Bradley
For which grades did you attend Pardes? What year did you graduate from Pardes?
I attended Pardes from 1st through 8th grade. I graduated in 2015.
We’d love an update on your life after Pardes. Where did you continue your education?
I attended Phoenix Country Day School for high school and graduated in 2019. I currently a sophomore at the University of Georgia, where I am studying computer science in their Honors College.
What did/do you love about Pardes Jewish Day School?
The thing I loved the most about Pardes was the tight-knit community that was formed among the students and the faculty. Everyone knows one another. The school is more like big family, which enabled me to form life-long bonds.
What is one word that best describes the school? Tell us why you chose that word.
Engaging. Due to the school’s small size, the teachers are able to get to know the students on a very personal level. Differential learning is a big part of the school. Whether a child is advanced or needs some additional help, adjustments are made so that all the students remain engaged. Everyone is encouraged to be the best versions of themselves.
From your own experiences, why do you believe it was important for you to attend a Jewish Day School?
I believe that it was very important for me to attend a Jewish Day School because during my time at Pardes, I gained a Jewish identity that I have held on to since graduation and will continue to have for the rest of my life. At Pardes, I learned what it meant to be Jewish and why it was important to recognize and celebrate my religion. In fact, just this past year at Phoenix Country Day School, I took over as the president of our high school Jewish Club, where I have run meetings about Jewish holidays/traditions, as well as bring in guest rabbis to speak with the club.
In what ways did Pardes Jewish Day School prepare you for life?
Even though I have only gone through high school, I have already seen the extensive ways that Pardes has prepared me for life. Most of all, Pardes taught me how to have strong work ethic. I knew that going to high school at Phoenix Country Day School was going to be intellectually challenging, but I was able to take the skills that I gained at Pardes to help me to succeed in high school.
What would you tell a someone who is considering Pardes Jewish Day School for his/her child?
While there may be other Jewish schools or schools of similar size, none would have the same Jewish community and family-feel of Pardes. From my initial moments on campus in 1st grade to now, I have always felt that I am part of the special Pardes family.
We are proud of our graduates! Do you have any accomplishments you would like to share?
In high school, I was a part of the leadership board of the school’s Key Club (a community-service based club) since 10th grade and was president of the club during both my 11th and 12th grade years. I was also the president of our school’s Jewish club during my 12th grade year. Also, I was the varsity tennis team captain, where our team took second place in the state. Lastly, I received top awards in Math and Spanish and a faculty award called the Geoffrey D. Campbell Award at Phoenix Country Day School.