SanDiegoJewishAcademy (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.”
Today’s seniors are more connected than ever, with a renewed focus on retirement as a time of discovery and enriching experiences. The ultimate reward for a retirement well-earned is the wisdom to appreciate it all, and what better place to enjoy that unique perspective than Vi at La Jolla Village, in the heart of San Diego.
All-access pass to good living.
As a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), Vi provides access to a connected and fulfilling community while making it easy to plan for future care, should the need ever arise. With a care plan in place, residents enjoy greater financial predictability and long-term value, freeing them to focus on making the most out of retirement.
Resort-style amenities at the epicenter of a cultural hub like San Diego offer a retirement experience unlike any other. Paired with exceptional dining, spacious accommodations and dedicated staff, the best of maintenance-free living is all around. And with the introduction of Vista 360 Well-Being, Vi’s panoramic approach to wellness, there are more ways than ever for residents to access it all.
The harmony of mind, body and community.
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
The key to longevity is striking the right balance in maintaining an active lifestyle with an active mind in a fulfilling community. With newly renovated community spaces and restaurants, Vista brings a variety of opportunities for residents to elevate their well-being through Vi-exclusive “Signature Experiences.”
Vista Enrich takes an evidence-based approach to brain vitality, keeping residents at the forefront of cognitive health through exergaming (exercising + gaming), nutritional plans and informative workshops. It is also home to The Brain Vitality Studio, an innovative facility dedicated to cognitive fitness that has garnered national recognition.
Vista Discover invites residents into stimulating educational experiences, from chef-led cooking demos and guided wine tastings to lectures at local universities and intimate lectures following cultural outings.
While Vista Enrich focuses on brain health and Vista Discover engages residents intellectually, Vista Explore cultivates a sense of adventure through curated travel and local excursions. But broadening one’s horizons doesn’t always require a plane ticket. One recent event brought a taste of the world right to the community: an onsite “jazz cruise” featuring live music and global cuisine served at a series of themed “ports” all within the community’s own ballroom.
“Location, location, location”
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
One of the biggest perks of life at Vi at La Jolla Village is its proximity to just about everything. With easy access to transportation and local attractions just steps away, residents can explore and engage with their community at their own pace.
“There are trolley and bus stops within a 5-minute walk that will get you to the beach, UCSD Campus, medical appointments, downtown La Jolla or San Diego, et cetera. We rarely use our car,” said resident Tom Yager.
With the best of San Diego just steps away, residents don’t just live in the city, they live within reach of everything that makes it special.
The best of all worlds.
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
At Vi at La Jolla Village, retirement isn’t a chapter to slow down; it’s an invitation to discover more. Tailored community experiences created by Vista, paired with the vibrant pulse of San Diego just outside the door, mean that residents don’t have to choose between security and adventure, connection and independence. They get all of it.
This is what an all-access pass to good living looks like: the comforts of an elevated lifestyle, a community built for growth and a city made for discovery – all in one place.
To learn more about Vi at La Jolla Village or for details on available floor plans, visit ViatLaJollaVillage.com/SDM.
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common cardiac dysrhythmia, affecting more than 10 million people in the U.S. The condition, characterized by an irregular and often rapid heartbeat, raises the risk of stroke, heart failure and death. Advances in electrophysiology, a subspecialty of cardiology focused on the heart’s electrical system, are transforming how AFib and other dysrhythmias are diagnosed and treated. Scripps electrophysiologists use state-of-the-art therapies—some of which they helped develop. They were instrumental in the pre-FDA approval research for an effective new treatment, pulsed field ablation, and are on the forefront of other innovative treatments. Click here to learn more.
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A relatively new therapy called basivertebral nerve ablation (BVN) that uses radiofrequency to effectively burn the nerve pain away gave marathon runner and single dad Kenny Lopez his life back. Kenny suffered a debilitating injury in April 2024, while lifting his toddler out of his car seat. He described the pain as nothing he’d experienced before. While looking for an effective treatment option, Kenny met Scripps Clinic physiatrist and interventional pain specialist Kevin “Buzz” Barrette, MD, who recommended BVN. After some hesitation and pushing through the pain during two marathons, Kenny was ready to give it a try. He underwent the BVN procedure in October and relief was nearly instantaneous. Click here to read more about the procedure and how it helped Kenny hit the ground running.
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NewBridge School is San Diego’s only school dedicated to the education of students with dyslexia and related learning profiles. For 30 years we have successfully served students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, receptive/expressive language disorders, ADHD, executive functioning and memory deficits. Students transition successfully into academically rigorous high schools and colleges across the country. Why NewBridge? Training, training, training (plus intensive individualization, and comprehensive program design). All teachers are trained and retrained biennially in Orton-Gillingham, the only approach proven to remediate dyslexia based on Science of Reading research, and complete a year-long training program. Every aspect of our program is designed around our students’ learning styles and needs. Every class is taught by a highly-trained expert, and our Speech/Language and Occupational Therapy teams embed throughout the day. Our multisensory, multi-tiered math program has been developed in conjunction with sister schools and experts across the country. Don’t wait—early intervention is magic!
The Children’s School (TCS) is an independent school in La Jolla working with students from toddler through eighth grade. Rooted in the belief that every child has unique strengths and limitless potential, TCS provides a joyful, challenging education that inspires curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. Experienced teachers know each student well and create meaningful opportunities for academic, social, and emotional growth through personalized instruction and hands-on, interdisciplinary learning. A culture of respect, inclusion, and collaboration encourages students to ask questions, take thoughtful risks, and develop a strong sense of responsibility to one another and the world around them. At TCS, learning extends beyond the classroom through meaningful connections with the local community and natural environment. Graduates leave TCS with a strong academic foundation, a sense of purpose, and the character to thrive in high school and beyond as engaged learners, compassionate leaders, and thoughtful citizens.
Enrollment: 240
Grades: Toddler – Grade 8
Tuition: $10,800 – $34,000
Deadline: Priority Application & Tuition Assistance for new students: Feb. 1, 2027
Gender: All-inclusive
Details Progressive, independent school. No religious affiliation
Growing up, Laika Nur, MD, Scripps Clinic sports medicine specialist, loved watching beach volleyball when the Association of Volleyball Professionals tour came to her hometown of Chicago. A talented volleyball player herself, she remembers sitting in the stands all day, and once, even got a couple autographs. Years later, Dr. Nur was attending a professional event focused on women’s sports, and the discussion turned to a new professional women’s volleyball league. The general manager and coaching staff for San Diego’s team, the Mojo, happened to be in attendance, and Dr. Nur took the opportunity to ask them if they needed a team doctor. Flash forward to the Mojo’s inaugural 2024 season, when Dr. Nur officially became the team physician. Click here to read more about Dr. Nur and how she incorporates lessons she learned on the court into her practice.
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