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The Stanford Eisenberg Knoxville Jewish Day School (KJDS) is a vibrant community K-5 school rooted in core Jewish values, and devoted to academic excellence. Our enriching and inclusive environment nurtures the unique talents of each child, fostering academic excellence and a love for life and learning. With a focus on joy and positivity, we empower our students to embrace challenges, explore their passions, and become confident and compassionate leaders. KJDS proudly serves the entire Knoxville community, our community is diverse in their beliefs, affiliations and observances.

Build

Values

Enthusiasm and love of learning

Joy is intentionally developed by nurturing an innate love of learning, developing agency, and leading to self-actualization. Through immersive celebration of Jewish holidays and a focus on honoring the achievements of academic and personal milestones, students grow to internalize and express their natural joy of learning.

Realizing talents and sharing in fellowship

KJDS students engage in exploration through authentic opportunities, independent and creative thinking, and experiential learning. As students become aware of their personal strengths and gifts they are empowered to use those strengths to support others in their class, school and larger community.

Respect and Compassion for others

KJDS fosters community through social/emotional learning enriched by service projects and strengthened by valuable community-wide interactions. Students develop a deep respect and awareness of others, always looking out for their fellow peers and community members.

Cultivate

Excellence

9:1

average student to faculty ratio

100%

of alumni accepted into the middle school of their choice

100%

of students learn Hebrew, Coding, Music and participate in our annual school musical

15

aftercare clubs including STEAM, yoga, Mitzvah Club, and Speed Stacking

Weekly

Community Service Programming and Initiatives

220K+

square feet of educational and recreational facilities including library, art studio, sports fields, music room and nature trails

Belong

Stories from our Community

“KJDS fosters a sense of community both inside and outside of the classroom where students learn respect, responsibility, and real-world problem solving skills that make them not only successful students but also caring people who can empathize and cooperate with others. A well-rounded education is our highest priority as parents, and KJDS provides just that with Hebrew instruction, a focus on the arts and theater, and regular STEM activities.  We have seen our son grow tremendously as he is challenged, uplifted, and supported at KJDS, and we are so proud to be part of this community.”

- Staci Messing

“When my spouse and I went on the school tour of KJDS last year, the first thing we noticed was how happy all of the students were. We had planned to send both of our daughters to our local public school, but after the tour we couldn’t stop thinking about how much KJDS seemed to be set up for our kids and our family. There were top notch academics, creative problem solving in the arts and STEAM, and an emphasis on ethical formation and community...Our daughter thrives as a learner because of the community that KJDS fosters."

- Gina DiSalvo

“We had finally found a school for our child that we felt could offer him the opportunity and support to be successful, build confidence, and contribute to the larger community.  Coming from a racially and religiously blended family, we wanted our son to be part of a school community that would welcome and embrace our family structure...We see KJDS as an agent of change that is fostering thoughtful and committed citizens.  Our son is growing up not only developing a love for learning, with a focus on academic excellence, but also developing a passion for improving our community. He is in an environment that challenges him, that supports him, that piques his curiosity, and allows him opportunities to understand and process his emotions."

- Deisha Finley

"Three qualities of KJDS had the greatest impact on my thinking: its academic excellence, its Jewish ethics, and its caring community. The KJDS atmosphere is simultaneously scholarly and nurturing."

- Lois Presser

"Over the course of the past year (during a pandemic, no less) we have watched as Ella’s entire attitude towards school and learning has changed. She is excited to go to school each day, excited to learn, and excited to bring her lessons home to our dinner table. Rather than getting frustrated when learning something new, Ella now repeats the mantra, “Remember, I just can’t do this yet.” She builds “simple machines' ' that she learned about in science to raise and lower laundry baskets over the banister, practices her dance moves for the school musical each morning, and finds videos of the Alef-Bet to practice her Hebrew. She has also learned to celebrate not only her own success, but the success of her classmates and the school - she truly feels herself part of a community working together toward a common goal. In short, we are thrilled with KJDS."

- Sarit Olinzock

"After six years at KJDS, Samantha’s transition to middle school was very smooth and easy. With the solid academic foundation she gained at KJDS, Samantha has the confidence to ask questions whenever she needs clarification. Socially, Samantha entered middle school with the skills to quickly make new friends and get involved in extracurricular school activities. While Samantha misses learning Hebrew and doing Shabbat with her KJDS friends, she is confident in her Judaism and is proud that she can share her knowledge of Jewish culture and community with her new friends and teachers."

- Debbie Abrams Cohen

“Sending our children to KJDS has given us so much more than just a great school. It has given us long-lasting friendships in a warm and welcoming community. While our children have all graduated from KJDS, they maintain close and lasting friendships with their KJDS friends. Their KJDS experience has given them such a solid and joyful Jewish foundation, and they stay connected. Along with an outstanding KJDS education comes with a warm community and long-lasting friendships for the entire family.”

- Nathalie Guigui

We, and most importantly, our child, are still reaping the benefits of his KJDS education now many years on. And I expect it will last a lifetime. The confidence he developed, the ability to try, and to fail, without fear, the joy for learning, and the expectation that formal education be respectful, joyful, interesting and creative. Thank you KJDS for turning on this kid and helping him blossom. It wasn’t until he started there that I understood what it means when people say their child “blossomed.” - Miriam Davis

- Miriam Davis

"As an employee at KJDS, at the time, I was so excited for my son to join me at school! He benefited from the small, multi-age classes as he was nurtured as a leader and worked in small math and reading groups daily. He had an awesome relationship with his teachers, and they pushed him to produce his best work. KJDS is both a challenging and joyful place to learn, and I’m thrilled that my child had the opportunity to be part of this amazing and unique school."

- Louise Lindsay

“KJDS was a second home to my son and daughter. It is probably the best decision I have and will ever make about their education. It established their love for learning which is priceless and that gift runs deep. There is just no better elementary school out there if you want your kids to learn amazing amounts, be loved and respected completely, and look forward to school every single day. I just can’t say enough about this wonderful school.”

- Joelle Adajian

“KJDS fosters a sense of community both inside and outside of the classroom where students learn respect, responsibility, and real-world problem solving skills that make them not only successful students but also caring people who can empathize and cooperate with others. A well-rounded education is our highest priority as parents, and KJDS provides just that with Hebrew instruction, a focus on the arts and theater, and regular STEM activities.  We have seen our son grow tremendously as he is challenged, uplifted, and supported at KJDS, and we are so proud to be part of this community.”

- Staci Messing

“When my spouse and I went on the school tour of KJDS last year, the first thing we noticed was how happy all of the students were. We had planned to send both of our daughters to our local public school, but after the tour we couldn’t stop thinking about how much KJDS seemed to be set up for our kids and our family. There were top notch academics, creative problem solving in the arts and STEAM, and an emphasis on ethical formation and community...Our daughter thrives as a learner because of the community that KJDS fosters."

- Gina DiSalvo

“We had finally found a school for our child that we felt could offer him the opportunity and support to be successful, build confidence, and contribute to the larger community.  Coming from a racially and religiously blended family, we wanted our son to be part of a school community that would welcome and embrace our family structure...We see KJDS as an agent of change that is fostering thoughtful and committed citizens.  Our son is growing up not only developing a love for learning, with a focus on academic excellence, but also developing a passion for improving our community. He is in an environment that challenges him, that supports him, that piques his curiosity, and allows him opportunities to understand and process his emotions."

- Deisha Finley

"Three qualities of KJDS had the greatest impact on my thinking: its academic excellence, its Jewish ethics, and its caring community. The KJDS atmosphere is simultaneously scholarly and nurturing."

- Lois Presser

"Over the course of the past year (during a pandemic, no less) we have watched as Ella’s entire attitude towards school and learning has changed. She is excited to go to school each day, excited to learn, and excited to bring her lessons home to our dinner table. Rather than getting frustrated when learning something new, Ella now repeats the mantra, “Remember, I just can’t do this yet.” She builds “simple machines' ' that she learned about in science to raise and lower laundry baskets over the banister, practices her dance moves for the school musical each morning, and finds videos of the Alef-Bet to practice her Hebrew. She has also learned to celebrate not only her own success, but the success of her classmates and the school - she truly feels herself part of a community working together toward a common goal. In short, we are thrilled with KJDS."

- Sarit Olinzock

"Knoxville Jewish Day School is a small family with every member trying to become their best. All the children are connected. You know your child is becoming their best and everyone is there to cheer them on and support them. The teachers and directors are their second moms and dads. They want what is best for them just like I do."

- Jami Quartararo

"After six years at KJDS, Samantha’s transition to middle school was very smooth and easy. With the solid academic foundation she gained at KJDS, Samantha has the confidence to ask questions whenever she needs clarification. Socially, Samantha entered middle school with the skills to quickly make new friends and get involved in extracurricular school activities. While Samantha misses learning Hebrew and doing Shabbat with her KJDS friends, she is confident in her Judaism and is proud that she can share her knowledge of Jewish culture and community with her new friends and teachers."

- Debbie Abrams Cohen

"Why do we love KJDS? Where to begin! In kindergarten, Cora blossomed on stage as Petunia in the all-school play Alice in Wonderland. In first grade, she "STEAMed into Service" to help fight hunger in Knoxville. And in second grade, she presented a TED talk on community gardening to a standing-room only audience. . From Cora’s first day at this wonderful school , KJDS has nurtured Cora's natural curiosity and excitement for learning, and so much more. Thanks to KJDS, her creativity, concern for the world, and confidence to try new things abound. We couldn't be more grateful!"

- Lisa Mason

"Elizabeth is thriving in middle school because of her experience at KJDS. While we had concerns about her transitioning from a small school to a large one, we soon realized that there was no need to worry; KJDS gave Elizabeth the tools to stand on her own and be confident. The KJDS culture allowed Elizabeth to build warm personal relationships with not only all the students in her class, but also with the entire student body. As typical friendship issues arose, Elizabeth was coached on how to voice her needs and feelings to her friends in a positive and productive manner. With the skills and confidence that she gained at KJDS, Elizabeth is adept at navigating social situations and enthusiastic about meeting new and diverse students at West Valley Middle School."

- Laura Floyd

"Sending our children to KJDS has given us so much more than just a great school. It has given us long lasting friendships in a warm and welcoming community. Although our two oldest children are now in public school, they have maintained close and lasting friendships with their KJDS friends. Their KJDS experience has given them such a solid and joyful Jewish foundation, and they stay connected. Even our oldest child, who was already in middle school when we moved to Knoxville, became friends with KJDS alumni and continues to attend all the KJDS alumni events."

- Nathalie Guigui

"One of the things we love about KJDS is the holistic approach to education. Each child is challenged and supported at their level academically, socially, and emotionally. The loving and supportive environment at KJDS has helped our children build grit and confidence. Our four children have different needs and KJDS has met them all."

- Sarah Dugal

"Knoxville Jewish Day School feels like joy. My twins, who attend kindergarten at KJDS, daily experience the joy of learning and connecting with others and with higher values. I am thrilled by my kids’ enthusiasm for personal excellence and for being part of a caring community!"

- Lo Presser

"As an employee at KJDS, I was so excited for my son to join me at school! He benefits from the small, multi-age classes as he’s nurtured as a leader and works in small Math and Read- ing groups daily. He has an awesome relationship with his teacher, and she pushes him to produce his best work. And, he is loving learning a second language, especially because his Hebrew teacher integrates fun technology into the lessons. KJDS is both a challenging and joyful place to learn, and I’m thrilled that my child has the opportunity to be part of this amazing and unique school community."

- Louise Lindsay

"KJDS was a second home to my son and is now a second home to my daughter. It is probably the best decision I will ever make about their education because it established for my son and is establishing for my daughter a love of learning that is priceless and that runs deep. There is just no better elementary school out there if you want your kids to learn amazing amounts, be loved and respected completely, and look forward to school every single day. I just can’t say enough about this wonderful school."

- Joelle Adajian

Experience KJDS

Visit our campus, walk our hallways and see the smiles of our students and warmth of our teachers. Discover first-hand what makes the KJDS experience exceptional.

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