Founded in 2001, Contra Costa Jewish Day School (CCJDS) is a Kindergarten through 8th grade independent school serving students and their families from all parts of the East Bay. We believe in the whole child approach to educating youth — fostering the intellectual, physical and spiritual growth of our students. We are committed to providing them with extraordinary teachers, individualized learning, and a vibrant, supportive environment where they develop into critical thinkers and effective communicators.
Our academic programs support questioning concepts, connecting ideas, and solving problems within class and community. Our students integrate the core Jewish values of kindness, service, justice and respect for others into the life of our school family in keeping with our Jewish commitment to making the world a better place (tikkun olam).
As a community Jewish Day School, we welcome families from all backgrounds. Through our diversity, we seek to deepen connections between CCJDS, the Jewish community, our Greater Bay Area community, and Israel, fostering on-going engagement that emphasizes shared values and outlooks. You can learn more about our founding and our mission and values on this page – and see them reflected throughout our school. Welcome!
Head of School Letter
Welcome to the CCJDS! Giving your child an inspiring independent school experience enriched with Jewish learning and community is a true gift. Our students engage in a rigorous academic program that cultivates their individual gifts and promotes their socio-emotional well-being. They practice core Jewish values like kindness, social responsibility and respect for others. Read More.
FAST FACTS
CCJDS offers academic excellence within a nurturing and vibrant community. Our students are inspired, enthusiastic, and eager to learn. Class sizes average 18-22 students. We enjoy a low student-to-teacher ratio, with teaching assistants in many classes. Read More.
VISION
The Contra Costa Jewish Day School will enrich the quality of Jewish life in our community for generations to come. This exemplary institution embodies the value we place on education, our children, and Jewish continuity. CCJDS represents the unity of the Jewish people amidst the diversity of Jewish life, and is guided by Torah and traditions of Judaism.
MISSION
- Helping all students reach their full academic and personal potential
- Maintaining excellence in both general and Judaic studies programs
- Providing a rigorous and engaging general studies curriculum that encompasses mathematics, language arts, science, social studies, computer science, arts, and physical education
- Teaching Torah and traditional Jewish texts and history, knowledge of the Hebrew language, a rich variety of Jewish practices, tefillot (prayers), and the central relationship with the State of Israel
- Ensuring that all students acquire the critical thinking and other skills necessary to become knowledgeable, committed and responsible individuals
- Creating a caring and supportive school community
- Nurturing the uniqueness and individuality of each child in a respectful, exciting and modern environment
- Maintaining low student-to-teacher ratios in all classes
- Integrating community service into the lives of our school family in keeping with our Jewish commitment to Tikkun Olam (Repairing Our World)
CCJDS CORE VALUES
CCJDS lives by five core values that stem from our founding vision and mission.
• Lishmoa
To listen actively to one another with our ears, eyes, hearts, and minds in order to understand different perspectives.
• Koach Ha’dibur
To speak with care as words serve as powerful tools that can lead to peace or break people apart.
• Derech Eretz
To act with kindness and compassion.
• Chaim Ruchani’im
To participate in meaningful spiritual practice.
• Sh’lom Bayit
To take care of one another and build bridges with other people so we may live in a safe and peaceful community.
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN – OUR FOUNDING
CCJDS was initially founded by two visionaries, Mila Wichter and Karla Smith. The genesis of the school can be traced to the very end of the 20th century, when Mila concluded her studies with the Wexner Heritage Program, taking away a profound message of the power of Jewish Education. She envisioned a Jewish day school as an anchor for Jewish life in our community. A critical early step for Mila was enlisting Karla Smith, a leader in the Contra Costa Jewish community, as her partner in the effort. Mila became our founding Board President and together with Karla, our first Board Vice President, launched the planning and outreach required for this ambitious endeavor.
Critical leadership and support early on was provided by our Founders Circle: Julie and Paul Candau, Lisa and Andrew Nosanchuk, Susan and Ori Sasson, Karla and Neil Smith, Debby and Jeremy Weinstein, Mila and Larry Wichter and the Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education (PEJE). One of the pivotal decisions was to hire Dean Goldfein, our Founding Head of School, who led us from 2000-2025.
Today we continue to strive to fulfill the vision of our founders – with profound gratitude to the many community members, families, and board trustees who have made CCJDS possible.
A WELCOMING, INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
CCJDS welcomes students with a variety of talents, interests, backgrounds and perspectives. They develop a deep appreciation for their own identity and strong ability to respect and appreciate other cultures and their languages, traditions, and histories. Read More.
