MKE With Kids is proud to partner with the Milwaukee Jewish Day School to spread the word to local families about its offerings.
Nestled in the heart of southeastern Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Jewish Day School (MJDS) stands as a beacon of innovative education.
More than just a school, MJDS is a vibrant community where students from diverse Jewish backgrounds find belonging and embark on a journey of discovery and growth.
Here, the school’s ethos of empathy, wonder, and Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) merges with a progressive approach to learning, going beyond traditional academics to focus on emotional and spiritual growth.
Through engaging programs, a unique curriculum, and a nurturing environment, students are empowered to become thoughtful, compassionate individuals.
By The Numbers
- Small Class Sizes
- 16 is the average class size for the 2023-2024 academic school year. This intimate setting fosters personalized attention and a deeper connection between teachers and students, enhancing the learning experience.
- Academic Excellence
- 50% of 8th Grade Students Recommended for High School Honors Classes: This statistic underscores the school’s commitment to academic rigor and preparing students for advanced studies.
- Alumni Achievements
- 85% of MJDS Alums Made Their High Schools’ Dean’s List: A testament to the enduring impact of the school’s educational foundation, showcasing how MJDS graduates continue to excel academically.
- Cultural Diversity
- 10 Countries Represented in the Student Body: Reflecting the school’s diverse and inclusive environment, this number highlights the range of cultural backgrounds and perspectives within the student community.
The Rally Cry of MJDS: “Moving from Me to We“
The Milwaukee Jewish Day School has adopted a powerful and unifying motto: “Moving from Me to We.”
This rally cry is more than just a slogan; it’s a reflection of the school’s commitment to building a strong, interconnected community.
This concept is deeply embedded in every aspect of the school’s culture and curriculum, emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility, cooperation, and the strength of community.
Core Values: Empathy, Wonder & Tikkun Olam
At the heart of the Milwaukee Jewish Day School’s ethos are three fundamental values: Empathy, Wonder, and Tikkun Olam (repairing the world).
These are not merely words at MJDS; they are the guiding principles that shape every aspect of the school’s environment, from classroom learning to extracurricular activities.
Empathy: In each classroom, teachers emphasize the importance of empathy in daily interactions, encouraging students to consider the feelings and perspectives of others.
This value is brought to life through various programs and activities that allow students to engage with different communities, thereby nurturing a deep sense of empathy and social responsibility.
Wonder: The spirit of wonder is palpable within the walls of MJDS. Here, education is not confined to textbooks; it’s an exploration of the world around us.
The curriculum is designed to spark curiosity and encourage students to ask questions, seek answers, and explore concepts deeply.
This approach is evident in the Maker Space, the art gallery, and even on the playground, where students are constantly encouraged to discover, imagine, and innovate.
Tikkun Olam: Tikkun Olam, a central tenet of Jewish values, is deeply ingrained in the school’s philosophy. MJDS instills in its students a sense of responsibility to make the world a better place.
This is not only taught but practiced through various community service projects, environmental initiatives, and social action programs.
Students learn the importance of giving back and are empowered to initiate change, both locally and globally.
A Community in Its Truest Sense
At the core of MJDS is a palpable sense of community that goes beyond the traditional school environment.
Here, the notion of community is lived daily, fostering a warm, inclusive, and supportive atmosphere that is integral to the school’s identity.
From pancake breakfasts to family events in the makerspace, there are always meaningful opportunities to connect with other students and families.
Weekly Shabbat Sing
Every Friday morning, the MJDS community comes together for the Shabbat Sing, a vibrant and joyful celebration that blends singing, dancing, and prayer.
This weekly tradition is a symbol of the school’s unity and spiritual vibrancy, where students, teachers, and often families participate in a shared cultural experience.
Cross-Grade Interaction and Mentorship
The school actively fosters connections across different age groups.
Older students take on mentoring and leadership roles, participating in programs like reading buddies, and students celebrate important milestones together.
This cross-grade support and interaction not only enhances the learning experience but also builds a sense of responsibility and camaraderie among students of all ages.
Community Support and Celebrations
The school’s newsletter serves as a connecting thread for the MJDS family, sharing news of recent accomplishments and life events.
This communication ensures that the community can come together to support families during times of loss and celebrate achievements and milestones, further strengthening the bonds among members.
Fostering Family Connections
From Torah Schmooze events and Family Workshops to class get-togethers organized throughout the year by room parents, there are regular and consistent opportunities for families to connect and foster relationships that extend beyond the school walls.
Personalized Care and Attention
What truly sets MJDS apart is the close-knit environment where teachers know each child’s story.
They care for each student as an individual, ensuring that every child is met with understanding, respect, and love.
This personal approach to education is a hallmark of MJDS, making it a community in the truest sense.
Hebrew at MJDS: A Language That Opens Doors
At the Milwaukee Jewish Day School, learning Hebrew is an avenue to cultural heritage and an advantage in the educational journey of students.
As a gateway to Jewish history and traditions, Hebrew enriches students’ sense of identity, providing them with a unique perspective that stands out in college applications and beyond.
The process of mastering this distinctive language not only enhances cognitive abilities like problem-solving and creativity but also opens doors to global opportunities, from studying abroad to engaging with international communities.
The Arts: Exploring Creativity
The Lower School Art Program is a vibrant and creative cornerstone of the school’s curriculum, designed to ignite the imagination and artistic talents of young learners.
With weekly visits to the art room, students embark on a journey through a diverse array of art projects. Each session introduces them to different artistic mediums, techniques, and concepts, ensuring a well-rounded exposure to the world of art.
MJDS upper school students are given space to practice and hone their artistic talents weekly in their Omanut (arts and crafts) classes.
Signature programs include woodworking, calligraphy, cooking, guitar, theater and dance, and sewing.
Athletics: Building Team Spirit
The after-school athletics program at MJDS allows all upper school students to participate equally in a safe, fun environment. They participate in the North Shore Conference, meeting and competing against teams from other area middle schools.
The main focus of athletics at MJDS is to build teamwork, learn sportsmanship and practice cooperation. No one is cut from any team based on skill, and play time is divided equally among all players, teams and clubs are open to students of all abilities.
Library
There are over 18,000 books in MJDS’s library with a dedicated librarian on-site.
Students in kindergarten through fourth grade have scheduled library lessons and check-out times weekly. Individual students and classes are welcome to use the library throughout the day.
Repairing Together
The Milwaukee Jewish Day School’s Repairing Together program is a pioneering initiative that embodies the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam, or repairing the world.
Launched in August 2016, this program uniquely bridges cultural, racial, and social divides in one of America’s most segregated cities by bringing together young students from diverse backgrounds across K-8 schools in the Milwaukee area.
Through thematic social and environmental action programming, the initiative fosters mutual understanding and collaborative efforts for a better world.
Repairing Together is structured as a progressive journey from kindergarten through eighth grade, allowing students to build and strengthen relationships over time.
The program is carefully tailored to different age groups, ranging from collaborative games and cultural celebrations for younger students to more complex social justice projects and community-based activities for older ones.
The program’s impact is measured through empathy surveys and ongoing evaluations, ensuring it remains responsive and effective in nurturing connections and challenging stereotypes.
F.A.Q.
Is financial assistance available for families?
Yes. In the 2022-23 school year, 50% of MDJS families received need-based financial assistance. MJDS is committed to making our education accessible and encourage families to apply for financial aid if needed.
Do you need to be Jewish to attend MJDS?
MJDS is a pluralistic Jewish community that welcomes anyone on their Jewish journey. They value diversity in the student body and believe it enriches the community. Whether your family is deeply rooted in Jewish traditions or just beginning to explore, you will find a welcoming and inclusive environment at MJDS.
What grades does MJDS serve?
MJDS offers education from three-year kindergarten (3K) through eighth grade, catering to a wide range of developmental stages and educational needs.
Is MJDS accredited?
Yes, MJDS is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS), ensuring they meet rigorous standards for educational excellence and operational integrity.
Where is MJDS located?
MJDS is located on the Karl Jewish Campus at 6401 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53217. Our campus is a vibrant center for learning and community activities.
What extracurricular activities are available at MJDS?
MJDS offers a wide range of extracurricular activities that cater to various interests, including arts, sports, music, theater, and technology.
To schedule a tour of MJDS, interested families can fill out a form or contact the Director of Admissions, Michal Deskalo at 414-967-8308.
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
