Principal's Welcome

Welcome to Paul Penna Downtown Jewish Day School!

We are a dynamic SK to Grade 8 Jewish day school committed to academic excellence in a warm, supportive environment. The school's distinct program integrates Judaic and general studies, includes Hebrew and French instruction, and encourages artistic expression as a tool for learning.

The school was founded in 1998 to address a hunger among Downtown parents for Jewish education that is open, creative, and forward-thinking. The Middle School, launched in 2006, is at an exciting juncture of growth and vision as we expand our facility and our programming. The school’s foundational values – to inspire curiosity, honour diversity and create community - guide everything we do here in our wonderful home at the Miles Nadal JCC in the heart of Downtown Toronto.

The parent community reflects a broad spectrum of Jewish identification and observance, family composition and cultural, ethnic, professional, artistic, and educational backgrounds. We celebrate these differences as well as the common ground we all share. Jewish education at Paul Penna DJDS is egalitarian; it develops in students the skillful means to find personal value and resources from within our multi-faceted tradition. Committed to social justice, we nurture responsible citizens and compassionate, confident human beings. We offer students the opportunity to meet their full potential as individuals, Jews and valued members of the larger community.

Come see the new face of Jewish Downtown – you’ll feel right at home!

Rhonda Rosenheck, M.A., Principal