Frequently Asked Questions
By attending the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School, does a student get a complete education?
Yes. MJGDS graduates are prepared to compete with students at all schools, both public and private. The second language our students study is Hebrew. We integrate values and ethics in our dual curriculum. Our faculty challenges each child to reach his or her fullest academic potential while nurturing their social development and Jewish identity.
Does the time spent on Jewish Studies affect learning in general studies?
No. Teaching and learning take place throughout the day regardless of the subject matter. The Judaic Studies program teaches and reinforces the intellectual skills of questioning, analyzing, evaluating and making choices. These are skills that are greatly needed in secular studies classes. If you look at both curricula as supplementing and reinforcing one another, the high academic achievements of our students are not surprising. Our students are well prepared for high school. Additionally, integrating our Jewish and general studies really enhances the educational experience as a whole.
We are not Conservative and are not observant. Will we fit in?
Yes. MJGDS welcomes all families who have made a commitment to raise their children as Jews. Great care is taken to present Jewish experiences as opportunities for celebration and for learning without being judgmental.
Where do our graduates go after 8th grade?
Our students are given guidance in the process of finding the high school that best meets their talents, interests, and needs. Those applying to private schools have been accepted to schools such as The Bolles School and St. Johns Country Day School. Many of those going to public schools qualify for academic magnets such as International Baccalaureate (IB) programs and Advanced International Certificate of Excellence (AICE) programs at Stanton College Preparatory School, Paxon School for Advanced Studies, and Mandarin High School. We hear our graduates are very well prepared and excel in their classes. Recent graduates have also been accepted to Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. This highly competitive school has exceptional creative writing and drama programs along with outstanding academics. Students who are not interested in or do not qualify for academic magnets are given guidance in choosing and applying to the high school that will best meet their needs.
How do our graduates adjust/measure up to other ninth graders?
Our graduates do very well in both public and private schools. Administrators tell us our students are well prepared in all areas. Our graduates know how to ask important questions, write reports, make presentations, think “out of the box” and work as a member of a team. Our students typically take on leadership roles and remain involved in community service and in the Jewish community.
Will my child be prepared for high school?
Yes. MJGDS provides its students with an excellent Jewish and general studies education in a nurturing environment. The challenging duel curriculum and small class size allow for individual attention from creative, knowledgeable teachers. Martin J. Gottlieb Day School offers a rigorous curriculum that prepares students to excel in secondary schools, college, and postgraduate studies. Our graduates have attended some of the best colleges in the country.
Do any of our students have learning issues?
Of course, and we will make accommodations for special circumstances. We have an academic resource teacher available to students who need help in certain academic areas. However, we are not a special needs school. If we do not feel we are able to meet the needs of a child, we will assist the family in finding a school that can meet the child’s need.
Do students who attend MJGDS also have to attend Sunday school and afternoon religious school?
No. Because our students are receiving a comprehensive Jewish education during the day, they do not need to attend additional religious school leaving more time for other activities.
Do students need to be tutored for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah?
MJGDS students with an upcoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah at the JJC get their training during the school day so parents do not have to schedule additional time after school. Beth Shalom synagogue often makes arrangements to work with the students who are members of their congregation during our school day as well.
Our family does not know Hebrew. Will this be a problem in assisting our children with their homework?
No. You do not need to know Hebrew as the homework is a review of the material learned by students in the classroom. The homework is given as a reinforcement of class work. As with all of our faculty, our Hebrew language staff makes itself available for assistance during the school day. Our Hebrew language staff understands that in most cases there is not a parent at home who can help the child with Hebrew homework. As such, only homework that teachers feel can be completed independently is sent home.
Do you have early morning and/or afternoon care?
Yes. Students may come as early as 7 a.m. and stay as late as 6:00 p.m. Registration forms are sent to all parents during the summer.
Do the students wear uniforms?
Yes. K-5 students must wear a school shirt with khaki or navy blue bottoms Monday through Thursday. On Fridays, Shabbat clothing is worn. While Middle school children do not have uniforms, they do have a dress code.
Is there a lunch program?
Yes. Lunch order forms are sent out each month. Our nutritious lunch choices include a meat option two times a week. Parents also have the option of packing a DAIRY lunch for their child(ren).
