At Calgary Jewish Academy, students experience a strong academic program shaped by a distinctive dual curriculum that integrates the Alberta curriculum with Judaic studies and Hebrew language learning. Jewish values guide how students learn, take responsibility, and contribute to their community, supported by clear expectations and a culture that encourages curiosity.
From Nursery to Grade 9, our students build strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and problem-solving through a balanced academic program that supports both intellectual growth and identity development. As they progress at CJA, students are encouraged to take increasing ownership of their learning, step into age-appropriate leadership roles, and participate in acts of service that connect classroom learning to real-world responsibility.
In later years, our students experience greater academic independence, engage in deeper inquiry, and have opportunities to develop leadership skills within the school community. Graduates leave CJA ready for high school, with strong learning habits, confidence in themselves, and the ability to succeed in new academic and social environments.
CJA is a close-knit school community where students are known, supported, and encouraged to belong. Jewish life is part of the everyday rhythm of school — from shared traditions and celebrations to the relationships built in classrooms, hallways, and on the playground. Through this daily experience, students learn the values of Yiddishkeit (a lived sense of Jewish life and culture) and Menschlichkeit (kindness, integrity, and responsibility toward others).
From Nursery through Grade 9, students grow alongside peers and educators who know them well. They develop confidence, character, and leadership within a stable and supportive environment, building friendships and a sense of community that often extends well beyond their years at CJA.
Learning and Jewish life are woven together in ways that feel natural and meaningful. Whether hearing the prayers of Shabbat on Fridays or engaging in classroom learning throughout the week, students experience a school culture where tradition and modern childhood meet. This shared experience helps children develop a strong sense of identity, empathy for others, and confidence in who they are as learners and individuals.
We invite families to visit us and see how learning and community come together at Calgary Jewish Academy.
CJA is a close-knit school community where students are known, supported, and encouraged to belong. Jewish life is part of the everyday rhythm of school — from shared traditions and celebrations to the relationships built in classrooms, hallways, and on the playground. Through this daily experience, students learn the values of Yiddishkeit (a lived sense of Jewish life and culture) and Menschlichkeit (kindness, integrity, and responsibility toward others).
From Nursery through Grade 9, students grow alongside peers and educators who know them well. They develop confidence, character, and leadership within a stable and supportive environment, building friendships and a sense of community that often extends well beyond their years at CJA.
Learning and Jewish life are woven together in ways that feel natural and meaningful. Whether hearing the prayers of Shabbat on Fridays or engaging in classroom learning throughout the week, students experience a school culture where tradition and modern childhood meet. This shared experience helps children develop a strong sense of identity, empathy for others, and confidence in who they are as learners and individuals.
We invite families to visit us and see how learning and community come together at Calgary Jewish Academy.
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.