San Diego Jewish Academy (SDJA), a leader in preschool to 12th grade education for over 40 years, is redefining independent school education with new programs and opportunities focused on students’ academic success and personal growth. The school is especially excited to announce a new initiative to improve student-teacher ratio in some of its Middle and Upper School classes, unmatched by other area schools. These groundbreaking opportunities provide students with even more options to learn, grow, and realize their full, individual learning potential.
Launching over the next twelve months, SDJA students will benefit from multiple new programs that will both support and challenge students, while inspiring creative thinking and empowering learning. These new offerings, combined with SDJA’s curriculum that fosters innovation and entrepreneurial thinking, will further help SDJA students succeed throughout their educational journey. The new offerings include:
- Academic Coaching – Unprecedented Student-Teacher Ratio
The new Academic Coaching model places more teachers in select core middle and upper school classes, offering additional academic enrichment and support through a more personalized learning experience. This program will allow a maximum of 12 students per teacher–in some cases even a 4:1 ratio for select core classes–unmatched by other local schools.
- Upper School Scholars Program – Internships and Advanced Learning
Starting this August, this new program will provide a diploma and transcript designation to help highlight the exceptional achievements of SDJA students in the following areas: Humanities Scholars; Innovation and Entrepreneurial Scholars; Medical Science Scholars; Sports Medicine Scholars; Jewish Studies Scholars. Students in the Scholars program may participate in internships that may include The Young Leaders in Health Care program at Scripps Health and other advanced learning experiences.
- Advanced Academic Pathways – Accelerated Learning
Available for 2nd-12th graders, Advanced Academic Pathways offer accelerated learning opportunities, from student groupings for math and language arts in the Lower School to Honors and Advanced Placement Courses in the Upper School. Focused on serving or meeting the needs of students who are dedicated, curious, and motivated starting in 2nd grade, this program fosters high academic achievement and meets students where they are while providing opportunities for advanced academic study.
With multiple pathways of coursework and a structured yet flexible approach to academic excellence, this program helps SDJA meet the needs of students who consistently perform above grade level expectation and are motivated for an advanced academic program of studies.
For SDJA’s Upper School, this means an expanded honors program in addition to the current 31 Advance Placement and Honors courses currently offered, as well as a new honors humanities course available in 8th grade.
- New Course Offerings
SDJA also announced several new offerings to help support students and their academic goals, including Summer School Geometry and Chemistry (open to students from other schools) as part of 25/26 program of studies and ACT test prep courses on campus next year. Other new course offerings include AP Macroeconomics, English 10 Honors and the newest AP course to be offered nationally, AP Pre Calculus.
The school proudly focuses on the individual student, instead of a ‘one size fits all’ mentality—and these new programs and offerings reflect its commitment to helping every student feel inspired and supported as they learn and grow. In today’s competitive world, every additional opportunity students have to reach their full potential and hone their strengths is crucial in preparing SDJA graduates to flourish in life. SDJA 2025 graduates have already received early acceptance to numerous colleges, including Stanford University, The University of Chicago, Berklee School of Music, Washington University, and Emory University to name a few.
At SDJA, students enjoy robust learning experiences beyond the daily class meeting times with a tireless faculty who have intentionally designed weekly academic support sessions to ensure all students are fully supported in their academic trajectory. They also are imbued with Jewish values to care for others and to do acts of chesed, kindness to make the world a better place. “At SDJA, we empower students to excel academically and become good humans,” adds Head of School Zvi Weiss. “By helping students grow in both of these areas, we shape leaders who contribute to our community and beyond.”
