Why do parents choose Kadima for their children?

Kadima parents have made it a priority to give their children the best possible education that balances academic achievement with social responsibility. Kadima is dedicated to providing the highest level of academic achievement in general and Judaic Studies. Kadima integrates lessons about integrity, kindness, compassion and caring into all aspects of the school. We are a community of parents and children who share this vision.

How does Kadima prepare students for the larger world?

Children, who have well-defined identities, exude confidence, have a solid knowledge base, and demonstrate a deep sense of respect for others, become leaders. Their skills and knowledge lead them to become responsible and active members of society. With this foundation, most of our graduates become leaders in their high schools and colleges.

Is Kadima a licensed, accredited school?

Kadima is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and is a member of the Solomon Schechter Day School Association (SSDSA), the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and the Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education (PEJE). Our Early Childhood Center is licensed by the State of California, Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing.

What is Kadima’s educational philosophy?

Kadima emphasizes basic skills and critical thinking within the context of developmentally appropriate practices. Our goal is to empower our students through their mastery of content and study skills. Equally important is our emphasis on character development. We accomplish this by teaching and practicing peaceful communication and empathy. We help students to understand, cherish and live by Jewish traditional values including developing a sense of responsibility toward the community in which we live.

Our family may not be as observant as others. Will our children fit in?

Kadima is affiliated with United Synagogue and the Solomon Schechter Day School Association and is part of the national Conservative movement. Just as the Jewish community is composed of a wide range of Jewish practice and observance, our school welcomes Jewish families at every level of observance. Kadima families reflect the diversity of our dynamic local Jewish community. Our goal is to provide a positive experience that will develop powerful memories, solid knowledge, and feelings of connectedness with Israel, the Jewish community and religious life. Kadima embraces an egalitarian approach to the practice of Jewish living.

How does Kadima succeed in teaching a dual curriculum in a regular school day?

The key to our success is small class size combined with skilled, experienced and creative teachers. Our differentiated instruction ensures the success of all learners.

What curriculum enrichment does Kadima offer?

Beginning in Kindergarten, students have computer instruction in our technology lab. We offer music programs (Judaic and secular) as well as physical education and art. Grades 5-8 participate in overnight trips to such locations as Sacramento, San Francisco, Catalina Island and Washington, DC. A science lab provides an environment for middle school science exploration.

Who are the teachers at Kadima?

All Kadima teachers are fully credentialed with degrees from some of the finest universities in the United States and Israel. Faculty members have been awarded the prestigious Milken Distinguished Educator Award. Staff participates in intensive professional staff-development workshops throughout the year.

How does Kadima address individual learning needs?

We offer differentiation in order to accommodate the various strengths of students. Individual assessments and a review of school records and transcripts will determine your child’s readiness for Kadima.

Is my child at a disadvantage because we do not speak Hebrew at home?

No. It is not necessary for parents to read or to speak Hebrew in order for their children to be successful at Kadima.

Can students enroll at Kadima after 1st grade without prior Hebrew background?

Yes. Students can and do enter Kadima at all grade levels. We make every effort to ease the transition for incoming students and their families.

What is Kadima’s Kashrut policy and do you have a Hot Lunch program?

We have a full-time cook and offer kosher hot lunch daily. You may purchase lunch as often as you wish. Lunch order forms are sent home the last two weeks of each month for the next month. Lunches from home must be dairy or vegetarian. Our hot lunch program is wholesome, tasty and nutritious.

Does Kadima offer extended day care?

Children may be dropped-off as early as 7:30 a.m. and remain at school until 6:00pm; on Fridays, Kadima closes at 2:45 for the observance of Shabbat. Additional fees may apply.

How can parents get involved at Kadima?

Kadima parents are involved in an active Parent Teacher Organization and a Board of Trustees. Both of these organizations provide valuable support for the life of the school, and we welcome and encourage all parents to participate.

Does Kadima have a summer Program?

Camp Kadima welcomes children from at age 2 through Kindergarten and includes swimming lessons at our campus pool. Camp Kadima is open to the community.

When is the deadline for applications?

Applications for admission are available in September and are due no later than January 31. Admission decisions are sent by mid March. Applications submitted after the deadline will be accepted on a rolling basis if space is available.

Does Kadima offer financial aid?

Yes. Tuition assistance is available for children beginning in Gesher/Transitional-Kindergarten for families who qualify. Families must complete and submit an application for tuition assistance, available at the Finance Office. The process is strictly confidential, and is independent of the admission process.

Is synagogue membership required?

No. Kadima is an independent school, not affiliated with any synagogue. Many of our families are members of local conservative, orthodox and reform synagogues, some families are unaffiliated. We encourage synagogue membership.

What is the cut-off date for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten?

Children applying for Pre-Kindergarten must be 4 by September 1.
Children applying for Kindergarten must be 5 by September 1.
Children applying for Grade 1 must be 6 by September 1.

What are the requirements for admission to Kadima Hebrew Academy?

All applicants for grades K through 8 are assessed to determine their level of readiness, both developmentally and academically. This assessment is also used for class placement and as a baseline for tracking student progress.

What are the grade levels?

Kadima accepts children for the 2 year old program through grade 8.

What are the hours of the school day?

Early Childhood Center: hours vary by program (typically 9:00 am — 12:00 pm or 9:00 am to 3:00 pm)

Kindergarten: 7:45 am — 3:00 pm
Grades 1-5: 7:45 am — 3:15 pm
Grades 6-8: 8:00 am — 3:35 pm

What is the class size at Kadima?

The average teacher/student ratio is 12:1, with an average school-wide class size of 15. Early Childhood Center class size follows licensing guidelines set by the State of California, Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing.

What is Kadima’s dress code?

All students are required to be appropriately dressed according to the established dress code. We expect each student to dress in a way that reflects respect for the learning environment and which meets appropriate standards of good taste, cleanliness and neatness. Kadima believes that students should come to school ready to focus on educational pursuits in an environment that reflects Kedusha (sacredness).

How do Kadima students perform on objective, standardized tests?

A majority of Kadima students score very high. Scores range from average to exceptionally high. Most graduates qualify for magnet, enriched or Advanced Placement programs in public high schools. Beginning in third grade, the Educational Research Bureau exams are administered in May of each year. The California Association of Independent Schools requires this exam for all accredited schools.

What schools do Kadima students attend after eighth grade graduation?

Our graduates are accepted into Jewish day, secular independent and public high schools. Kadima graduates have an excellent reputation among the secondary school community. Kadima graduates are sought after by leading private and public secondary schools as New Jewish Community High School, Milken Community High School, Shalhevet, El Camino High School, Calabasas High School, Oak Park High School and Cleveland Magnet High School. At the university level they attend some of the most competitive universities in the country, including, Brandeis, Columbia University, Northwestern University, Stanford, Tufts, UC Berkley, Los Angeles, San Diego, University of Pennsylvania, University of Southern California and Washington University. In the recent years, Kadima graduates were valedictorians in four area high schools.

Will my child be prepared for Bar/Bat Mitzvah?

Kadima students acquire the necessary skills at school. Their synagogue will teach them their specific Torah portion. Most Kadima students do much more that the typical Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Students often read the Torah, Haftorah and lead services at their ceremony.

The success of our program is directly related to experienced and inspiring teachers, an active parent body, eager inquisitive students, and an outstanding facility.