The Calgary Jewish Academy curriculum is based on the following principles guided by our vision of engaging, empowering and educating our students. At the CJA, we strive to honour core Jewish values through an enriched Alberta curriculum while being inspired to learn about Jewish religion, heritage and culture. We endeavour to create a culture of Yiddishkeit and Menschlekeit so that our graduates are knowledgeable and compassionate citizens who are proud of their heritage and identity.
At Calgary Jewish Academy (CJA), students walk down the halls on Friday hearing the prayers of Shabbat, the sounds of locker doors and zippered binders creating a chorus with prayers thousands of years old. In this way, generational legacies are forged and nurtured, ensuring traditions and teachings of centuries past continue to find their place in the Jewish homes of tomorrow.
At CJA we offer a dual curriculum, which expands beyond provincial requirements. Our approach incorporates a full Judaic curriculum which explores the history, and the heart, of the Jewish people. Our educators strive to offer students a broader understanding of the world, so they may anchor their personal histories and experiences inside those of the collective. This creates more room for unique experiences and diverse expression.
At Calgary Jewish Academy (CJA), students walk down the halls on Friday hearing the prayers of Shabbat, the sounds of locker doors and zippered binders creating a chorus with prayers thousands of years old. In this way, generational legacies are forged and nurtured, ensuring traditions and teachings of centuries past continue to find their place in the Jewish homes of tomorrow.
At CJA we offer a dual curriculum, which expands beyond provincial requirements. Our approach incorporates a full Judaic curriculum which explores the history, and the heart, of the Jewish people. Our educators strive to offer students a broader understanding of the world, so they may anchor their personal histories and experiences inside those of the collective. This creates more room for unique experiences and diverse expression.
Hanukkah is a time to celebrate light, resilience, and togetherness, and this year, the CJA community embodied all three at our annual Latke Lunch celebrations. With more than 400 guests in attendance, our school was filled with the warmth and joy of students, staff, parents, grandparents, alumni, and community members coming together to celebrate the Festival of Lights. The aroma of fresh latkes, the sounds of laughter and music, and the shared spirit of connection created a truly meaningful celebration. This year’s annual Latke Lunch for Grades 1–9 was a beautiful reflection of the strength of our community. Guests gathered to enjoy performances by our students, reconnect with one another, and share in a tradition that brings generations together. It was especially meaningful to welcome alumni and community members alongside our current families, reinforcing the enduring bonds that make CJA such a special place.
Students at the Calgary Jewish Academy had the rare opportunity to engage in a deeply meaningful learning experience thanks to the support and dedication of Calgary Jewish Federation, whose commitment to Holocaust education continues to bring impactful programs to our students and school community. World-renowned advocate Jonny Daniels visited the school to offer our Grade 6–9 students an unforgettable window into his work. Sharing stories of the last living Righteous Among the Nations, Daniels told of remarkable acts of courage taken by those who risked everything to help Jewish people escape, hide, and survive during the Holocaust – challenging students to consider what they might do when ‘doing the right thing’ comes with tremendous personal risk.
It was a beautiful morning at the Calgary Jewish Academy as students, grandparents, and grandpals came together to celebrate one of the school’s most cherished traditions, Grandparents & Grandpals Day. The event, which coincided with a special Shabbat celebration, highlighted the importance of l’dor v’dor, the passing of traditions, values, and wisdom from generation to generation. Throughout the morning, guests and students participated in a variety of engaging stations designed to spark connection and reflection. Students interviewed their grandparents and grandpals about their childhoods, family traditions, and Jewish memories. Together, they took part in mitzvah activities, explored the Scholastic Book Fair, enjoyed quiet reading moments in the PJ Library nook, and created keepsake crafts to take home.