The Calgary Jewish Academy has launched a strategic planning process in partnership with Future Design School (FDS) to guide the school’s long-term direction as it approaches its 40th anniversary in 2027.
The initiative is being led by CJA’s CEO Jordan Balaban, who chairs a Strategic Plan Working Group, comprising members of the school’s leadership team and the Board.
Future Design School works with independent and Jewish day schools across North America to develop research-informed strategies grounded in each school’s priorities, identity and community. CJA will work directly with FDS Managing Director Sandra Nagy and her team to guide the strategic planning and community engagement process.
This initiative builds on recent developments at CJA, including strengthening its teaching team, bringing teacher salaries in line with those in Alberta’s public school system, adding classes to give students more individual attention, and expanding clubs and enrichment opportunities for students.
“We’ve made important investments in the student experience, and now we’re taking a longer-term view of where we want CJA to go,” said Balaban. “This process will help us establish clear priorities while ensuring that the people who know and care about our school have a voice in its future.”
As part of the strategic planning process, Future Design School will lead a community-wide consultation involving students, parents, teachers, staff, alumni and other community members. Through surveys, interviews and focus groups, participants will have opportunities to share their perspectives and help inform CJA’s future direction.
“Students today are growing up in a world that’s changing faster than any generation before them,” said Nagy. “Working with schools across North America and beyond, we see how important it is to plan for that while staying true to what makes each school special. We’re looking forward to hearing from the school community and working with CJA’s leadership to translate those insights into clear priorities and an actionable plan.”
CJA is an independent Jewish day school serving students from Nursery through Grade 9, offering a dual curriculum that combines the Alberta Education program of studies with Judaic Studies and Hebrew. Founded in 1987 through the merger of Calgary Hebrew School and the I.L. Peretz School, CJA continues a tradition of Jewish education in Calgary dating back to 1912.
Media Contact
Dana Silver, Director of Community & Advancement
silverd@cja.ab.ca, 403-253-3992 ext 321
Learn more: www.cja.ab.ca