Known as the People of the Book, Jews have long valued education – both formal and informal, religious and secular. Our Kids & Teens section covers all of these traditional elements. Schools for all ages address formal education, while camps and youth groups offer the equally important opportunities for socializing and community involvement.
EDUCATION RESOURCES
BJE’S JEWISH COMMUNITY LIBRARY
Elaine Hirsch, Library Director
Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus
12701 N Scottsdale Road, First Floor Library, Suite 105
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
480-634-8050, ext. 1307
480-634-8051 (Fax)
www.bjephoenix.org
The entire community can use the library’s impressive collection of Judaica for all areas of Jewish life including books, DVDs and music. Includes large Hebrew language section, collection of Jewish classical literature and children’s books.
JEWISH EDUCATION TAX CREDIT ORGANIZATION
3822 E River Road
Tucson, AZ 85718
520-647-8442
www.jetco.org
JEWISH TUITION ORGANIZATION
Linda Zell, Executive Director
12701 N Scottsdale Road, Ste. 203E
Scottsdale, AZ 85254-5457
480-634-4926
Fax 480-629-5147
[email protected]
www.jtophoenix.org
An Arizona private school tax credit organization & non-profit 501(c)(3). Raises funds through the private school tax credit for individuals and corporations as well charitable donations. Awards need-based scholarships to Jewish day school students. The mission of the Jewish Tuition Organization is to provide need-based scholarships to Arizona students to attend participating K-12 Jewish day schools in Metropolitan Phoenix.
PJ Library – Phoenix
[email protected]
PJ Library – Tucson
[email protected]
PJ Library – Prescott
[email protected]
TUCSON ASSOCIATION OF JEWISH LIBRARIES
on-line resource to search nine synagogue/JCC libraries
www.tucsonjewishlibrary.org
PRESCHOOLS
TUCSON
Esther B. Feldman Preschool
Congregation Anshei Israel
5550 E Fifth St.
Tucson, AZ 85711
520-745-5550
www.caiaz.org
Tucson JCC Preschool
3800 E River Road
Tucson, AZ 85718
520-615-5437
www.tucsonjcc.org
Olga & Bob Strauss ECE Center
Temple Emanu-El
225 N Country Club Road
Tucson, AZ 85716
520-325-0390
www.templeemanueltucson.org
THE VALLEY
Aleph Bet Preschool
Chabad of Arizona
2110 E Lincoln Dr.
Phoenix, AZ 85016
602-994-2580
www.alephbetaz.com
Beth El Congregation
1118 W Glendale Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85021
602-994-2464
www.bethelpreschoolphx.com
Chandler Jewish Preschool
Chabad of the East Valley
875 N McClintock Dr.
Chandler, AZ 85226
480-855-4333
www.chabadcenter.com
Chanen Preschool
Congregation Beth Israel
10460 N 56th St.
Scottsdale, AZ 85253
480-951-3398
www.cbiaz.org
EAST VALLEY JCC PRESCHOOL
908 N Alma School Road
Chandler, AZ 85224
480-897-0588
www.evjcc.org
EMUNAH MONTESSORI ACADEMY
6848 N 12th Way
Phoenix, AZ 85014
480-316-2022
www.emunahmontessori.com
PHOENIX HEBREW PRESCHOOL
515 E Bethany Home Road
Phoenix, AZ 85012
602-277-7479
www.phoenixhebrewacademy.org
Shalom Montessori
7300 N Via Paseo Del Sur
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
480-626-0676
www.shalommontessori.com
THE SOLEL PRESCHOOL
6805 E McDonald Drive
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
480-991-4545
www.solelpreschool.org
Syndi Scheck Yad B’Yad Preschool
Temple Emanuel of Tempe
5801 S Rural Road
Tempe, AZ 85283
480-838-1414, ext. 20
www.emanueloftempe.org
Temple Beth Sholom Preschool
3400 N Dobson Road
Chandler, AZ 85254
480-897-3636
www.sholompreschool.org
Temple Chai Preschool
4645 E Marilyn Road
Phoenix, AZ 85032
602-923-3619
www.templechai.com
Temple Kol Ami
15030 N 64th St.
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
480-951-9660
www.templekolami.org
Torah Day School
of Phoenix
1118 W Glendale Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85021
602-374-3062
www.torahdayschoolofphoenix.org
VALLEY OF THE SUN JCC EARLY CHILDHOOD Center
Dani Hibert, Co-Director
Deena Boone, Co-Director
12701 N Scottsdale Road,
Ste. 201
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
480-659-7769
Fax: 480-659-7768
[email protected]
www.vosjcc.org/earlychildhood
The J’s Early Childhood Center nurtures each child’s natural curiosity, intelligence and interests, while developing their Jewish identity. Young minds and bodies grow through art, music, movement and learning. Parents have entrusted us with their children for more than 50 years. We are nationally accredited by NAEYC and serve children age 6 weeks to pre-K. We also offer gym and swim programs as well as parenting and social programs for families and adults.
DAY SCHOOLS
TUCSON
TUCSON HEBREW ACADEMY
Jon Ben-Asher, Head of School
Rabbi Billy Lewkowicz, Director of Judaics/Hebrew Studies
Julee Dawson, Director of Admissions, Development, & Community Relations
3888 E River Road
Tucson, AZ 85718
520-529-3888
Fax: 520-529-0646
[email protected]
www.thaaz.org
Tucson Hebrew Academy is a pluralistic Kindergarten through 8th grade Jewish Day School. Our engaging, talented faculty ensures a rigorous, interactive, supportive learning environment. From the early years through comprehensive high school prep, children thrive in THA’s uniquely enriching educational community and culture. Our 41-year tradition of excellence continues to produce highly skilled, critical and creative thinking students with a strong moral compass and deep understanding of Jewish identity, well-prepared for the challenges to come!
THE VALLEY
DESERT JEWISH ACADEMY
3400 N Dobson Road
Chandler, AZ 85224
480-376-8214
www.desertja.org
Pardes Jewish Day School
Jill Kessler, M.A., M. Ed., Head of School
Bethany Spector, M.A, Director of Admissions
12753 N Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
480-991-9141
Fax:480-991-9405
[email protected]
www.pardesschool.org
Over 20 years of academic excellence. Independent K-8 coeducational day school. Rigorous secular education with an integrated Jewish education. Experienced and dedicated faculty; low teacher-student ratio; student-focused learning. Newly renovated campus. Technology, art, physical education, music and Spanish offered. After-school enrichment activities, morning/after-care available. Daily Kosher lunch program. Member of the Mountain Valley Athletics League. Accredited. A partner agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix.
Phoenix Hebrew Academy
515 E Bethany Home Road
Phoenix, AZ 85012
602-277-7479
www.phoenixhebrewacademy.org
Shalom Montessori
7300 N Via Paseo Del Sur
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
480-626-0676
www.shalommontessori.org
Shearim Torah High School for Girls
6516 N Seventh St., Ste. 105
Phoenix, AZ 85014
602-324-3406
www.shearimhighschool.org
Torah Day School of Phoenix
1118 W Glendale Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85021
602-374-3062
www.torahdayschoolofphoenix.org
Yeshiva High School of Arizona
727 E Glendale Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85020
602-266-1213
www.azyeshiva.org
INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF ARIZONA
9128 E San Salvador Dr.
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
480- 874-2326
[email protected]
www.isaz.org
The International School of Arizona offers a full day immersion education in either French or Spanish, while delivering a well-rounded, rigorous, academic program in Early Childhood School (age 2-Kindergarten), Lower School (Grades 1- 5) and Middle School (Grades 6-7).
Students follow a challenging global curriculum based on the best American, French and Spanish standards, formulated to provide a strong educational foundation, and including the STREAM science-based program (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts and Math) To schedule a visit and an interview, please contact [email protected]
KYRENE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT
8700 S Kyrene Road
Tempe, AZ 85284
www.kyrene.org
480-541-1000
The Kyrene Elementary School District is an “A” rated district comprised of 25 schools (19 elementary and 6 middle schools) located throughout the East Valley. Kyrene enrolls approximately 18,000 students in K-8 grades, and over 400 preschool children. In addition to our regular classrooms, we offer choice programs for those who prefer an alternative or enhanced approach to learning. These include: dual language, traditional, college preparatory, leadership, and gifted programs.
Rancho Solano Preparatory Schools
Dr. Audrey Menard, Head of School
9180 E Via de Ventura
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
480-646-8200
[email protected]
www.ranchosolano.com
Rancho Solano Preparatory School is a PK-12 international learning community for high achieving students. At Rancho Solano, students thrive within a close-knit community that offers a highly individualized education experience completely unique to the Arizona market. Rancho Solano’s vibrant and distinct schools of learning are focused on spectacular student outcomes, best-in-class teacher recruitment, personalized curricula, specialized academic and enrichment programs, and state-of-the-art facilities and technology.
INDEPENDENT BOARDING SCHOOLS
THE ORME SCHOOL
Bruce Sanborn, Head of School
Ross Sanner, Director of Advancement
Jessica Calmes Associate Director of Advancement and Admissions
1000 E Orme School Road
Mayer, AZ 86333
928-632-7601
Fax: 928-632-7605
[email protected]
www.ormeschool.org
The Orme School is one of the most unique boarding schools in the country. Set on a 26,000 acre ranch, our rigorous college preparatory curriculum (grades 8-12) challenges our students to reach their full potential academically, and is rounded out by a variety of electives such as Blacksmithing, Sustainability and Horsemanship. Our students go on to the best colleges in the country. Come see why we were ranked as one of the top boarding schools.
YOUTH GROUPS/PROGRAMS
ART AND SOL PERFORMING ARTS PROGRAM
Renee Werkheiser, Director and Owner
10263 E Caron St. (mailing only)
Scottsdale, Az. 85258
480-540-9208
[email protected]
www.artandsolprogram.com
Art and Sol students ACT, DANCE, SING and SHINE! An exciting musical theater after-school program for children in K-8 grades. Every child feels like a star! Every child gets a part in our professional musical plays and has many opportunities to shine on stage. Great for children new to performing, and excellent for children with experience! (Parents love our program because we meet only once a week!) Locations: Scottsdale, Arcadia, and Central Phoenix
BBYO
Laura Charnofsky, Senior Regional Director
David Rivas, Phoenix City Director
12701 N Scottsdale Road,
Ste. 203
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
480-634-4900 ext.1127
[email protected]
www.bbyo.org
BBYO is the leading pluralistic Jewish teen movement. Youth-led, staff-supervised model allows for leadership development and identity enriching programming Currently has active chapters throughout Phoenix, utilizing the Valley of the Sun JCC and East Valley JCC. BBYO is open to grades 8-12 and BBYO Connect for grades 6 and 7. Weekly programming spans topics of Judaic education, creativity, athletics, social and much more.
B’nai Tzedek Youth Philanthropy Program
at Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix
12701 N Scottsdale Road,
Ste. 202
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
480-699-1717
www.jcfphoenix.org
B’nai Tzedek empowers Jewish teens to help change the world through tzedakah and tikkun olam. Valley teens establish charitable funds in their names and gain knowledge and skills on financial literacy and Jewish philanthropy.
Camp Swift Youth Foundation
7950 E Acoma Dr., Ste. 106
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
480-443-5645
www.campswift.org
CTEEN PHOENIX
Teen program of Chabad
www.chabadaz.com
NCSY
Teen program of Orthodox Union
www.ncsy.org
NFTY
North American Federation of Temple Youth
Teen program of Reform congregations
www.nfty.org
USY
United Synagogue Youth
Teen program of Conservative congregations
www.usy.org
VOSJCC Club J
Eric Schwartz, Director
12701 N Scottsdale Road, Ste. 201
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
480-634-4949 ext. 1275
[email protected]
www.vosjcc.org
Club J is a licensed K-5 afterschool program. Experienced, caring counselors and teachers provide quality classes, homework help and sports. Most importantly, we provide a safe, enriching place to unwind after school.
VOSJCC YOUTH SPORTS
Alexa Wollach, Sports & Recreation Director
12701 N Scottsdale Road,
Ste. 201
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
480-634-4949 ext. 1283
[email protected]
vosjcc.org
With two state-of-the-art gymnasiums, soccer fields, pool and recreational leagues that improve skill, confidence and encourage sportsmanship, The J is the place for your young athlete! We offer Youth Maccabi Basketball League for preK-6th grade; JCC Rush Recreational Soccer League for boys and girls 4-7; Maccabi Teen Sports for teens 13-16, including the annual JCC Association Maccabi Youth Games, where athletes explore their Jewish heritage through community service, team building and sportsmanship, and much more.
HEBREW/RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS
Most synagogues and Chabad Houses offer Hebrew and Religious schools through bar/bat mitzvah. Some temples continue with Confirmation classes through 10th grade. See Congregation listings for contact information.
PHOENIX HIGH SCHOOL OF JEWISH STUDIES (HEBREW HIGH)
Myra Shindler, Principal
Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
480-634-8050, ext. 1307
Fax: 480-634-8051
www.bjephoenix.org
Hebrew High offers the only program in the Valley for Jewish teens of all affiliations to meet and interact with hundreds of their peers. It is an academic as well as a social experience that meets the developmental needs of adolescents. HH offers Hebrew for high school language credit and is accredited by AdvancED. HH Central campus is in Scottsdale; satellite campuses are in Chandler and Glendale. Community 8th Grade School meets at central campus.
HEBREW HIGH IN TUCSON
3800 E River Road
Tucson, AZ
520-577-9393
www.tucsonhebrewhigh.org
SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCES
COUNCIL FOR JEWS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS (CJSN)
Amy DL Hummell, Executive Director
Jill Wilson, Program Director
Sherri Lerner, Program Coordinator
12701 N Scottsdale Road,
Ste. 205
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
480-629-5342
Fax: 480-629-5365
[email protected]
www.cjsn.org
Founded in 1985, the Council For Jews With Special Needs, Inc. (CJSN) is a non-profit agency providing disability resources to the community. The main services are inclusion support in Jewish religious, day, and preschools as well as camps; teacher training; child and adult social groups; specially designed Sabbath services; sign language interpreters; community education and referral information. CJSN owns two Jewish homes through its subsidiary, Council Properties, LLC.
FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE
Chabad of Arizona
2110 E Lincoln Dr.
Phoenix, AZ 85016
602-861-1600
www.fcaz.org
SPECIAL NEEDS INCLUSION PROGRAM
Tucson JCC
3800 E River Road
Tucson, AZ 85718
520-299-3000, ext. 172
[email protected]
www.tucsonjcc.org
DAY CAMPS
Many of the congregations that have preschools also have preschool summer day camps. See our Congregation and Preschool listings. The following camps are for older children as well as preschool.
CAMP KULANU
Torah Day School
1118 W Glendale Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85021
602-730-4564
www.campkulanu.com
CAMP SIMCHA
Congregation Beth Israel
10460 N 56th St.
Scottsdale, AZ 85253
480-951-3398
www.cbiaz.org
East Valley JCC
908 N Alma School Road
Chandler, AZ 85224
480-897-0588
www.evjcc.org
SCOTTSDALE ARTISTS’ SCHOOL
Daniel Caprario, Executive Director
Sandy Zally, Youth Academy Manager
3720 N Marshall Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
480-990-1422
fax: 480-990-0652
[email protected]
www.scottsdaleartschool.org
Scottsdale Artists’ School offers year-round art classes and summer programs for kids and teens to discover and express their vision through art! Students are inspired to draw, paint and sculpt while experiencing an authentic art studio environment. Students of all skill levels, ages 6-18, are encouraged to attend classes to acquire a foundation for future creative studies. The School also offers fine art classes for adults, beginner- advanced, in a variety of mediums.
Tucson JCC
3800 E River Road
Tucson, AZ 85718
520-299-3000
www.tucsonjcc.org
Valley of the Sun JCC CAMPS
Eric Schwartz, Director
12701 N Scottsdale Road, Ste. 201
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
480-634-4949 ext. 1275
[email protected]
www.vosjcc.org
Holiday Camps @ The J: The J offers a fun, safe and enriching environment while your child is out of school. Camp Shemesh: In addition to traditional summer day camp activities such as field trips, swimming, arts & crafts and sports focused on fun, plus a variety of specialty camps ranging from arts to robotics. Ometz: A summer camp experience for children 5-13 with mild to moderate disabilities. Promotes greater independence and friendships.
RESIDENT CAMPS
CAMP DAISY & HARRY STEIN
c/o Congregation Beth Israel
10460 N 56th St.
Scottsdale, AZ 85253
480-951-0323
www.campstein.org
CAMP SOLOMON SCHECHTER
Sam Perlin, Executive Director
Josh Niehaus, Assistant Director
Mail: 117 East Louisa St., #110
Seattle, WA 98102-3203
206-447-1967
Fax: 206-447-2629
[email protected]
www.campschechter.org
Camp Solomon Schechter has a 60-year tradition of fun, friendship and Jewish education in the Pacific Northwest. We create a unique, welcoming and spiritual Jewish environment, offering an innovative experience for youth of all denominations entering 2nd-12th grades. At Schechter, Judaism and joy are truly one! Our spectacular 180-acre wooded facility located near Olympia WA, features breathtaking
views of our private lake and hiking in the untouched beauty of our own forests and protected wetlands.
