The Jewish Day School

The grants for the 2012-2013 school year being launched this month are available to new Kindergarten through 6^th grade families. They provide $6000 over two years toward tuition and there is no income threshold to qualify.

“During this trying economic time, we want to provide families with some economic incentive to consider our school which offers exceptional academics coupled with the strong values-based education that so many families are looking for today,” said Maria Erlitz, head of school at the preschool through 8^th grade Jewish Day School. “JDS today is a competitive, PNAIS accredited independent school that offers a child and, in fact, the entire family so much more of a rich experience than any other school and the Discovery Grants are really effective in encouraging families to check it out as they’re looking at the best school options for their children.”

The grants have been made possible by community members with a particular interest in promoting exceptional local Jewish education and investing in the future of the Pacific Northwest’s Jewish community.  It was a Discovery Grant that enticed Elana and Daniel Kruler last year to enroll their daughter in the school’s new Science Kindergarten program. “The grant made it possible for us to give the Jewish Day School a try,” explained Elana. “We thought it was a perfect time to try a new school to see how our daughter liked it. We’re really happy with our decision and thankful for the financial break the grant provided.”

The school has also created two Merit Middle School Grants for new students entering 6^th through 8^th grade. The student must be nominated by a community Rabbi, leader or educator. Students are evaluated on the basis of scholastic aptitude and the extent to which they will contribute to the JDS community. The Merit Grant provides $5,000 toward tuition and, like the Discovery Grant, there is no income threshold.

The JDS Admissions Office reports that admissions inquiries increased dramatically after the grants were first announced last year and a similar response is anticipated this winter as we move into admissions season. “The grants have been instrumental in getting families to visit JDS and ultimately enroll,” said JDS Admissions Director Amy Adler. “Once they’re on campus, they’re sold. Parents almost always tell me the school is so much more than they expected – strong academics, competitive athletics, service work, leadership opportunities, commitment to the environment, and more presented in an institution which fosters strong values, responsibility, personal achievement and a caring community.”

The Discovery Grants are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The school is also committed to ensuring a JDS education is accessible to all families who want it for their children. There is a suite of financial assistance options available to our families. Contact the JDS Admissions Office for more information about the grants and applying for enrollment. The department’s director Amy Adler can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 425-460-0260.