About
The El Paso Jewish Academy is a community elementary / middle school open to students in grades one through eight. Through an integrated curriculum and a nurturing Jewish environment we provide our Jewish children with a quality secular and religious education.
Frequently Asked Questions
- With our level of Jewish observance, will we fit in? Absolutely!
- My child has had little or no exposure to Hebrew. Won't he/she feel lost if we start now?
- How do you teach both Judaic studies and secular studies and still reach such a high level of academic achievement?
- Will my child thrive in a smaller class size?
- Will my child have any difficulties when he/she transitions to a large high school?
- What are the admission requirements?
- I can't afford private school. Will scholarships or tuition assistance be available?
- Can my child visit the school to see what it is like?
With our level of Jewish observance, will we fit in? Absolutely!
The EPJA welcomes children and their families from all the varied backgrounds of Jewish life. We teach Judaic concepts and traditions in a manner which acknowledges, respects, and celebrates the diversity of the Jewish people. All families and students are respectful of one another, and are sensitive to the diversity inherent in our environment.
My child has had little or no exposure to Hebrew. Won't he/she feel lost if we start now?
Every year several children join the Academy knowing little to no Hebrew at a variety of grade levels. We are accustomed to this, and our expert faculty know how to ensure that each child learns at his/her own pace. Your child will be taught Hebrew (either through individualized tutoring and/or computer programs) at an appropriate and enjoyable level. Also, note, that some of the Judaics classes (Jewish history, etc.) are taught in English. Within two years, we observe that most children have caught up to their grade level, feel good about their accomplishments and take pride in their Jewish identity.
How do you teach both Judaic studies and secular studies and still reach such a high level of academic achievement?
Approximately 25% of the day is dedicated to Judaic studies. Since various secular and Jewish subjects in our curriculum are, by design, carefully interwoven, many "secular" academic skills are being taught or reinforced during this “Judaics” time. Much of the Judaics curriculum is used as an opportunity to teach music, art, and community service in ways that help students connect intimately with their heritage and Jewish values while developing specific skills. Similarly, the Judaics curriculum is expertly used to reinforce learning in other disciplines, from humanities all the way to math and science. This represents one of the great values of a Jewish day school education, and one of the reasons why high schools and universities seek out day school students for admission.
Our students and alumni consistently do well on standardized tests and are accepted into the high school International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement programs.
Will my child thrive in a smaller class size?
At EPJA, we have designed the curriculum and structured the schedule and classes to maximize the advantages of small class size. This is how we at EPJA achieve high academic achievement: through careful attention given to each child. You can expect that, even though we are growing rapidly, we will maintain this approach through the years. Educational research consistently shows that small class size has a direct correlation with high academic performance as well as overall satisfaction among students, teachers, and parents. When you visit our wonderful school, you will see that the class size is ideal for individualized instruction. However, you will also notice that when the students are socializing (such as in recess, lunch, and P.E.), they are with students in different grade levels.
Will my child have any difficulties when he/she transitions to a large high school?
Our alumni tell a wonderful success story in this regard. They say that because their self-confidence, self-esteem, and academic skills were on such firm ground, that they easily transitioned into a larger environment. They kept their EPJA friends, but felt comfortable and confident enough to branch out. Also, our students have learned from first grade on to respect those whom we perceive as different from ourselves. Because we have students of all different social, economic, and racial backgrounds, there isn't any “culture shock.” Finally, our students' lives do not just revolve around their school. Our students are involved in youth groups, clubs, sports teams, etc. that broaden their horizons and prepare them for the "bigger" world. One alumni shared, "EPHDS gave me life long friends and helped me identify with my heritage. It gave me a strong foundation for who I was and I am able to carry that with me wherever I go." Another alumni commented, "Every one of my graduating classmates went on to high school to thoroughly enjoy and incorporate themselves into the social scene. At the same time, we did not lose touch with each other, even though we branched out into different friends."
What are the admission requirements?
All students entering the Academy are expected to be within an acceptable range of grade level readiness. We expect our students to be either on or above grade level. We require the following upon entry: 1) past school records and standardized test scores; 2) a visit in the appropriate classroom where the teacher will collect information about your child's readiness. We make sure that our professional staff makes an enrollment decision that is in the best interest of the child.
I can't afford private school. Will scholarships or tuition assistance be available?
Thanks to our many donors and financial assistance programs, EPJA has a generous needs-based financial assistance policy to make this educational Jewish experience available to as broad a segment of the community as possible. It is the belief of the El Paso Jewish Academy that no student should be denied a Jewish education for financial reasons. To learn more about our fee schedule, click here to view our Admissions page. We also offer a sibling discount. Please see our fee schedule for more information.
Can my child visit the school to see what it is like?
We truly believe that "seeing is believing," and we can't wait for you to visit. We encourage children and/or their parents to set up an appointment to spend some time (whether it is a half hour or half day) at our school. We want you to be fully educated when considering educational options for your child, and so we encourage you to visit.