Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School

Founded in 1965, the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School (CESJDS) is one of the largest and most prestigious K-12 Jewish day schools in North America. CESJDS is approved by the State of Maryland Department of Education and accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
The Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School is an independent community day school serving students from Kindergarten through 12th grade. The School is dedicated to creating an environment in which students can grow to their fullest potential as responsible and dedicated members of the Jewish community and of American society. Based on six basic Jewish precepts, the Mission of the School is to teach its students:

Torah L’Shmah
to become lifelong learners inspired by a love of “learning for the sake of learning” through a rigorous comprehensive academic program of general and Judaic studies which places a priority on critical, independent and creative thought and expression.

Ahavat Torah
to understand and appreciate the wisdom, spiritual depth and ethical guidance of Judaism.

K’dushah
to understand and appreciate the perception of God’s presence in the awe and wonder of our world and how we can sanctify our lives through the practice and experience of the Mitzvot.

Ahavat Yisrael
to form an inextricable bond with the Jewish people – past, present and future – to foster a sense of commitment to the State of Israel, and to appreciate and master the Hebrew language as the language of the Jewish people.

V’ahavta L’Rayakha
to create a caring, moral community based upon the concepts of B’tzelem Elokim (each individual is created in the image of God) and Derekh Eretz (ethical decency) in which members respect uniqueness and preciousness and are responsible for each other and the community.

Tikun Olam
to be passionate about preserving God’s world and making it a more compassionate, just and peaceful place through individual and collective commitment to programs of social action and public policy.