Business Details
Empowering Students Through Jewish Values and Academic Excellence
San Diego Jewish Academy (SDJA) has been a leader in preschool to 12th-grade education for over four decades, inspiring students through personalized, innovative learning guided by Jewish values. Our mission is to empower each student to learn for life, rooted in the strength of community. We provide a dual curriculum combining rigorous secular academics with meaningful Jewish studies, creating a foundation for students to become confident, curious, and compassionate global citizens. Our state-of-the-art 56-acre campus fosters a vibrant environment where students engage in academics, athletics, arts, and experiential learning. Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), we maintain high standards of excellence while nurturing the whole child.Our graduates consistently gain admission to top universities, but what truly sets us apart is our commitment to individualized attention and values-based education. With small class sizes, dedicated educators, and a supportive community, we challenge minds, inspire purpose, and explore possibilities for every student. Our programs extend beyond the classroom through Jewish life celebrations, community service initiatives, and connections to Israel. We welcome families from diverse Jewish backgrounds, creating an inclusive environment where tradition and innovation thrive together. SDJA is more than a schoolit's a center for Jewish life in San Diego, where generations of students build lasting relationships and lifelong skills.
Services
Preschool
Elementary School
Middle School
High School
Jewish Studies
Athletics
Arts Programs
Community Dining
Garden Education
Tuition Assistance
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized attention with small class sizes and dedicated educators.
- Our dual curriculum combines rigorous secular academics with meaningful Jewish studies.
- We maintain a state-of-the-art 56-acre campus with specialized learning spaces.
- Accredited by WASC and CAIS with a U.S. Department of Education Blue-Ribbon award.
- We serve diverse Jewish families while maintaining strong connections to Israel.
Associations and certifications
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
- California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS)
What people say
Strong college preparation
Vibrant Jewish community
Personalized attention
Excellent facilities
Values-based education
Services
Preschool
Our Preschool program nurtures children aged 18 months to 5 years in a joyful, secure environment. Through play-based learning and holiday celebrations, we foster social-emotional development and early friendships while introducing foundational Jewish traditions. Our experienced educators create personalized learning experiences that respect each child's unique pace of growth. The program emphasizes exploration, creativity, and building a positive foundation for lifelong learning.
Elementary School
The Golda Meir Lower School serves Kindergarten through 5th grade with dynamic academics and character development. Students receive individualized attention while building core skills in mathematics, literacy, science, and social studies. One-third of the day focuses on Hebrew language and Jewish studies, including holiday traditions and values education. Extracurricular activities enhance learning through arts, music, and physical education programs.
Middle School
Our 6th-8th grade program develops academic independence and social responsibility. Students engage in advanced coursework while exploring electives in STEM, arts, and humanities. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, collaborative projects, and leadership opportunities. Jewish studies continue with deeper exploration of texts, Israel connections, and community service initiatives that reinforce menschlichkeit (ethical character).
High School
The 9th-12th grade program prepares students for college success and global citizenship. With AP courses, college counseling, and career exploration, we help students discover their strengths. Jewish studies focus on modern Israel, ethical leadership, and community responsibility. Students participate in competitive athletics, performing arts, and innovation programs while maintaining strong college preparatory standards.
Jewish Life Programs
Our Jewish life programs integrate tradition with modern learning through age-appropriate experiences. Students celebrate holidays, study Hebrew, and explore Jewish texts while developing personal connections to Israel and global Jewish communities. The curriculum emphasizes tikkun olam (world repair) through service projects and fosters inclusive participation across diverse Jewish backgrounds through campus-wide Shabbat celebrations and community events.
People
Zvi Weiss
Head of School
Zvi Weiss leads SDJA with a vision for combining academic excellence with Jewish values. With decades of educational leadership experience, he emphasizes personalized learning and community building. Under his guidance, SDJA has expanded its innovative programs while maintaining strong connections to Jewish tradition and Israel. He actively engages with students, faculty, and families to create a joyful learning environment.
Questions
What makes SDJA different from other private schools?
SDJA uniquely combines rigorous secular academics with comprehensive Jewish studies in a pluralistic environment. Our dual curriculum produces graduates with more credits than most private schools while fostering Jewish identity through tradition, Israel connections, and community service.
Is SDJA accredited?
Yes, SDJA holds accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), with additional recognition through a U.S. Department of Education Blue-Ribbon award.
What grade levels does SDJA serve?
SDJA offers education from preschool (18 months) through 12th grade, with distinct programs for Early Childhood Center, Golda Meir Lower School (K-5), and Maimonides Upper School (6-12).
Does SDJA offer tuition assistance?
Yes, SDJA provides need-based tuition assistance through a comprehensive affordability program to ensure access for all qualified students regardless of financial circumstances.
What extracurricular programs are available?
SDJA offers extensive programs including competitive athletics, performing arts, student government, innovation lab, garden education, and community service initiatives that complement academic learning.
How does SDJA support Jewish learning?
Jewish studies include Hebrew language, Torah exploration, holiday celebrations, and Israel education. One-third of Lower School time and one-fifth of Upper School time focuses on Jewish curriculum, with experiential learning through campus-wide Shabbat and community programs.
