” adds Sheryl Quen, director of grants and communications for the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix. “We include opportunities for service learning and a chance to participate on the Youth Philanthropy Board, which encompasses advocacy, leadership, service learning and collective grant-making all rolled into one.”
Andrea adds, “Several teens who have created B’nai Tzedek funds have already converted them in to Donor Advised Funds, and are continuing their leadership roles. We invite all Jewish teens to join us in our endeavors, to work with us to improve our community both here and in places around the globe. Each person can make a real difference.”
JEWISH TUITION ORGANIZATION
12701 N Scottsdale Road, Ste. 203E
Scottsdale, AZ 85254-5457
www.jtophoenix.org
480-634-4926
Founded in 1999, the Jewish Tuition Organization provides need-based scholarships to help Arizona students attend participating K-12 Jewish day schools in metropolitan Phoenix.
“Our focus is to raise as much funding as possible to be able to provide meaningful need-based scholarships, which will allow more students to attend our Jewish day schools,” says JTO Executive Director Linda Zell.
Supporting the JTO doesn’t cost Arizona taxpayers a penny. Individuals and corporations are allowed to take a dollar for dollar tax credit against their Arizona taxes to benefit the Private School Tax Credit Program.
“JTO is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) so you should also check with your tax preparers regarding federal tax benefits,” Zell says.
This year the JTO has raised almost $3.8 million dollars. Over 90% is awarded in scholarships every year. For 2015-16 JTO anticipates helping more than 550 students at seven schools.
A past scholarship recipient, Shauna Tasa, presently a law student at ASU, says, “I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for the help of the JTO.”
Ben Cooper, a founder of the JTO, says, “Taking the Arizona tax credit is easy and cost free, and it helps provide the gift of a Jewish day school education. I take the maximum credit every year.”
With tuition and enrollments increasing every year, it is evident that the students need financial aid, which is why it is so important for the entire community to support the JTO, explains Zell.
KYRENE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT
8700 S Kyrene Road
Tempe, AZ 85284
www.kyrene.org
480-541-1000
The highly rated Kyrene Elementary School District includes 19 elementary and six middle schools in Tempe, Chandler and Ahwatukee providing quality education for nearly 18,000 students in preschool-eighth grades. Ten of the schools have the A+ School of Excellence designation awarded by the Arizona Educational Foundation.
“Kyrene’s vision is to prepare all students to meet educational and life challenges in order to make positive contributions to society,” says Superintendent Dr. David Schauer. “To realize our vision, Kyrene seeks to inspire and engage our diverse community of students, staff, families and citizens to ensure continuous academic achievement and personal growth for every student.”
In addition to regular classrooms, Kyrene offers Choice Programs for those who prefer an alternative or enhanced approach to learning. These include dual language, traditional, college preparatory, leadership and gifted. There are also a variety of on-site community programs available before/after school and during school breaks.
National recognition this year went to Alex Lin, a student at Centennial Middle School, who represented Arizona in the 2015 National Math Counts competition, May 7-8 in Boston, MA. The District also boasts several winners at the 2015 Behring National History Contest: ‘Aprende Middle School students Katelin Rugg and Melanie Furman, Meredith Munn and Anna Morrow, as well as Pueblo Middle School’s Kiera Plano.
With AIMS scores that exceed the state average, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes the arts, sports and technology, as well as an emphasis on the development of the whole child, before, during and after school, Kyrene students are immersed in a setting to increase college and career readiness.
PARDES JEWISH DAY SCHOOL
12753 N Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
www.pardesschool.org
480-991-9141
Pardes Jewish Day School is an independent, coeducational , K-8 day school committed to providing a dynamic learning environment for all students.
Besides the focus on Jewish studies and Hebrew, students enjoy classes in art, music, physical education, technology and Spanish (beginning in grade 5). Additionally, students in grades 4-8 have the opportunity to participate in programs such as the National Mathematical Olympiad Program for Elementary and Middle Schools and the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Seventh- and eighth-graders may qualify for induction into the school’s National Junior Honor Society chapter.
With more than 20 years’ experience educating children, Pardes Jewish Day School is beginning its second year in its new home on the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus. The beautifully renovated and expanded campus includes a state-of-the-art Middle School building and outdoor learningscape, as well as updates to the original classrooms, provide endless opportunities for inquiry-based 21st century learning. A kosher kitchen will be completed by fall.
Pardes Jewish Day School exemplifies excellence in education while taking into consideration the needs of the whole child. Whether in a secular studies or Jewish studies class, Pardes students learn to think critically, research, analyze and evaluate content. Classes have low student-teacher ratios, allowing teachers to differentiate an enriched curriculum.
“Our students enthusiastically engage in class discussions, collaborate on projects and learn from a highly experienced and talented faculty,” says Head of School Jill Kessler. “Jewish values, history and text are woven into the daily fabric of our school community. Our students become proud, knowledgeable Jews, poised to become our next generation of Jewish leaders.”
