Frequently Asked Questions

1. How old does my child have to be to attend The Jewish Community Day School of RI?
2. Given the dual curriculum, will my child learn enough general studies?  
3. Our family is not observant, will we fit in?  
4. Can my child attend JCDSRI if my spouse isn't Jewish?  
5. Is there diversity at JCDSRI?  
6. Is JCDSRI accredited?  
7. Where is JCDSRI and what is the facility like?  
8. What is the benefit of attending a small school?

How old does my child have to be to attend The Jewish Community Day School of RI?

For children entering pre-K, JCDSRI follows the RI state guideline that a child must be 4 years old by September 1st of the entering year. For Kindergarten, children must be 5 years old by September 1st of the year they begin. As a private school, we are guided by the state guideline but maintain flexibility in our admissions decisions. We are committed to getting to know every child who applies for admission. In certain instances, such as transferring from another state with a different age cutoff, we will make exceptions.

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Given the dual curriculum, will my child learn enough general studies?

Yes. At JCDSRI, the general studies program is guided by the same state standards used in schools across Rhode Island. Students do not get less, they get more! Our Jewish curriculum sharpens the skills students need to succeed in their General studies. For example, our Jewish curriculum is based on text study and language (Hebrew). The text and language focus trains our students to question and analyze and become close readers -- skills needed to be a strong reader and thinker in any language.

Our Hebrew language program starts in Kindergarten and is directed by an award-winning Brown University Professor. Studies show that introducing a second language to your child at an early age has numerous benefits that make them stronger students:

• Students fluent in two languages score higher on both verbal and non-verbal intelligence tests.

• Second language students have higher test scores in reading, language and mathematics.

• Second language education significantly strengthens first language skills in areas of reading, English vocabulary, grammar and communication skills.

• Students studying a second language display greater cultural sensitivity. "Two decades of research on the benefits of second language learning reveal a gain in cognitive benefits and academic achievement" for children who learn a second language (Jensen). Instead of hindering English language development, as some once thought, foreign language learning enhances it. In fact, students who are proficient in at least one language besides English are outscoring monolingual students at all grade levels and achieve significantly above the national norm as measured by standardized test scores. They excel in reading, writing and mathematical skills, vocabulary knowledge and problem-solving skills.
  

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Our family is not observant, will we fit in?

JCDSRI respects students and families at all levels of observance and Jewish practice. JCDSRI is a rare place in which families become friends with people who they might have considered "different" from themselves. Our community encourages these connections and a mutual respect that is not dependant on levels of observance. It is our mission that each child and each family feel comfortable as part of our community.

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Can my child attend JCDSRI if my spouse isn't Jewish?

JCDSRI welcomes all children being raised by one or more Jewish parents. Our philosophy is teach, not preach. We provide an opportunity for each student, and family as a whole, to understand the values, history and text of Judaism and then allow them to choose how they wish to observe. We are a community that promotes knowledge, understanding and compassion, and do our best to connect our students and families to each other through both their similarities and their differences.

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Is there diversity at JCDSRI?

Diversity shows itself in many ways at JCDSRI. There is a range of Jewish practice among our families, from Reform and cultural Jews through Orthodox. The JCDSRI community reflects tremendous socio-economic diversity which comes from the philosophy that a Jewish education should be made available to any Jewish child who wants one. JCDSRI welcomes families from Russia and Israel as well as adoptive families, same-sex families and inter-faith families. Our children represent a diversity of learning styles, including special needs and highly accelerated. So, yes, we are proud to say, there are many kinds of diversity at JCDSRI.

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Is JCDSRI accredited?

Yes, JCDSRI is accredited by AISNE, the Association of Independent Schools of New England. We are also a member of RAVSAK, the international Network for Jewish Community Day Schools.

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Where is JCDSRI and what is the facility like?

The Jewish Community Day School of RI is in the heart of the East Side of Providence, on a residential street – walking distance to the Jewish Community Center, where many of our students participate in after school care and classes. The school is attached to, yet not affiliated with, Temple Emanu-El.

We take pride in our city campus, and display the essence of our school in the student- and parent-created artwork displayed in our three outdoor play areas. The walls of our three-story school are adorned with the artwork and accomplishments of our students and teachers. We keep appropriate grade levels together for a natural class flow and comfort level for each age group. Our large gym also functions as a place for us to put on shows and events as well as join in for assemblies and lunch together. Each classroom reflects the character of the class community within. The depth and breadth of learning is evident on classroom and school walls. Most of all, it is the energy in the building that speaks the loudest – the focus and joy of our students, the inspiration and dedication of our teachers.

I never considered a private school – what makes it worth spending the money?
Generally, private schools have smaller classes, more resources and no limitations based on governing state boards. Parents are often more involved in the school community and enjoy greater access to communication and relationships with teachers. Private schools offer you the opportunity to choose a learning culture for your child. At JCDSRI, we make it a priority to understand and work with each child's learning style – something difficult to do in a public school environment. JCDSRI is financially attainable and socio-economically diverse relative to many other local private schools.

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What is the benefit of attending a small school?

Children succeed in small schools because “they offer the flexibility and structural simplicity needed to tackle the complexity of learning.” (Meier, NY Times, 1989) In small schools “every adult in the school feels responsible for every kid…” (Meier, Small Schools, Big Results; American School Board Journal, 1995) In small schools like JCDSRI children's academic, social and emotional development is greatly enhanced by their relationships with caring educators.

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