Elementary School

Paul Penna Downtown Jewish Day School is an exciting centre of learning. Our Senior Kindergarten to Grade 6 programme assures a solid foundation in Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies, as well as Hebrew and Judaic Studies. A multi-disciplinary, arts-enhanced approach to instruction creates meaningful learning experiences for our students, while ensuring the development of essential skills. Our students develop a broad foundation of knowledge, the ability for critical thinking, and an understanding of relationships amongst concepts through our integrated curriculum.

Our school's philosophy is rooted in a strong commitment to Jewish values. Beginning in Kindergarten and continuing through to their graduation, our students are engaged in activities that create the foundation for responsible citizenship in the Jewish community and beyond. We teach respect for diversity of religious practice within the Jewish community, and welcome families from a broad spectrum of Jewish backgrounds.

Through tefillah we engender a love, knowledge and appreciation of prayer, striving to create meaningful and personal connections for our students. Our school community is built around the concept of Tikkun Olam, the imperative to repair the world. By stressing fundamental Jewish values regarding our responsibility to ourselves, our community and the earth, we inspire students to become responsible citizens and leaders of their generation.

Students learn responsibility for the broader community through the weekly Shabbat tzedakah program and through hands-on experience assisting others in the community. Our students have supported organizations such as the United Jewish
Appeal (UJA), Jewish Child and Family Services, and Free the Children.

A love for Israel is encouraged through academic programs, art projects, social action and community event participation.