The Lower School Experience

The goal of the CESJDS Lower School is to set a strong and well-rounded foundation for our students in an engaging and caring community. We seek to inspire in our students a love of school and learning and the desire to begin their exploration of who they are as people and as Jews. We do so by emphasizing the following priorities as part of our educational philosophy and approach: learning within a Joyful and Warm Community, being Values-Based, educating the Whole Child, and being Child-Centered.   

A Joyful and Warm Community

Come into the Lower School and you will immediately feel the joy and warmth of elementary school. Teachers have a love of children and are passionate about learning. Each student is welcomed and seen for who they are and, together, we have a community of students and staff that is joyful about coming to school each day.  

Whole Child Approach

Academic, social-emotional, spiritual, and physical development are purposefully and thoughtfully addressed by our
outstanding team of educators.
We take pride in nurturing the growth of our students in mind, heart, soul, and body in order to be ready for action as members of the Jewish community and larger world.  

Values-Based Education

Our exemplary and inspiring academic program engages students and inspires lifelong learning, while our character education program sets us apart. Middot/Values, such as respect and courtesy, empathy, and loving-kindness are emphasized and integrated into our program so that our students grow into confident and compassionate menches and leaders for tomorrow. 

Child-Centered Learning

With our small class sizes and differentiated instruction approach, each and every child becomes known and receives the instruction and support that they need. Our team of Enrichment and Learning Specialists and School Counselors provide support to students and teachers for the individualization and personalization that are a hallmark of our program.

Unique CESJDS Experiences

Experiential Learning

The education our students enjoy in class is enriched and enhanced across all grade levels through experiential learning. In addition to engaging activities that all teachers include in their typical daily plans, all students in Gurim through 5th grade have the opportunity to participate in field trips spread across the state of Maryland. Learning from guest presenters and speakers from a variety of fields students are able to make deeper and personally meaningful connections to the subject matter. These experiences have included: 

  • Kindergarten trip to Green Meadows Petting Zoo as part of their informative writing unit
  • 3rd grade visit to Dino Park aligned with their science unit on fossil records
  • 4th grade travels to the Baltimore Museum of Industry in connection with their year-long study of the geography, economics, history, and sociology of the United States
  • 5th grade partnership with artist-in-residence and spoken word musician Bomani Jones culminating in students writing their own raps on the topic of the Civil War.

 

Fanaroff Hanukkah Musical

As a school-wide celebration of the festival of Hanukkah and the arts, all Lower School students participate in the Fanaroff Family Hanukkah Musical during the final week of school before winter break. Each year, a musical theme is selected, such as Rock ‘n Roll or The Beatles, and grades of students (and a faculty group) perform a song with new lyrics that creatively retells the story of Hanukkah. The production is a spirited and joyful way not only to celebrate Hanukkah and the spirit of our community, but also to enjoy the talents of students and staff. 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What makes JDS such an exceptional school is the focus on building a dynamic, challenging, and supportive environment for the students.  We have seen so much academic and personal growth in our children since we joined the CESJDS community.-Samantha and Ryan Feingold, CESJDS Parents

Explore Gurim - 5th Grade