DISCOVER WHY
CHICAGOLAND JEWISH HIGH SCHOOL IS THE #1 CHOICE!
Chicagoland Jewish High School www.cjhs.org
REASON #1
COMMITTED TO ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
“By the time my sons leave CJHS, they will have a firm grounding not only in English, History, Mathematics and Sciences, but also in Ethics, Philosophy and the Law. Studying at CJHS helped them build their critical thinking from day one. They were encouraged to candidly express their opinions, questions and feelings about how our forebears led and followed, lived and died, destroyed and built. They will leave that small environment with a powerful sense of the world and their responsibility in making it a better place.� Anne McDonagh, CJHS Parent
REASON #2
BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS ON AND OFF THE COURT • Two-time IHSA Regional Champions (2010, 2013) • IHSA Sectional Finalists (2013) • 94% of players qualified for the IHSA Team Academic Achievement Award • Winner of the Chicago Prep Conference Sportsmanship Award (2012-2013) • Head Coach named “Coach of the Year” by Chicago Prep Conference and by the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (2012-2013)
REASON #3
INNOVATIVE TEACHERS
“This is the only place where my math teacher can explain sigma-notation for ACT prep, tie it in to the sugya I’m learning in Talmud and reference an inside joke between her and the history department in the course of fifteen minutes. Traditional? Absolutely not. Pedagogically innovative? Who knows? Does it make us enjoy learning? Without question.” Joe Kupferberg, ‘14
REASON #4
COLLEGES CHOOSE CJHS STUDENTS
• 100% of CJHS students who have applied have been accepted to top colleges and universities for 11 consecutive years • 18:1 student to college counselor ratio (Class of 2013) • Over 70 colleges, universities and gapyear programs made recruitment visits to CJHS (2012-2013) • 175 different colleges and universities have admitted CJHS students
REASON #5
STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITY
Located outside the heart of Chicago, our new 72,000 square-foot campus is fully equipped with: • Spacious, inviting classrooms • Science rooms that integrate lecture spaces with labs • Library with private work space and study area • Computer labs and media center • Beautiful sanctuary • College guidance and planning center • High school competition-size gymnasium • Fitness center • Locker rooms with showers • Art room and studio • Choir, band and orchestra rooms • Student lounge • Dining and social hall • Outdoor patio • Six half-court outdoor basketball courts • Regulation-size soccer field • Easy access by car, bus and train
REASON #6 MODEL UN TEAM TRIUMPHS AT NATIONAL CONFERENCE More than 300 individual schools and over 3,100 students from around the world compete in the Model UN Conference in New York City. Chicagoland Jewish High School received the following honors in 2012 and 2013: • Second Place Team Award • Seven individual student awards of distinction • Special invitation to present committee resolutions at closing ceremonies • Appointment to serve on specialized security council committees
REASON #7
CJHS CELEBRATES THE HOLIDAYS
“One of the primary purposes of Jewish holidays has always been to be joyful. At CJHS, we combine learning in a classroom with real celebration about who we are as Jewish individuals and as a Jewish community.” – Rabbi Zachary Silver, Rav Beit Sefer “Celebrating holidays at CJHS is not only a lot of fun, but it also helps us to feel connected to the larger Jewish community.” – Jack Rubinstein, Class of 2016
REASON #8
CJHS STUDENTS KNOW HOW TO HAVE FUN Students are the heart of CJHS’s vibrant atmosphere. They sing, they dance they play hacky sack! From day one, students engage in many exciting activities including: • School dances • Yearly barbecues • Student vs. faculty basketball games • All-school tug-of-wars • Annual ice cream parties • Pie-eating contests • Purim shpiels • Color wars “CJHS was one of the most fun experiences I’ve had in my life. I was able to see my friends and hang out with them in the hallways. When we were in class, my friends and I sparked great conversations that enhanced our friendships. Preparing for school dances and doing the funky dance moves always made us laugh. I still look back at my CJHS memories. Those moments are some of the things I miss most.” –Jessica Rubens ‘11
REASON #9
CJHS IS ONE BIG FAMILY
“I don’t have any siblings. When I came to CJHS, I was surprised to find that my class became my family. I am so happy that we have created this bond that will last forever. I can’t imagine what my life would have been like if I didn’t come to CJHS.” –Eryn Minkow ‘13
Granddaughter, Grandmother
“CJHS has such a close knit community that it has become my second family. It is extra special to come to this school every day and have the opportunity to work with my sister.” –Josh Gleicher, Athletic Director Three Generations
Faculty Siblings
REASON #10 CJHS STUDENTS ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE “When I joined Youth Philanthropy Initiative during my freshman year, I immediately began learning about how to raise money and be an active philanthropist. YPI is an extremely powerful club because not only do we raise a large sum of money for a specific organization, but we get the entire school involved in our cause through fundraisers and PR. We dedicate an entire year to support one cause and through a lot of hard work and determination, I’ve learned how to step up and make my voice heard throughout the school so that people will become passionate about the cause YPI is supporting. I can’t imagine any other school so totally committed to tikkun olam.” -Alana Spellman ‘14
2010-2011: Raised $12,000 for the Ark Pharmacy Annex
2012-2013: Raised $7,000 for Shalva
2011-2012: Raised $8,000 for Habitat for Humanity Lake County
REASON #11 CJHS TEACHERS AND STUDENTS SHARE SPECIAL BONDS “The extent to which students and teachers care for one another is incredible. Their relationships are true and deep. Students feel comfortable to talk with their teachers about anything, and it’s acceptable to stay in touch with teachers many years after graduation. Students have invited teachers to their weddings. It may be hard to imagine that this reality can exist in a school; but at CJHS it does, and the atmosphere is welcoming and supports growth.” -Rachel Rubinstein ‘13 “I love that I can literally go to my teachers for anything, whether it is to talk about life or a homework question. These past four years have been filled with hours of deep and sometimes silly conversations that have helped instill confidence in who I am as a student and as a teenager. I wouldn’t be the person that I am today without their support and guidance.” -Miranda Smerling ‘13
REASON #12
CJHS STUDENTS DISCOVER ISRAEL
“The Senior Israel Experience is a culmination of Jewish learning at CJHS across its many dimensions. Bible study, Jewish History, Hebrew language, Talmud, Tikkun Olam and Ahavat Yisrael (love of Israel) all come together in an emotional and intensive three-week journey that seals the bonds of friendship among our seniors and deepens their individual relationships with the State of Israel.” -Tony Frank, Head of School “The Senior Israel Experience did not just influence my relationship with Israel, it created it. Before visiting Israel with my class, my relationship with Israel was nonexistent. Today, it is strong, and I hold a deep connection to Israel that will last throughout my life. I am so grateful to CJHS for helping me create this tie to Israel. It has become such an important part of my life.” -Zachary Erlichman ‘13
REASON #13
CJHS IS DEDICATED TO AFFORDABILITY
We are proud to offer personalized approaches to help Jewish families manage tuition. Each year, we provide tuition assistance to over 50 percent of the student body to ensure that every qualified student has the opportunity to attend CJHS. For more information on scholarship opportunities, contact Bob Krakowsky at rkrakowsky@cjhs.org or 847.324.3712.
*Applying for financial aid does not influence admission decisions. All financial aid is held in the strictest confidence.
REASON #14
CHOOSE THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
“Two years ago, I had to choose between practicing Judaism and participating in school. Two years ago, I quit the debate team because I no longer felt comfortable competing in tournaments that were held from Friday to Saturday. Two years ago, I spent the better part of every Sunday driving up to Chicago, learning Talmud from a graduate student at U of C, and driving back. Two years ago, I did not attend CJHS...By choosing to attend CJHS as a transfer student, I no longer had to choose Judaism over academics, or academics over Judaism. In choosing CJHS, I have chosen both.” - Nate Swetlitz ‘13
REASON #15
CJHS STUDENTS ENJOY THE RIDE
“One thing that I really like about the train is that you get a chance to chill out after a long day. You can just hang out with your friends and do whatever you want, even take a nap or talk with people. We’re a family.” – Noa Gordon-Guterman ‘15 “Even if you have to take the train early because of where you live, it is worth it because you get to meet people. On the way back, you can talk with your friends and start your homework and I think that’s great!” – Arthur Sredni ‘16 “I like the train because it is the very best way to start and end my day!” – Sarah Comar ‘16 For more information on transportation, visit www.cjhs.org/admissions/ prospective-students/transportation
The CJHS Train Family
REASON #16 CJHS STUDENTS SOAR BEYOND THE CLASSROOM We provide meaningful and fun extracurricular activities to enrich the high school experience. Our student activities program offers opportunities for exploration of creativity, leadership and self-expression. We empower students to make life at CJHS their own! There are dozens of activities for every CJHS student to enjoy from cheering at a pep rally to composting in the garden to debating at the US politics forum to experiencing the energy of an all-school Shabbaton. • 100% of activities are initiated and led by students with faculty advisors • 100% of students participate in student activities Email cjhstigers@cjhs.org for a more complete list of student activities and clubs available at CJHS.
REASON #17
ALUMNI MAKE CJHS PROUD
From receiving Ph.D.’s to creating social change across the globe—our alumni are unstoppable! Below is just a glimpse of the many accomplishments of our graduates: • Organizer of Challah for Hunger • Neuroscience research assistant • Rabbincal School at JTS • Research Fellow at the Yale Child Study Center for autism “As I begin my residency in internal medicine at Rush University Medical Center, I am humbled by how it truly took a village for me get to this point in my career. I feel that my CJHS background prepared me not only for the academic rigor of a career in medicine, but also for the ethical dilemmas and moral quandaries that I have and will continue to face on a daily basis. It has been essential to my growth as a citizen, a physician, and most importantly a Jew; it has encouraged me to bring that unique blend of faith and science to the bedside to create more caring and compassionate physician-patient relationships.” -Benji Derman ‘06
Professional Musician
Resident Physican, Internal Medicine
U.S. Marine Private First Class
REASON #18 CJHS STUDENTS BRING HOME THE MEDALS From academic competitions to games on the athletic fields, CJHS students continue to rise to the top! During the 2012-2013 academic year, students were nationally honored for their distinct talents. Below is a sample: • 17 medals, Deca team • Second place finalist, Debate and Model United Nations teams • Third place in Illinois State Radon Video Contest, CJHS sophomore chemistry students • Essay Contest winners, Genetic Essay and Wagner Institute competitions • “National Yearbook Program of Excellence” award, 2012 yearbook staff • IHSA All Academic Award, 98% of all CJHS athletes • CPC Champions, Men’s Cross Country team • Cooper Invitational Champions, Men’s Basketball team • Regional Champions, Women’s Volleyball and Men’s Basketball teams • Illinois State Scholars • National Merit finalists ...and more!
REASON #19
CJHS: EASY TO GET TO, HARD TO PASS UP
“Whether I carpool with my colleagues on the Edens Expressway, hop on the Ravenswood Metra train and catch up with students or take an adventurous spin on my bike, I look forward to the ride each day.” -Gita Karasov, CJHS Faculty “I always love taking the train to CJHS. Whether I’m catching up on my sleep or doing my homework or even just chilling with my friends, taking the train starts my day off right. It’s the easiest and most fun way to get to school every day.” -Matt Dulberg ‘16
All roads lead to CJHS
Which route is best for you?
LAKE COOK ROAD
Chicagoland Jewish High School resides at 1095 Lake Cook Road in Deerfield and is central to dozens of convenient, easy routes to get to and from school. From carpools to train rides and even buses, there are many transportation options available.
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Some of the popular routes to get to school include:
CARPOOL • METRA MILWAUKEE NORTH LINE • METRA UNION PACIFIC NORTH LINE • CHICAGO PUBLIC TRANSIT • CJE SHALOM SHUTTLE BUS • PACE BUS
REASON #20 FINE, PERFORMING AND LITERARY ARTS INSPIRES CREATIVITY “All-Star” Department Meet Peter Roothan, Jazz Ensemble Instructor Peter Roothaan, a jazz musician and educator, has performed extensively as a jazz saxophonist and has taught music with “an emphasis on the centrality of the arts and artistic development to a life fully lived.” He has been performing and recording professionally for over two decades with a number of major jazz artists He enjoys both performing and teaching, finding them to be complimentary aspects of his professional life. Meet Marla Snyder, Studio Art Instructor Marla has earned a B. A. in graphic design as well as an M.L.S. with a concentration in Art History. She worked as a corporate graphic designer for 30 years before deciding to pursue her passion for teaching. Marla teaches art not only at CJHS, but also in community centers and on cruise ships. Her signature class is “WATERCOLOR For Those Who Don’t Think They Can.” Marla’s greatest joy is helping students realize and develop their creativity. To learn more about CJHS’s Fine, Performing and Literary Arts Program and its teachers, visit cjhs.org.
Rochelle Katz: Yearbook
Lauren Hines: Literary Journal
Danielle Brothers: Drama
CREATE, DESIGN & INSPIRE WITH CJHS’S FINE, PERFORMING AND LITERARY ARTS PROGRAM
Tara Seymour: Graphic Design
Rich Green: Vocal Music
Myra Loris & Gary Auslander: Model UN
Coming Soon‌ More Reasons Why Chicagoland Jewish High School is the #1 Choice!
Look for these and all other exciting CJHS news at CJHS.org and on Facebook and Twitter.
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