Frequently Asked Questions

How would you describe Chicagoland Jewish High School (CJHS)?

CJHS is a vibrant, co-ed college preparatory high school committed to academic excellence in general and Judaic studies. CJHS opened its doors in 2001 to 26 students. Since then, CJHS has grown to over 160 students from 21 communities throughout and beyond the Chicagoland area. CJHS students and their families are affiliated with 48 synagogues and represent a wide spectrum of Jewish observance. CJHS is affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and the Solomon Schechter Day School Association. CJHS is accredited by the State of Illinois and the Independent Schools Association of the Central States, and has received recognition by the U.S. Department of Education.

How successful are CJHS graduates when applying to colleges?

A CJHS education is highly regarded in the college community. Our graduates have enrolled at some of the most prestigious universities in the country. CJHS students benefit from a strong college counseling program that helps them explore the full range of possibilities in order to find the college that is the right fit academically, socially, and religiously. For more information, contact Merle Spielman (mspielman@cjhs.org) or Ellen Rostker (erostker@cjhs.org), CoDirectors of College Counseling.

What are the advantages of a smaller, independent school?

A smaller school offers many advantages. Research indicates that student achievement increases in a smaller environment and students benefit from the more personalized attention they receive. Students also have a greater opportunity to take on leadership roles and participate in extracurricular activities. At CJHS, each student is recognized as a valued and respected individual, and each student learns to appreciate the differences that make each of us unique.

How does CJHS continue to attract an exceptional faculty?

From the start, the school has enjoyed an impressive reputation among educators who respect the school’s commitment to academic excellence. CJHS offers a pay scale that is competitive with area public high schools as well as an impressive staff development mentorship program. There is also a wonderful atmosphere of collegiality at CJHS that both attracts and helps retain leading educators.

What is the athletics program like at CJHS?

At CJHS, sports are about experiencing success, developing self-discipline, and learning to be part of a team. CJHS's athletic program includes tennis, basketball, soccer, cross-country, golf, badminton, Ultimate Frisbee, bowling, swimming, and more. CJHS has a “no cut” policy and requires only that students attend practices and work to improve. An impressive 75% of CJHS students participate in extracurricular athletics, and most teams have been established in response to student initiatives. For more information, contact Josh Gleicher, Athletic Director, at jgleicher@cjhs.org.

How will my child get to school?

CJHS families have a variety of transportation options. Our Deerfield location is conveniently situated to take advantage of public transportation. Specific questions should be directed to Inez Altman Drazin, Director of Building Services, at idrazin@cjhs.org.

How much homework can my child expect?

Homework is part of any high school learning environment and is certainly part of knowledge acquisition at CJHS. Students have found the homework load to be significant, yet not overwhelming. In addition, because of the smaller class sizes and the accessibility of faculty, students are able to seek additional help from teachers when needed.

My child has never been to a Jewish day school. How will he/she be integrated into CJHS?

Academically, CJHS has a track for students coming from a Jewish day school background and a separate track for those who have attended public schools. Your child will take general studies classes with his or her grade-level peers. Judaic studies classes are tracked by Hebrew language level and ability to interpret texts. CJHS makes Talmud/Torah study accessible to all students by offering classes instructed in both Hebrew and English. Socially, CJHS students are part of a warm and inclusive community that is quick to welcome new students. Further questions can be answered by Rachel Spiro, Admissions Director, at rspiro@cjhs.org.

Will our family’s Jewish observance fit with CJHS?

CJHS is a pluralistic environment. Students and their families represent a wide spectrum of Jewish observance, attending Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, Reconstructionist, and post-denominational congregations. While religious practices vary widely among the student body, CJHS works hard to ensure that students welcome and respect each other’s levels of observance.

What is the social life like at CJHS?

Life at CJHS is full of spirit and a tremendous sense of community. Because of the school’s size, CJHS students develop friendships with grade-level peers as well as with older and younger students. There are also numerous opportunities for students to get involved socially through extracurricular clubs, athletics, and leadership programs. In addition, many CJHS students participate and have leadership roles in Jewish community youth groups of every affiliation.