On behalf of the Gesher JDS Board of Directors, I welcome you to our school and to our website!   

If you are just learning about our school, I encourage you to visit our new school building and to see Gesher nurture individual excellence first hand!  The Board is proud that we now have our own building, a place for our students and faculty to learn and work--truly a special community!
  

In the 2008-2009 academic year, the Board is working closely with our Head of School, Dr. Zvi Schoenburg to raise funds, provide support for new programs and to implement policies for the school.   This year, the Board has formally embarked on a strategic planning process, a critical exercise that will help to determine what Gesher “will look like” in the future.  In this process, we will reach out to our stakeholders to ask and answer fundamental questions pertaining to the academic program, enrollment, additional uses of the property and financial planning in the next 5 to 10 years.

A day school education affords students such a unique opportunity. Along with all the basics, math, English, a specialized science curriculum, social studies, Hebrew, kids learn the concept of tikkun olam to prepare for the life long importance of justice and performing good deeds here at school, in our community and beyond. At its core, Gesher helps to teach derech eretz, helping to shape our kids into good citizens and to be kind, caring and to treat each other with respect.  In addition, Jewish texts and values offer tools to teach critical thinking and learn life long lessons.   Rigor. Thinking. Creativity. Tradition. Character.  Gesher is uniquely positioned to teach these. 

It is an exciting time at Gesher and if you are a current parent, there are many ways to get involved!  Consider volunteering in your child’s class, helping with our Parent Teacher Organization Mishpahat Gesher or feel free to contact me to learn more about supporting activities of the Board of Directors. 

B’Shalom,

Ann Bennett

President, Gesher Jewish Day School

Jazmom4@gmail.com  

Gesher Jewish Day School is Northern Virginia's Jewish Community Day School. Founded in 1982, Gesher proudly serves Jewish families from different geographic areas, many congregations, and diverse approaches to Jewish life in our growing community. In this way Gesher helps Jewish children and Jewish families connect to one another through an outstanding Jewish education.

A private, co-educational day school for Kindergarten through 8th grade, Gesher offers a rigorous dual curriculum of Judaic and General Studies. Gesher prides itself on being a place where every child can shine.

Gesher is accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS). The academic program is strong and on par with strong private schools and the best public schools in the nation.

Gesher is proud to offer small class size, typically limited to 16 students, with an average student-to-teacher ratio of 9:1. This affords us the luxury of individualized attention and special programs for our students, and helps us to maintain Gesher's warm, nurturing atmosphere. Both our teachers and our parent body enjoy the flexible, supportive, and student-centered learning environment of Gesher.

"Gesher", in Hebrew, means "bridge". Gesher Jewish Day School's vision is to Build a Bridge of Knowledge, Character, and Wisdom to the Future.

Gesher Jewish Day School is governed by a Board of Directors composed of parents and community members. A Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) serves as a volunteer support organization.