Building strong minds,
encouraging independent thinking,
inspiring creativity . . .
preparing tomorrow’s leaders.....
Donna Klein Jewish Academy is renowned nationally and internationally for standards of excellence in Jewish day school education. Our school has been recognized as an innovator in providing a top caliber, well-rounded Judaic and general studies curriculum. Detailed information and curriculum guides for the Lower, Middle, and High School can be found under the “Our Schools” section of this website. We encourage you to peruse this section to learn more about the exceptional educational tools offered at DKJA.
Among our school’s accomplishments is the prestigious honor of being chosen in 2001 as one of only eight schools in the nation to participate in the three-year Avi Chai Foundation-funded Jewish Day Schools for the 21st Century (JDS21) project. Through our ongoing commitment to this endeavor, we infuse Jewish values into the daily experience of our students’ and families’ lives. Having been a part of this enriching program enables us to continue to grow and enhance our commitment to Jewish education. We emphasize the importance of Jewish Living, Learning, and Academic Achievement as the foundation of our students’ values. We provide opportunities for students to thrive both in the academic setting, and in endeavors that reach beyond the classroom.
As we enter an era that encompasses a “global schoolhouse,” our students are encouraged to embrace the complex aspects of global education. Through a vast array of initiatives introduced at DKJA, students learn to build educational partnerships around the world. By using a team approach, they learn firsthand how similarly and/or disparately different cultures go about solving issues that affect the planet. The global issue of “Education for All” is one area being targeted by our school community. Our students are learning to be the leaders of today while thriving in an academically challenging educational setting. They are truly learning to think globally.
As a Jewish institution, we integrate the concept of tikkun olam (responsibility for repairing the world) throughout our curriculum. Our community service program enables students to contribute to the welfare of others through public service activities. Among these projects are the following:
- DKJA’s Annual Family Mitzvah Day, during which more than 600 students, parents, teachers and staff members gather as “an extended family” to assist approximately 25 community organizations on this day of giving from the heart.
- The Teen Connect companionship program in partnership with the Ruth Rales Jewish Family Service of South Palm Beach County, which forges relationships and bonds between teens and the elderly in the community.
- Interactive initiatives to enrich the lives of children at Dixie Manor, theMilagro Center, Kids in Distress and S.O.S. Children’s Village.
- Partnership programs with community schools, such as Pine Grove Elementary.
- Beautification projects that benefit organizations such as the Florence Fuller Child Development Center.
Students of all ages are taught the importance of making a difference in others’ lives, and to learn to seek this kind of satisfaction throughout their own lives. Community service is an essential component of our philosophy.
DKJA students Experience Excellence through
Jewish Living, Learning, and Academic Achievement.
Lower School - Kindergarten through Fourth Grade
Middle School - Fifth Grade through Eighth Grade
General Studies and Judaic Education
By combining a general studies curriculum with Judaic and Hebrew studies, DKJA prepares students to become well-rounded adults who can think, reason, question, and respect tradition. From the time they are introduced to the joys of learning, students are encouraged to reach their academic and creative potential.
An emphasis on critical thinking, literature, social studies, science, music, art, Judaic studies, the modern Hebrew language, history, and technology encourages students to learn and grow from the moment they enter the nurturing environment of DKJA. Kindergartners benefit from having two teachers in each classroom. As they progress to the Lower School, these students are prepared to embark upon their educational journeys.
Lower School students are engaged in the study of literature that complements history and social studies.
At DKJA, we use the internationally acclaimed University of Chicago Math Project’s Everyday Mathematics Program for Kindergarten through fourth grade, which emphasizes dynamic verbal interaction while laying the groundwork for symbolic and mathematical understanding.
Through an academically rigorous program, students in grades five through eight learn to master the skills necessary for high school and beyond. They are taught comprehensively, covering Western civilization studies and expository writing skills that enable them to organize and present coherent, articulate written projects.
As students progress through Middle School, our math program encompasses the challenges of abstract thinking and problem solving, along with the reinforcement of mathematical concepts. Self-confidence and reinforcement of the ability to meet challenges prepares our students for the higher mathematics courses they encounter in their future years.
In the sciences, study covers a basic introduction to chemistry and physics, and includes fundamental theories and principles. Students use real-life applications for obtaining and analyzing data in order to address the Earth’s challenges and to emulate the work of experts.
Creative Minds Flourish
In addition to general and Judacis studies, our curriculum also incorporates a rich blend of studies in music, the arts, drama, and creative writing.
In their study of music, students learn to express themselves using the Orff Method and to sight-sing music through the Kodaly Technique. Through our string Orchestra Program, Lower and Middle School students are further enlightened about the intricacies and beauty of the violin, viola, cello, and bass. Individual instruction is included in our two-part program, through which students benefit from one private and one group lesson per week. DKJA’s Judaic Studies curriculum carries over to the Orchestra. Students currently are learning Hatikvah, in addition to collections of Jewish music.
Additionally, our Meet the Maestros program invites amateur and professional musicians to visit the classroom to discuss instrumental and/or vocal music. To further enrich their educational experience, students participate in fine arts field trips, and members of DKJA’s student choral groups and Orchestra perform in the community. In their study of fine art, students enjoy our Meet the Masters program that brings trained parent docents into the classroom to discuss a chosen artist’s work.
State-of-the-art Technology
Through the Claire and Emanuel G. Rosenblatt Technology Program K-12, students utilize state-of-the-art technology in nearly every aspect of their e
ducational experiences.
Students have access to the school network via two computer labs, computers in every classroom as well as wireless laptops. Schoolwide Internet access empowers students to utilize the multitude of educational resources that are available to them. Every classroom at DKJA is equipped with a high-tech SMART BoardTM (interactive whiteboard). In 2007, DKJA was recognized as the first SMART Showcase School in Florida and continues to be a leader in technology.
Our school’s signature program integrates technology into both general and Judaic studies curricula schoolwide. As students progress in their education, their technology skills expand. With the use of SMART Boards, as well as interactive computer software in the classrooms, teaching and learning are transformed into an engaging process, and the students become cooperative learners.
SAT test preparation, and individual and group conferences to prepare the college application essay.
Enthusiasm beyond the classroom is evident in the range of activities available at DKJA. A member of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), DKJA offers 18 interscholastic sports teams, including baseball, basketball, coed cross-country, soccer, tennis and volleyball.
