Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School - Rockville, MD

Founded in 1965, the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School (CESJDS) is one of the largest and most prestigious JK-12 independent Jewish day schools in North America. We seek to embody eight core values among our parent, student, faculty/staff and greater community: Torah L'Shmah (Love of Learning), Ahavat Yisrael (Love of Israel) K'dushah (Holiness), Ahavat Torah (Love of Torah), Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World), V'ahavta L'Rayakha (Love Your Neighbor), Pluralism, and Kehillah (Community).

In grades JK-5, we foster an environment where children feel safe, loved and challenged. Our faculty works hard to instill feelings of self-worth and self-confidence in each child.

CESJDS achieves academic excellence through a balanced curriculum of general coursework and a comprehensive Judaic studies program. Our students start on the journey to become skilled readers, writers, mathematicians, scientists and artists, anchored in Jewish values and knowledge.

We are committed to reimagining what secondary-level students can achieve in an environment characterized by academic excellence and Jewish values. In Middle School (grades 6-8) and High School (grades 9-12), rigorous study in the classroom is infused with creativity and relevance, while activities outside the classroom are characterized by hands-on engagement.

Students pursue their passions through dozens of extra-curricular options, including visual and performing arts, athletics, student leadership, publications, and debate. Our program culminates in the Jewish heritage journey of a lifetime, the 13-week Senior Trip to Poland, the Czech Republic, and Israel. Graduates leave for college equipped with memorable experiences and abundant knowledge to help them succeed.