Admission FAQ

This answer is different for every family, however here are some of the most common reasons we hear families choose our school:

• Strong and healthy identity - students grow up in a learning environment that supports multiple and complex identities; American, Jew, athlete, artist, thinker, scientist, and friend.
• A school for the whole child and the whole family -
• Fluency in a second language
• Students develop a sophisticated ability to move between languages and cultures
• Jewish literacy and personal commitment
• Outstanding academics
• Superior college guidance and placement
• Strong Judaics education in an open, diverse Jewish community
• Addresses my child's unique learning needs
• Strong Secular Academics, college placement and readiness
• Child’s ethical and moral development

Lower School (Junior Kindergarten-Grade 5) 8:15 am - 3:15 pm
Upper School (Grades 6-12) 8:00 am - 3:45 pm

All grades dismiss at 2:15 pm on Fridays in the winter.

CESJDS draws from a wide geographic area. Families work in all different ways to get their students to and from school including carpools, bus transportation and Metro.

Learn more about transportation options.

CESJDS offers in house daycare through the company, Wonders.

In addition the Bender JCC partners with CESJDS to provide aftercare until 6:00 PM for students in Grades JK-5.

Co-curricular opportunities allow students to pursue their passions, explore new interests, develop friendships with students who are not in their regular classes, and round out their educational experience. All electives are taught by trained educators who specialize in these interest areas.

• Junior Kindergarten-Grade 5: Music, Physical Education, Art, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
• 5th Grade Electives: STEM, art, creative writing, math
• Middle School 6-8: Athletics, fine and performing arts, clubs & activities
• High School 9-12: Athletics, fine and performing arts, clubs & activities

Learn more about our Clubs & Activities, Arts and Athletics programs.

Throughout the college process, students are encouraged to consider a wide range of possibilities with the ultimate goal of each student finding a match that suits his or her personal preferences and goals. We take a personal approach to each student and family.

Over the past three years, our graduates have been accepted to more than 220 institutions. View the college acceptances and matriculation list.

In keeping with the school’s tradition, one that emphasizes personal academic discovery, creativity, and a deep exploration of course material, CESJDS does not focus on standardized testing, or even offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The value of this educational philosophy is borne out in the intellectual, professional, and personal achievements of our students and alumni. This means that while we don’t teach to the test, CESJDS students still outrank their peers who go to schools that do.

Here is quantifiable academic information about the Class of 2016:

Middle 50% GPA: 3.64 – 4.56 (on a weighted 4.0 scale)

Middle 50% SAT:

• Critical Reading – 560-750
• Math – 590-750
• Writing – 570-740

Middle 50% ACT: 25-30

Honors and recognitions:

• 3 National Merit Scholars
• 6 National Merit Finalists
• 11 National Merit Commended Students
• 3 National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholars

While CESJDS does not offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses, students often elect to take AP exams. For the class of 2016:

• 23 students took a total of 44 AP exams
• Scores on 81% of the exams were 4 or 5
• Scores on 95% of the exams were 3 or above

CESJDS is accredited by the Association of Independent Maryland and D.C. Schools (AIMS) and approved by the State of Maryland Department of Education. The School is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and PRIZMAH: Center for Jewish Day Schools.