Dylan

For which years did you attend Pardes Jewish Day School?

I attended second grade through eighth grade, and I graduated in 2017.

Where did you continue your education?

I have continued my education at Phoenix Country Day School. I feel that Pardes did an excellent job in preparing me for this school both in academic and social terms.

What did you love about Pardes Jewish Day School?

First off, I absolutely love the academics at Pardes. Not only did my teachers challenge and teach me, but I was able to create a special relationship with each and every teacher due to the small class size. This was very special to me.  I also love the community at Pardes. The oldest kids know all the younger kids and everyone in between. One of my favorite memories I experienced as a Pardes community was coming together on Friday afternoons for Kabbalat Shabbat. The whole school came together and celebrated the end of the week and beginning of Shabbat.

What is one word that best describes the school?

One word that best describes Pardes is a family.  Even though I graduated, I go back to Pardes to visit my old teachers and friends in the younger grades.  My classmates from Pardes and I constantly make an effort to see each other, even though we don’t go to school together anymore, which I find very special.

Describe one of your favorite memories of Pardes.

One of my favorite memories of Pardes was our trip to Washington, D.C. in eighth grade. We were able to learn so much about America and Judaism, while creating memories with our classmates and teachers.

From your own experiences, why do you believe it was important for you to attend a Jewish Day School?

Attending a Jewish Day School has benefited me in many ways.  One way is that I was able to learn so much about who I am as a Jew.  Because of the fun and interactive way Pardes taught me about my religion, I look forward to services and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs.  I was also extremely prepared going into my Bat Mitzvah because of the way Pardes teaches Hebrew and Jewish Studies. I also loved getting to know and connecting with a variety of Jewish kids my age, older and younger.

In what ways did Pardes Jewish Day School prepare you for life?

Pardes prepared me for life in more ways that I can imagine.  Most importantly, Pardes brought me out of my shell. I used to be very shy but not after my experiences at Pardes.  I now feel prepared to to anything I set my mind to as a result of the confidence and security that Pardes enabled me to find in myself.

What would you tell someone who is considering Pardes Jewish Day School for his/her child?

If you are looking for a great education, unmeasurable support and an amazing way for your child to discover his/her Jewish identity, then Pardes is the school for you. I truly would not have wanted to spend the past seven years of my life anywhere else.