Pardes Jewish Day School

"Pardes has been an incredible experience for us and our children. It has provided (and continues to provide) an environment that promotes strong secular academics within a nurturing culture rooted in Judaism. Our children have learned to think critically and analytically, well beyond rote memorization. Best of all, the low student-to-teacher ratios allow for the teachers to truly assess and focus on the individual needs of each student. Not surprisingly, Pardes graduates enter the high school system incredibly well-prepared and full of confidence. Our only regret is that we didn't send our oldest child to Pardes until second grade!"

"My boys started Pardes in middle school. They had been in a secular private school prior to Pardes where they excelled; however, it felt more like a country club than a community. We switched to Pardes because my boys expressed their desire to be with their friends. It is difficult to express my appreciation and gratitude for what Pardes offered my boys. They had amazing teachers who were truly invested in their success, there is a sense of community that is unparalleled, and the student body is kind and caring. I can say without hesitation that this is the absolute best middle school experience I could have imagined for my boys. In middle school there are programs that involve middle-schoolers and pre-K children as well as seniors. This provides an opportunity to teach and practice chesed (loving-kindness) among the entire age range of the Jewish community. Although such programs may exist, I personally have not seen that in other middle school programs. I believe there is value in teaching children to be humanitarians along with teaching them substantive material. Pardes is a warm and caring community, the administration knows the children and families, and it is very safe. In addition, my son just completed his his freshman year at Chaparral with 3 honors classes and earned straight A's. Despite previous reviews, my son was academically and socially well prepared for high school. My younger son will be starting Chaparral in the fall and I am certain he, too, is well prepared to succeed in his honors classes."

"Pardes Day School is a wonderful, nurturing community where your children will learn key values such as kindness, respect, and giving from Day 1. The academics are superb and rigorous and the small classes allow for a lot of individual attention. Our children have a very strong sense of their Jewish identity and are well-versed in Hebrew. Our daughter is thriving in high school as a result of the incredible faculty and rigorous academics. I could not think of a better secular or religious education for my children than Pardes. In terms of creating a "bubble," I completely disagree. These kids are some of the most confident, self-assured kids I have seen, capable of excelling in honors programs, speech and debate teams, theater programs, sports teams, etc in all types of high schools through the valley, both public and private. Our graduates go on to some of the best universities in the Country in large part because Pardes prepared them so well early on. Our new head of the school, Peter Gordon, is a phenomenal leader, so well respected, and has key ideas about the direction in which to take the school. Aside from his outstanding ideas, he is personable, approachable and well liked by all, students, parents and faculty alike. I have no doubt he will do great things for Pardes."

"There are a couple of recent negative reviews about Pardes, which is interesting considering that Terry Braun and Julia Foldman are not current or former Pardes parents (but present themselves as such). I would recommend to any prospective Pardes families to do their own independent research about the School--speak to Pardes admissions and current Pardes families to discuss their experiences about the School. I personally cannot say enough great things about Pardes. The middle school is extremely strong academically. Our son is in 8th grade and has been there since kindergarten. He's two grade levels ahead in math and one grade level ahead in science, and will enter Chaparral High in honors in both subjects. He is Student Council President and his flag football team won the conference championship in 3 out of 4 years (against Rancho Salono and PCDS). Our daughter is in 4th grade and is similarly thriving. More important, Pardes has instilled a very strong sense of identity and self-confidence in our children. There are no doubts this foundation will serve them well both academically and socially in the future. The new Head of School is a positive for Pardes. The former one left the school in a great place, and the new one is bringing a high level of experience and energy which will continue growing enrollment to record levels. For those who complain about the cost of Pardes, there are tax credit dollars available from multiple outlets that can significantly reduce the cost of tuition. Anyone who wants a Jewish education for their children should and will have access to one at Pardes."

"Our eldest daughter graduated from Pardes in 2017 and is thriving at Phoenix Country Day School, where one-third of their new 9th grade students this year are Pardes graduates. PCDS has been extremely impressed with the preparedness of the Pardes students. Her other Pardes classmates have also transitioned extremely well to their respective high schools. We look forward to our other daughter, who is still at Pardes, having a similar seamless transition to high school. Pardes not only provides a wonderful academic education, its holistic approach makes learning interesting and relatable. The students form incredible bonds with each other and the community of families is extraordinarily warm and friendly. I can't imagine our daughters having a more positive experience. And, the middle school is extraordinary! These students learn incredible reading and writing skills and the science teacher is like having a college professor--although he really challenges the students, he makes it fun and engaging. And, I love that our girls have gained a strong Jewish identity and pride in their Judaism, in part, through their Pardes experience. Thank you, Pardes, for all you have done for our girls!"