The Jewish people have treasured books and learning since the beginning. Even our central prayer, the Shema, includes the instruction: “Take these words which I command you this day and teach them faithfully to your children.”
In the Valley and Tucson, there are preschools, day schools and high schools available where students can receive a Jewish education. In addition, most synagogues offer religious school to further build on a child’s Jewish identity.
Informal education is widely available too. Youth groups and camps, both day and overnight, immerse youth in Jewish life. At Jewish camp, children experience various activities from arts to sports, all in a Jewish setting. Jewish values, culture and traditions permeate the campers’ days through song, food, art and dance.
EDUCATION RESOURCES
BJE’S JEWISH COMMUNITY LIBRARY
12701 N. Scottsdale Road #206, Scottsdale
480-634-8050
bjephoenix.org
CHABAD TUITION ORGANIZATION
2110 E. Lincoln Dr., Phoenix
602-944-2753
jewisheducationaz.com
office@chabadaz.com
Jewish education is more than just an alternative to public school. Jewish education raises Jewish children who know who and what they are, so that they become proud knowledgeable adults. Jewish education is the secret of Jewish survival. Donate today and receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on your Arizona taxes. Be the one who instills a sense of Jewish pride in the next generation.
JEWISH EDUCATION TAX CREDIT ORGANIZATION
3718 E. River Road #100, Tucson
520-647-8442
jetco.org
info@jetco.org
JETCO is a school tax credit organization that makes it easy to support Jewish education through personal or corporate tax credit contributions, with no out-of-pocket expense! JETCO participants receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on their Arizona State income taxes and simultaneously help students receive an excellent Jewish and secular education. Do a mitzvah – ensure our future – contribute to JETCO!
JEWISH FAMILY & CHILDREN’S SERVICE
Arizona Charitable Tax Credit Program
Mara Samudrala, Director of Marketing & Annual Campaigns
602-567-8392 – mara.samudrala@jfcsaz.org
4747 N. Seventh Street #100, Phoenix
jfcsaz.org/taxcredit
Tax credit dollars at Jewish Family & Children’s Service are used to assist low-income children, families and older adults. Of the 40,000 + individuals served across the Valley each year, 97% are low income. Programs include counseling, older adult care management, domestic violence victim assistance, job development for at-risk youth and Jewish social services. The tax credit limits are $400 (single filer) and $800 (married filing jointly) when filing your Arizona state income tax return.
JEWISH TUITION ORGANIZATION
Linda Zell, Executive Director
12701 N. Scottsdale Road #100M, Scottsdale
480-634-4926
jtophoenix.org
info@jtophoenix.org
The Jewish Tuition Organization (JTO) is a student tuition organization (STO) that provides scholarships with funds raised through the dollar-for-dollar Arizona private school tax credit. The JTO supports students in our community who attend one of six Jewish day schools in the Phoenix area. The dollar-for-dollar tax credit is available to individuals, C-Corps, S-Corps and Insurance companies with an Arizona tax liability.
PJ LIBRARY – PHOENIX
12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
480-481-7112
pjlibrary.org
PJ LIBRARY
Prescott: 928-771-3737
Southern Arizona: 520-577-9393 ext. 138
pjlibrary.org
PJ OUR WAY
For ages 9-12
pjourway.org
PRESCHOOLS
TUCSON
ESTHER B. FELDMAN PRESCHOOL
Congregation Anshei Israel
5550 E. Fifth St., Tucson
520-745-5550 ext. 229
caiaz.org/lifelong-learning/preschool
STRAUSS ECE
225 N. Country Club Road, Tucson
520-325-0390
straussece.com
TUCSON J’S EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
3800 E. River Road, Tucson
520-615-5437
tucsonjcc.org
THE VALLEY
ALEPH BET PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN
Chabad of Arizona
2110 E. Lincoln Dr., Phoenix
602-944-2580
alephbetaz.com
BETH EL EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
Beth El Phoenix
1118 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix
602-944-2464
bethelphoenix.com/preschool
CHANDLER JEWISH PRESCHOOL
Pollack Chabad Center
875 N. McClintock Dr., Chandler
480-855-4333
chandlerjewishpreschool.com
CHANEN PRESCHOOL
Congregation Beth Israel
10460 N. 56th St., Scottsdale
480-951-3398
cbiaz.org/chanen-pre-school
EARLY LEARNING CENTER AT THE EAST VALLEY JCC
908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler
480-897-0588
evjcc.org/elc
THE MARTIN PEAR JCC EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
12701 N. Scottsdale Road #201, Scottsdale
480-659-7769
mpjcc.org/preschool
THE MENACHEM MENDEL ACADEMY
EARLY LEARNING CENTER
6140 E. Thunderbird Road, Scottsdale
480-591-1770
menachemmendelacademy.com/preschool
PHOENIX HEBREW ACADEMY PRESCHOOL
515 E. Bethany Home Road, Phoenix
602-277-7479
phoenixhebrewacademy.org
TEMPLE CHAI EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix
602-923-3619
templechai.com/ecc
TEMPLE KOL AMI EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
15030 N 64th St., Scottsdale
480-951-5825
templekolami.org
Temple Kol Ami Early Childhood Center is a developmental play-based preschool where children engage in hands-on fun learning experiences that interest and challenge them. In addition to the core curriculum, children participate in Hebrew, Music, Science, Spanish, Shabbat, and reading with Rabbi Schneider. We believe that Judaism is best taught by example and through an experiential process.
THE SOLEL PRESCHOOL
Temple Solel
6805 E McDonald Dr., Paradise Valley
480-991-4545
solelpreschool.org
TORAH DAY SCHOOL OF PHOENIX/KINDERTOTS
1118 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix
602-374-3062
torahdayschoolofphoenix.org
YAD B’ YAD CHILDREN’S CENTER
Temple Emanuel of Tempe
5801 S. Rural Road, Tempe
480-249-4557
ybycc.com
DAY SCHOOLS/HIGH SCHOOLS
TUCSON
THE GREGORY SCHOOL
Mary Laughbaum, Director of Admissions
Lisa Kondrat, Assistant Director of Admissions and Advancement
3231 N. Craycroft Road, Tucson
520-327-6395
gregoryschool.org
admission@gregoryschool.org
The Gregory School is an independent, coeducational, nonprofit school serving students in grades 5 – 12. With average class sizes of 15 and a student: teacher ratio of 1:9, our diverse learning community challenges and supports students to achieve excellence in character, scholarship, leadership and innovation and prepares them to make a positive impact in the world through pursuing their passions, appreciating and creating beauty and solving problems.
LAMPLIGHTER CHABAD DAY SCHOOL OF TUCSON
2443 E. Fourth St., Tucson
520-975-4489
chabadtucson.com
TUCSON HEBREW ACADEMY
Johanna Shlomovich, Head of School
Rabbi Billy Lewkowicz, Director of Judaics and Hebrew Studies
Gabby Erbst, Principal and Director of Admissions
3888 E. River Road, Tucson
520-529-3888
thaaz.org
admissions@thaaz.org
Tucson Hebrew Academy is Tucson’s premier community Jewish Day School serving kindergarten through grade 8. We provide exemplary education through challenge-based learning, rigorous academics, inspired Jewish values, and an engaged, supportive community.
From the early years through comprehensive high school prep, children thrive in THA’s uniquely enriching educational community and culture. For over 45 years, our tradition of excellence produces students who are highly skilled, critical and creative thinkers, possessing a strong moral compass and a deep understanding of their Jewish identity.
THE VALLEY
ALBERT EINSTEIN ACADEMY
Opening Fall 2022
aeaz.org
BEIS CHANA HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
Chabad of Arizona
2110 E. Lincoln Dr., Phoenix
602-422-0241
CHEDER LUBAVITCH OF ARIZONA
Chabad of Arizona
2110 E. Lincoln Dr., Phoenix
602-422-0341
chederaz.com
DESERT JEWISH ACADEMY
3400 N. Dobson Road, Chandler
480-390-0971
desertja.org
MENACHEM MENDEL ACADEMY
6140 E. Thunderbird Road, Scottsdale
480-591-1770
menachemmendelacademy.com
NISHMAT ADIN – SHALHEVET SCOTTSDALE
Ina Levine JCC Campus
12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
nishmatadin.org
THE OASIS SCHOOL
Opening Fall 2022 in Scottsdale
480-442-9610
theoasisschool.org
PARDES JEWISH DAY SCHOOL
Peter Gordon, Head of School
Lauren Kreisberger, Director of Admissions
12753 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
480-991-9141
pardesschool.org
admissions@pardesschool.org
Over 25 years of educating children to be critical thinkers, communicators, creators, collaborators and lifelong learners. Independent, private K-8 co-educational day school. Rigorous secular education with an integrated Jewish education. Experienced and dedicated faculty; low teacher-student ratio; emphasis on Project Based Learning. Beautiful campus with Hebrew, Jewish studies, Makerspace, art, physical education, music, theatre and Spanish offered in addition to core subjects. Daily Kosher lunch program. Theatrical productions. Middle School athletics. Accredited. A partner agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix.
PHOENIX HEBREW ACADEMY
515 E. Bethany Home Road, Phoenix
602-277-7479
phoenixhebrewacademy.org
SHEARIM TORAH HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
715 E. Sierra Vista Dr., Phoenix
602-324-3406
shearimhighschool.org
TORAH DAY SCHOOL OF PHOENIX
1118 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix
602-374-3062
torahdayschoolofphoenix.org
YESHIVA ACADEMY OF SCOTTSDALE
Chabad of Arizona
10213 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
480-998-1410
YESHIVA HIGH SCHOOL OF ARIZONA
7045 N. 12th St., Phoenix
602-266-1213
azyeshiva.org
YOUTH GROUPS & PROGRAMS
ARIZONA NCSY/JSU
818-795-7788
arizona.ncsy.org
BBYO MOUNTAIN REGION
East Valley, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson & West Valley
480-481-1788
bbyo.org
B’NAI TZEDEK YOUTH PHILANTHROPY PROGRAM
Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix
12701 N. Scottsdale Road #202, Scottsdale
480-699-1717
jcfphoenix.org
CLUB J
12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
480-481-7075
mpjcc.org/youth-experience
CTEEN PHOENIX
2110 E. Lincoln Dr., Phoenix
480-818-9045
cteenaz.com
J TEEN CONNECT AZ
480-481-7132
jteenconnectaz.org
JCC MACCABI GAMES
12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
mpjcc.org/teensports
JCC MACCABI GAMES – TUCSON
3800 E. River Road, Tucson
520-299-3000
tucsonjcc.org
JWV SCOUTS 210
Meets at: Beth El Phoenix, 1118 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix
410-336-6118
facebook.com/PHXJewishScouts
NFTY SOUTHWEST
212-452-6754
southwest.nfty.org
SHEVET SHEMESH – ISRAEL SCOUTS
shevetshemesh.com
SWIFT YOUTH FOUNDATION
16099 N. 82nd St. #B2A, Scottsdale
480-443-5645
swiftyouth.org
UNITED SYNAGOGUE YOUTH (USY) – FAR WEST
Chapters in The Valley and Tucson
818-986-0907
farwestusy.org
HIGH SCHOOL STUDY PROGRAMS
HEBREW HIGH OF GREATER PHOENIX
12701 N. Scottsdale Road #206, Scottsdale
480-634-8050
bjephoenix.org/hhphx
TUCSON HEBREW FOR CREDIT
Tucson Hebrew Academy
520-529-3888
thaaz.org/hebrewhigh
SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCES
GESHER DISABILITY RESOURCES
Amy Hummell, Executive Director
Jill Wilson, Director, Education and Programs
Sharon Landay, Student Support Specialist
12701 N. Scottsdale Road #205, Scottsdale
480-629-5343
gesherdr.org
info@gesherdr.org
Gesher Disability Resources serves children and adults affected by a disability through inclusion assistance in the classroom, resource referral, residential support and social groups. Founded in 1985 as the Council For Jews With Special Needs, more than 3,000 community members benefit from the agency’s events and services each year. Gesher is a Qualifying Charitable Organization (QCO) eligible for Arizona’s dollar-for-dollar Tax Credit Program (tax id 86-0626273; QCO Code 20748).
THE FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE
Chabad of Arizona
2110 E. Lincoln Dr., Phoenix
602-861-1600
fcaz.org
TAGLIT DAY PROGRAM
3800 E. River Road, Tucson
520-299-3000
tucsonjcc.org
DAY CAMPS, CLASSES & ACTIVITIES
Many of the congregations that have preschools also have preschool summer day camps. See our Congregations and Preschools listings.
ADL WORDS TO ACTION
arizona.adl.org/words-to-action
BUTTERFLY WONDERLAND
Amram Knishinsky, Ph.D., Founder & CEO
Ran Knishinsky, Chief Marketing Officer
9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale
480-800-3000
butterflywonderland.com
info@butterflywonderland.com
Butterfly Wonderland, featuring the largest butterfly conservatory in the country with thousands of fluttering butterflies, transports guests of all ages to the rainforest by immersing them in the world of butterflies and other rainforest animals. Live exhibits connect people to nature through a sensory experience that educates, entertains, and provides a refuge from the outside world. Learn about Monarch migration in a captivating 3D movie, observe live chrysalis as they emerge naturally into beautiful butterflies, get up close to unique reptiles that inhabit rainforests across the world, and so much more.
CAMP CHANEN/CAMP 56
Congregation Beth Israel
10460 N. 56th St., Scottsdale
cbiaz.org/camp-56
CAMP: DESTINATION
3400 N. Dobson Road, Chandler
480-390-0971
desertja.org
CAMP GAN ISRAEL
Chabad of Arizona
2110 E. Lincoln Dr., Phoenix
602-944-2753
cgiofphoenix.com
CAMP J
Tucson Jewish Community Center
3800 E. River Road, Tucson
520-299-3000
tucsonjcc.org
CAMP KULANU
1118 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix
602-730-4564
campkulanu.com
CAMP RIMON
East Valley Jewish Community Center
908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler
480-897-0588
evjcc.org/camp
J SWIM ACADEMY
12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
480-481-7035
mpjcc.org/aquatics
LASER + MIRROR MAZE
Amram Knishinsky, Ph.D., Founder & CEO
Ran Knishinsky, Chief Marketing Officer
9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale
480-270-6200
odyseamirrormaze.com
info@odyseamirrormaze.com
Can you find the true path through the mirror maze, discover the elusive butterfly, and escape the perils of the forest to seek your next adventure? Or will you wander lost, never to be found again? Once you emerge from the maze of mirrors, sharpen your ninja skills as you twist, duck, and crawl your way through an intricate web of lasers. Try to make it through the vault and hit your mission buttons without being zapped by the laser beams.
MARTIN PEAR JCC YOUTH SPORTS
12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
vosjcc.org/youth-sports
ODYSEA AQUARIUM
Amram Knishinsky, Ph.D., Founder & CEO
Ran Knishinsky, Chief Marketing Officer
9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale
480-291-8000
odyseaaquarium.com
info@odyseaaquarium.com
OdySea Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the Southwest and has received numerous awards including Best Kids Indoor Entertainment and Best Family Entertainment. This multi-level, state-of-the-art facility holds more than 2 million gallons of water and offers educational, interactive, and entertaining experiences for guests of all ages. From sharks, sea turtles, and penguins to otters and rays, there are more than 370 species of animals that call OdySea Aquarium home. Highlight experiences in the Aquarium include SeaTREK™ underwater ocean walking, a giant submerged escalator that descends into the deep ocean, a Giant Pacific Octopus, the world’s only Russian Sturgeon touch exhibit, and OdySea Voyager, the world’s only rotating aquarium experience.
PHOENIX ZOO
455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix
602-286-3800
phoenixzoo.org
@PhoenixZoo
Outdoor adventures. Lifelong memories. That’s Zoo We Are!
Nestled on 125 acres within beautiful Papago Park, the Phoenix Zoo is a wondrous place of curiosity, imagination and discovery. Featuring over 3,000 animals, including Bornean orangutans, Asian elephants, Sumatran tigers, Komodo dragons, Masai giraffes and more — it is like no other place in the Valley! Visit today and create memories that last a lifetime.
SHEMESH CAMPS @ THE J
12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
480-634-4949
mpjcc.org/shemesh
TUCSON JCC YOUTH SPORTS
3800 E. River Road, Tucson
520-299-3000
tucsonjcc.org/children-families/youth-sports
RESIDENT CAMPS
B’NAI B’RITH CAMP
503-496-7444
bbcamp.org
CAMP DAISY & HARRY STEIN
Prescott, AZ
Mail: Congregation Beth Israel
10460 N. 56th St., Scottsdale
480-951-0323
campstein.org
CAMP NAGEELA WEST
9421 Granville Ave., Las Vegas, NV
844-NAGEELA
nageelawest.org
CAMP SOLOMON SCHECHTER
Zach Duitch, Executive Director
Mail: 117 East Louisa St. #110, Seattle, WA
206-447-1967
info@campschechter.org
campschechter.org
Camp Solomon Schechter has a 68-year tradition of fun, friendship, and Jewish education immersion in the Pacific Northwest. Camp creates a unique, welcoming, and spiritual community for youth entering 1st-12th grades. Schechter’s spectacular 175-acre wooded facility located near Olympia WA features a private lake, river, miles of hiking trails in pristine forests and wetlands, and outdoor adventure courses (ropes course, zip line, giant swing and climbing tower). At Schechter, Judaism and joy are truly one!
URJ CAMP KALSMAN
14724 184th St. NE, Arlington, WA
425-284-4484
campkalsman@urj.org
campkalsman.org
WILSHIRE BOULEVARD TEMPLE CAMPS
3663 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
213-835-2196
wbtcamps.org
