Portland Jewish Academy strives to ensure an academically rich environment which honors the whole child.
PJA nurtures and inspires Jewish engagement, kavod/respect, and responsibility for the world in which we live.
Our unique curriculum combines interdisciplinary learning, community involvement, and foreign language acquisition all with a values-based approach.
Students at PJA are encouraged to think critically, independently, and creatively.
They think for themselves and work for the world.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked OR School
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 264 students
- Yearly Tuition: $22,050
- Acceptance rate: 85%
- Average class size: 20 students
- Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Portland Jewish Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Oregon for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Dyslexia / Language-based or Mild Learning Differences
Year Founded
1961
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
Awards
Blue Ribbon School - Selected in 2005
Student Body
Total Students
264 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
2%
State avg.: 24%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
58 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
5:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
20 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Feb. 1 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$22,050
Tuition Notes
The above cost is for day school. Early Childhood rates depend on amount of days and start at $610 per month. Tuition Assistance is available to those interested in applying.
% on Financial Aid
50%
Acceptance Rate
85%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Sarah Glass
Sports
Total Sports Offered
2 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
4 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Cup Stacking Club, Science Club, Work for the World Club, Writing Club
Cup Stacking Club, Science Club, Work for the World Club, Writing Club
School Notes
- Preschool: At PJA we value each child as an individual who learns in a multitude of ways. Our early childhood programs provide welcoming and inclusive settings that recognize children`s diverse abilities, interests, needs, and learning styles.
- Lower School: PJA lower school students develop a strong foundation in academics and social-emotional skills. We use a hands-on approach in our classes. For example, children are introduced to addition and subtraction through use of everyday objects before they move on to abstract manipulation of numbers. Students write daily; they brainstorm, draft, and revise their work to produce stories, letters, reports and poetry. We read and share comprehension in all content areas. Critical thinking skills are introduced at this level as well. In every subject from science to social studies, students are encouraged to ask questions, to investigate, and to come to their own conclusions with the guidance of our excellent instructors. Lower school students also begin studying Hebrew and Jewish Studies as five year olds in Kindergarten. Specialists in art, music, physical education, and dance round out our full-spectrum curriculum.
- Middle School: The middle school years are when critical thinking really takes root. In every discipline, including math, science, the humanities, and the arts, students learn by doing, asking, and thinking for themselves. They develop the critical analytical skills that most students don't learn until college. Our middle school students apply these critical thinking skills to discussions of ethics and values, developing solid, grounded views about morals, community and culture. In addition, the Jewish Studies program supports and develops critical thinking skills and provides opportunities for in-depth discussion and analysis. All middle school students participate in our Taglit (discovery) program, a special week-long session between semesters. Taglit is focused, performance-based, and hands-on. Students delve deeply into these intensive seminar-style courses, learning quite a bit in a short amount of time. Upcoming plans for courses include oceanography, a full-stage drama production, and creative writing. Specialists in music, art, physical education, dance, technology, library and an artist-in-residence program round out our program.
- After-school activities. PJA shares an expansive facility with the Mittleman Jewish Community Center; therefore, PJA students have access to an exceptional range of activities for after school. Gymnastics, soccer, basketball, swimming, and chess are just a few of the activities students enjoy on campus. Please contact PJA to discover whether PJA's combination of academic excellence and ethical wisdom is right for your family.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Portland Jewish Academy cost?
Portland Jewish Academy's tuition is approximately $22,050 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Portland Jewish Academy?
The acceptance rate of Portland Jewish Academy is 85%, which is lower than the national average of 89%.
Does Portland Jewish Academy offer a summer program?
Yes, Portland Jewish Academy offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Portland Jewish Academy offer?
Portland Jewish Academy offers 2 interscholastic sports: Basketball and Cross Country.
What is Portland Jewish Academy's ranking?
Portland Jewish Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Oregon for: Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for Portland Jewish Academy?
The application deadline for Portland Jewish Academy is Feb. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
In what neighborhood is Portland Jewish Academy located?
Portland Jewish Academy is located in the Southwest Portland neighborhood of Portland, OR. There are 26 other private schools located in Southwest Portland.
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