The Knoxville Jewish Day School emerged in 2006 with a modern vision: to cultivate a generation of inquisitive and autonomous learners while nurturing the skills and qualities necessary for success in the 21st century.
At the heart of our mission is the recognition that every child is unique. By maintaining a low student-to-teacher ratio, we ensure personalized attention and challenge each student to reach their highest academic potential. Moreover, we wholeheartedly encourage their artistic, physical, spiritual, and social development, empowering them to express their individuality. We perceive learning as an ongoing and enriching journey, extending far beyond the confines of the school years.
Community is a core value we instill in our students. Our educational approach is rooted in cooperative learning, fostering collaboration among peers and a sense of belonging. Through multi-age groupings, we enable each child to progress at their own pace, celebrating individual accomplishments and nurturing a sense of pride. Interactive learning, viewed as a shared experience, lies at the very core of our school's philosophy and practice.
By fostering curiosity, critical thinking, individuality, and community, we empower our students to become lifelong learners who positively impact the world around them.
KJDS is dedicated to the loving memory of Stanford Eisenberg; a man of high moral character and esteem who made his mark on the Jewish community during his eighty-three blessed years of life. An accomplished US Naval officer during World War II, Stanford Eisenberg went on to achieve success in the real estate world, establishing a reputation for integrity, creativity and visionary leadership. He was active on behalf of numerous Jewish causes and was passionate about Jewish identity and continuity.
It is fitting tribute to his life and legacy that the school, upon its founding, was named The Stanford Eisenberg Knoxville Jewish Day School.
KJDS is dedicated to the loving memory of Stanford Eisenberg; a man of high moral character and esteem who made his mark on the Jewish community during his eighty-three blessed years of life. An accomplished US Naval officer during World War II, Stanford Eisenberg went on to achieve success in the real estate world, establishing a reputation for integrity, creativity and visionary leadership. He was active on behalf of numerous Jewish causes and was passionate about Jewish identity and continuity.
It is fitting tribute to his life and legacy that the school, upon its founding, was named The Stanford Eisenberg Knoxville Jewish Day School.
With eight students Knoxville’s First Ever Jewish Day School Takes Root
Expansion to full K-5 with Mrs. Jenifer Ohriner’s fifth grade class
Annual Musical begins performing at the Clayton Performing Arts Center
First building expansion to accommodate growth.
Purchase and occupancy of 5 acre Campus
Bernard Bendriem
Judy Brietstein
Gina DiSavlo-TInley
Gloria Z. Greenfield
Anna Iroff-Bailey
Susan Silber
Ellen Markman
Miriam Esther Wilhelm
Rabbi Yossi Wilhelm
Dr. Michael Zemel
Hallerin Hilton Hill, Talk Radio Host and Producer, Anything is Possible
Mark Mamantov, JD, Member, Bass, Berry & Sims
Ellie Kittrell, Executive Director, Muse Knoxville
Bob Kronick, PhD, Professor, UTK Educational Psychology and Counseling
Joshua Williams, PhD, Clinical Psychologist
Geoff Wolpert, Owner, Park Grill Restaurant and The Peddler Steakhouse
Paul J. Hauptman, MD , Dean, UTK Graduate School of Medicine
Calvin MacLean, MFA, Professor Emeritus, UTK Theatre
Jeff Pappas, DMA, Dean, UTK School of Music
The KJDS Board of Trustees is the school's governing body that oversees the financial well-being and stability of KJDS for future generations of students.
The KJDS Advisory Council is comprised of esteemed individuals with valuable knowledge and experience.
August 2006
With eight students Knoxville’s First Ever Jewish Day School Takes Root
August 2009
Expansion to full K-5 with Mrs. Jenifer Ohriner’s fifth grade class.
December 2012
Annual Musical begins performing at the Clayton Performing Arts Center
July 2013
First building expansion to accommodate growth.
December 2020
Purchase and occupancy of 5 acre Campus
The Stanford Eisenberg Knoxville Jewish Day School is an energetic and thriving community, brimming with joy and deeply anchored in fundamental Jewish values and academic excellence. Our mission is reflected in our core values of:
Guided by these principles, our learners actively embrace exploration through authentic opportunities. KJDS cultivates a vibrant community that prioritizes social and emotional learning, enriched by meaningful service projects and supported by a diverse group of stakeholders and scholars. We deliberately cultivate joy by nurturing a natural passion for learning, empowering students to take charge of their education, and guiding them towards self-fulfillment.
The KJDS Board of Trustees is the school's governing body that oversees the financial well-being and stability of KJDS for future generations of students.
Board of Trustees
Bernard Bendriem
Judy Brietstein
Ali Cohen
Gina DiSavlo-TInley
Gloria Z. Greenfield
Anna Iroff-BaileyWes Johnson
Ellen Markman
Rachael Ellis
Susan Silber
Miriam Esther Wilhelm
Rabbi Yossi Wilhelm
Dr. Michael Zemel
The KJDS Advisory Council is comprised of esteemed individuals with valuable knowledge and experience.
Hallerin Hilton Hill
Talk Radio Host and Producer, Anything is Possible
Ellie Kittrell
Director of Early Care and Education Systems at United Way of Greater Knoxville and Bright Start TN Fellow
Bob Kronick, PhD
Professor, UTK Educational Psychology and Counseling
Calvin MacLean, PhD
Department Head, UTK Theatre
Mark Mamantov, JD
Member, Bass, Berry & Sims
Jeff Pappas, PhD
Director, UTK School of Music
Joshua Williams, PhD
Clinical Psychologist
Geoff Wolpert, Local Investor and Business Owner
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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