Kindergarten
A joyful beginning. A strong foundation.
Kindergarten is the beginning of your child’s CCJDS journey—and we make it an extraordinary one.
Our Kindergarten classroom is a joyful, nurturing place where children are known, supported, challenged, and excited to come to school each day. Through hands-on learning, purposeful play, exploration, and meaningful relationships, students build the academic and social-emotional foundations they need to thrive.
Our teachers get to know (and love) each child as an individual—how they learn, what sparks their curiosity, where they need support, and when they are ready for more. Small classes allow teachers to meet students where they are while helping them grow in confidence and independence.
Throughout the year, Kindergarten students develop strong foundations in literacy, math, science, Hebrew, Jewish learning, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. Just as importantly, they learn how to be part of a classroom community: asking questions, taking risks, caring for others, and discovering the joy of learning together.
By the time they enter first grade, our students aren’t simply prepared for what comes next. They see themselves as capable learners and valued members of the CCJDS community.
Come see Kindergarten in action. Meet our teachers, step inside our classrooms, and experience the joy and belonging that make CCJDS so special.
First through Fourth Grade
Growing curious, confident learners
As students move through Lower School, CCJDS builds upon the strong foundation established in Kindergarten.
Our dedicated teachers know their students deeply—as learners and as individuals. That connection allows teachers to provide the right balance of challenge, encouragement, support, and independence as each child grows.
Students follow a strong, thoughtfully designed curriculum — drawing from leading California schools and educational best practices. Students learn through a rich combination of direct instruction, hands-on exploration, creative projects, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving. Across subjects, we encourage children to ask thoughtful questions, develop their own ideas, take intellectual risks, and become increasingly independent learners.
Jewish values are woven throughout the school experience, helping students develop empathy, responsibility, respect for differences, and a strong sense of who they are. Children learn that their individual voices matter—and that they are part of something larger than themselves.
Curriculum in grades K-4 features building blocks of a quality education. Teachers emphasize creative, project-based learning and use a rich variety of curricular materials. (See below for some examples of materials used.)
Mathematics
Our math program develops more than computation skills. Students build number sense, conceptual understanding, mathematical reasoning, and confidence as problem-solvers.
Teachers provide opportunities for students to practice essential skills, explain their thinking, tackle challenging problems, and apply mathematics to real-world situations. Curricular resources include Eureka Math, Marcy Cook Math, Singapore Math, and Math Kangaroo.
Science
Science at CCJDS begins with curiosity.
Students learn by observing, questioning, experimenting, building, testing, and discovering. Hands-on investigations help even our youngest scientists understand how exciting it is to explore the world around them.
In science or students create meaningful scientific experiences and build the skills students will need for increasingly sophisticated study. Students engage with resources including FOSS Science Kits developed at the Lawrence Hall of Science.
Language Arts: Building Confident Readers, Writers & Communicators
Strong literacy skills are the foundation for learning across every subject. At CCJDS, students develop the skills—and confidence—to become thoughtful readers, expressive writers, careful listeners, and effective communicators.
Beginning in the early grades, students build strong foundations in phonics, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, spelling, and writing. As they grow, they learn to think deeply about what they read, discuss ideas with classmates, support their thinking with evidence, and communicate their own ideas through writing, speaking, and creative expression.
Our teachers get to know each student as a reader and writer, providing the right combination of support and challenge to help every child grow.
Our literacy program draws from resources and approaches including Reader’s Workshop, Writer’s Workshop, Literature Circles, Fletcher’s Place Phonics, Guided Reading, and Words Their Way Spelling.
Social Studies: Understanding Our World
Social studies at CCJDS encourages students to be curious about the people, cultures, places, and ideas that have shaped our world.
Through history, literature, art, music, discussion, projects, and hands-on experiences, students explore communities both past and present. They learn to consider different perspectives, ask meaningful questions, make connections, and develop an appreciation for cultures and experiences beyond their own.
These experiences help students become informed, thoughtful young people who understand both their own place in the world and their responsibility to the communities around them.
Hebrew: A Living Language
Hebrew learning begins in Kindergarten and grows alongside our students throughout their CCJDS experience.
For our youngest learners, Hebrew comes alive through songs, stories, games, conversation, and creative activities, making language learning joyful and accessible from the start.
In grades 1–5, students build conversational Hebrew while developing increasingly strong reading, writing, vocabulary, and oral comprehension skills. Students also encounter Israeli culture, traditions, music, and everyday life, creating meaningful connections between language, Jewish identity, and modern Israel.
Our program welcomes students with a range of Hebrew experience. Teachers support children at their individual level while helping them develop confidence and a genuine connection to the language.
Curriculum resources include the liberal/egalitarian edition of TAL-AM Hebrew Language for Community Schools.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Some of the most memorable learning happens outside the classroom.
Field trips and experiential learning are an integral part of a CCJDS education, giving students opportunities to connect classroom learning with the world around them.
Depending on grade level and curriculum, students may visit destinations such as Lindsay Wildlife Experience, the One-Room Schoolhouse in Danville, the Oakland Museum of California, the San Francisco Symphony, local environmental facilities, and other Bay Area cultural, scientific, and historical destinations.
These experiences deepen academic learning while building independence, curiosity, friendships, and a sense of adventure.
Growing Into Leaders
Leadership doesn’t begin in Middle School at CCJDS.
By fourth grade, students are taking on meaningful leadership roles within the Lower School community. They help coordinate Town Hall meetings, serve as role models for younger students, and experience their first overnight class trip to California’s Gold Country.
These opportunities help students build confidence, responsibility, independence, and a strong sense of belonging as they prepare for their next chapter at CCJDS.
And because CCJDS is a K–8 Jewish day school, that next chapter doesn’t require starting over. Students can continue growing within a community where they are already known, valued, and supported.
The Fifth Grade Bridge
Ready for what’s next!
Fifth grade at CCJDS is intentionally designed as a bridge between Lower School and Middle School.
Students begin developing the study habits, organization, independence, and self-advocacy skills they’ll need for a more rigorous, multi-subject Middle School experience—while still receiving the close relationships and support that characterize our Lower School.
Fifth graders hold a special place in our community. They serve as leaders for younger students while gradually becoming familiar with the rhythms, expectations, and increased independence of Middle School.
In the spring, students take an environmental science-focused overnight trip to Point Reyes, combining academic exploration with independence, community building, and an unforgettable shared experience.
By the end of fifth grade, students aren’t simply moving to another floor. They’re prepared to take the next step as confident learners, thoughtful leaders, and engaged members of the CCJDS Middle School community.
