Admissions

Admissions Overview

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Transitional Kindergarten-Grade 8

Admissions at Pardes

Navigating the school selection process is easy at Pardes, especially when you’re trying to find what works best for your child as well as your family.

Pardes Jewish Day School is a warm, inclusive community committed to delivering outstanding secular and Jewish education. We nurture academic excellence and strong character development in every student, preparing them to lead lives of purpose, integrity, and compassion.

We foster intellectual curiosity and critical thinking, empowering students to engage with the world confidently and thoughtfully. Through strong partnerships between home and school, we create dynamic and diverse learning experiences that support each child’s growth.

Our Jewish education is deeply rooted in text, tradition, language, and history, inspiring a lifelong love of Torah, a meaningful connection to Israel, and a deep sense of belonging to the Jewish people—Klal Yisrael.
At Pardes, learning is not just about what students know, but who they become.

Admissions Process

List of 6 items.

  • 1. Schedule your in-person or virtual tour (optional)

    An in-person or virtual tour will give you the opportunity to experience Pardes firsthand. You’ll learn more about our unique approach to K-8 education, visit a classroom, and meet one-on-one with an admissions team member.
    Schedule a Tour
  • 2. Apply online

    We are now accepting applications. 
    Click Here to Apply
  • 3. Submit required documents

    Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten: Your child’s pre-school teacher will need to complete a recommendation form.

    Grades 1-5: Your child’s current classroom teacher will need to complete a recommendation form. Additionally, we will need school records from your child’s previous school.

    Grades 6-8: Your child’s language arts and math teachers will need to complete recommendation forms. We’ll also need school records from your child’s previous school.
  • 4. Student Visits

    Your child in first through eighth grade, will spend a visit day on campus with a Pardes buddy (in their current grade level). They will see the classes in action, meet their friends in their same grade, and enjoy lunch. If your child is entering transitional kindergarten or kindergarten, they will also participate in an admissions Discovery Day, which will be scheduled after your application has been completed.
  • 5. Admissions Decision

    After your child has enjoyed their “shadow day” and we have all of your completed forms, your application will be complete. Expect an admissions decision within ten business days for any applications submitted during Early Decision (October 1 – December 15) or Open Enrollment (December 16 – May 31).
  • 6. Enroll

    Families confirm with a signed contract and deposit by the deadline.

List of 1 members.

  • Photo of Lauren Kreisberger

    Lauren Kreisberger 

    Director of Admissions

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Developmentally-appropriate approach

Our small class sizes mean more personalized attention to and the recognition (and appreciation!) of different learning styles, allowing us to meet children where they are.

Students learn best through hands-on approach, which is why PBL and its proven effectiveness play an important role in a Pardes education.

Redefining well-rounded 

Life skills. Character education. Leadership development. Jewish values. Our students learn virtues and soft skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

Varying levels of observance

We are a welcoming Jewish day school community where your child will grow in their awareness of their heritage as they learn about Jewish traditions and culture. We approach Jewish education through the study of text, tradition, language, and history, and encourage a love of Torah, Israel, and Klal Yisrael (the Jewish people). 

Pardes recognizes that there is a variety of Jewish religious beliefs and perspectives that result in different forms of religious practice. Pardes believes that it is important to appreciate and honor these different approaches, to be respectful of them, and to educate our students as to their existence, origins and place within the Jewish community and our heritage. We do not present any one philosophy, belief or perspective as being the “correct” one or the “authentic” one. Students learn that there are different approaches and answers to the question, “What does Judaism say about …?”

We strive to create an environment where students are all welcomed and included in the greater community. We encourage critical thinking, questioning and careful analysis of the broad variety of options while students each choose their own path.

Students are known and valued

At Pardes, we believe that the foundation of meaningful learning begins with strong relationships. In our intentionally intimate environment, every student is seen, heard, and understood. Teachers don’t just know students by name—they know their passions, learning styles, strengths, and areas for growth. This deep knowledge allows us to meet each child where they are and challenge them to become their best selves.

Because our classrooms and community are small by design, no child gets lost in the crowd. Every student is actively supported and guided—whether they need extra encouragement, academic extension, or emotional support. This level of attention ensures that students don’t fall through the cracks or get left behind, but instead feel a deep sense of belonging and purpose.

When students know they matter, they engage more fully, take more intellectual risks, and grow into confident, capable learners. At Pardes, every child is not only known—they are valued.

About Our Campus

Pardes is proud to be on the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus where we have our own beautiful school campus and also enjoy the many benefits of being located next to the Jewish Community Center and other area Jewish agencies. 

When you come to campus, you’ll see some of the learning spaces that will enhance your child’s experience, including our Makerspace and classrooms complete with furniture that promotes collaboration and engagement. Additionally, you will get to step through and take in our updated playground areas, basketball court, pickleball court,  and outdoor spaces with protective shade and fans with misters. More than that, you will see happy students excited to talk and share their experiences at Pardes.

Frequently Asked Questions

List of 6 frequently asked questions.

  • When is the deadline to apply to Pardes and is there an application fee?

    Early decision applications are from September 1 through December 15. There is no application fee for early decision applicants. Open enrollment applications are accepted from December 16-May31. There is a $100 non-refundable application fee for applicants who apply during open enrollment.

    Special consideration applications are accepted from June 1- August 31 and applicants are considered based on availability. There is a $100 non-refundable application fee for applicants who apply during the special consideration period.
  • Do you offer Visit Days?

    Visit days are part of the application process for first through eighth graders. An application must be submitted before we schedule your child’s visit day.
  • Do you accept mid-year transfer students?

    To learn more about mid-year transfers and see if there is room in your child’s grade, please contact our admissions team at admissions@pardessachool.org, 480-991-9141 ext 103.
  • Are you ready to join the Pardes community?

    Schedule a campus tour to see our learning environment firsthand. Then, when you are ready, you can start your online application.
    Inquire Now
  • Does Pardes offer financial assistance?

    Yes, Pardes offers several options to help families offset the cost of tuition. Families are encouraged to apply to multiple Student Tuition Organizations (STOs), which allow scholarship awards to be stacked for maximum tuition assistance. Pardes also offers flexible payment plans, sibling discounts, and need-based aid through TADS to help bridge the gap between tuition and what a family can afford.

    The Jewish Tuition Organization (JTO) offers several ways to help with tuition obligations. If you qualify, you can apply for a need-based scholarship. You may also secure recommended support by having Arizona taxpayers recommend your child when making their tax credit contributions.

    Additionally, Arizona residents may benefit from state programs such as:
    • Tax Credit Scholarships: Arizona taxpayers can direct part of their state tax liability to an STO to support private school tuition.
    • Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA): Also known as ‘vouchers’. State-funded accounts that help cover private school costs.

    These resources make a Jewish day school education more accessible for families in Arizona.
  • My child is homeschooled. Should I complete the teacher recommendation form?

    If your child has been homeschooled, please let our admissions team know so we can advise you on how to proceed.

About

Pardes Jewish Day School is a welcoming community Jewish day school committed to exceptional secular and Jewish education with a focus on academics and character development.