Just the FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Weizmann Day School

What is the Weizmann Day School?

Established in 1983, Weizmann Day School is a non-profit, independent, and co-educational school for students from kindergarten through sixth grade. The school offers an outstanding academic education enriched by Judaic principles and practice. Established in 1983,

What is the school’s philosophy?

The Weizmann School is based on the Jewish philosophy of an engaged community - a rich set of cultural and ethical traditions in which family, community, knowledge and learning are held in the highest regard. Our mission is to instill a love and appreciation of such traditions while preparing students to achieve at the highest standards. We believe that a nurturing, positive environment creates the ideal conditions for intellectual and social growth. We provide students with the foundation of traditional scholarship as well as the benefits of innovative education.

What about interfaith / non-Jewish families?

Weizmann has always had families from a wide variety of backgrounds including mixed and non-Jewish families. While all children are exposed to Hebrew and to Judaica on a daily basis, we have found that each child and family take what they individually want from that experience and that it complements rather than hinders a child’s understanding of their own unique place in the world. We are happy to refer interested families to current or former families of similar backgrounds should they want to discuss this issue further.

Where is the school located?

Our campus is located on the grounds of the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center, 1 mile north of the 210 Freeway in Pasadena. The school is an easy walk to Eaton Canyon and Victory Park. The campus features large air conditioned classrooms, an indoor gym and stage, enclosed play yards, an arts and science workshop, a computer center, library, and multi-purpose room.

How large are class sizes?

We are committed to maintaining small class sizes. Classes are limited to a maximum of 22 students, with a teacher/assistant-to-student ratio of 1 to 8.

What is the age requirement for kindergarten?

Student must be 5 years old by December 2 of the entering year.

What is the educational background of the teachers?

All of our teachers are credentialed and highly experienced at their grade level. Over half of our staff have Master’s Degrees in their specialties and there is a strong commitment towards continued professional growth and development.

How do the students score on standardized tests?

Our students score extremely well. On the Educational Record Bureau CTP III tests, approximately 70% of our 5th and 6th grade students score well above the 97th percentile in math, reading, comprehension, verbal ability, and writing mechanics. The scores qualified these students for prestigious university sponsored programs designed to recognize academically talented youth. (John Hopkins Center for Talented Youth and University of California, Irvine).

Do you offer any special programs?

Yes, we certainly do. In our academic studies curriculum, computer classes and online access are fully integrated into students’ daily studies. The in-depth science curriculum includes individualized science projects for an annual school-wide science fair, and Astro and Science Camp for the 5th and 6th graders. Students enrich their studies with field trips to historical sites, museums, and special exhibitions. A Shakespeare play is studied annually by the school and performed by the 5th and 6th graders. Our school also has a fine arts program which includes the visual arts, theater and music. A physical education specialist works regularly with all classes. The annual art gallery is a highlight of the year. Music instruction includes recorder training and weekly choir sessions.

Do you provide after-school care and after-school enrichment classes?

Extra-curricular enrichment classes in theater, cooking, gymnastics, science and the arts are offered throughout the academic year at a nominal fee. Daycare is provided free of charge before school between 7:30 and 8:15 a.m. After school, we provide an extended care program at a low hourly rate until 5:30 p.m. Snacks, craft projects, as well as a quiet place to do homework are all part of this popular program.

Which schools do your students attend in 7th grade and beyond?

We are proud to have Weizmann Day School “alumni” enrolled at many of the private secondary schools in our area including Flintridge Preparatory, Westridge, Waverly, Polytechnic and High Point. Our head of school maintains close communication with all of the local private schools to ensure that the Weizmann Day School curriculum fully prepares our students for academic success as they move through the upper grades.