JEWISH COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL of the BAY
EXTRAORDINARY
TIMES
CALL FOR ...
...
AN
EXTRAORDINARY
EDUCATION
Culture of inquiry JCHS uniquely reflects the Jewish culture of questioning and critical thinking. Our students seek meaning and discover a deeper purpose in life. They know how to ask not just “how,” but “how come?” Not just “what,” but “why?”
Integrated thinking “When I think of Judaism now, I think of my chemistry class, because they both involve the same type of thinking. When I learned Torah and when I tried to figure out a model in chemistry that involved the same analytical skills, the same type of questioning, the same trying to find holes in your knowledge, and the same type of research to figure out, ‘What exactly do I not understand? And what do I have to learn?’ That’s my favorite part of the school.”
– Ma’ayan Epstein ’17, UCLA ’21
Every viewpoint respected At JCHS, we celebrate our diverse backgrounds, and teach students how to engage others in respectful debate, how to appreciate divergent points of view, and how to advance the critical thinking skills essential for becoming engaged citizens.
Community for life “At JCHS, people really strive to see the whole person. Because we are such a small community, you’re able to take time to look at a person and really learn about them instead of just passing them by or brushing them off, and that’s something that’s been really important for me here. When you meet someone for the first time, you really try to understand them—what makes them tick— and then know that they are a human in the community that you are entering.”
– Addey Dominguez ‘16 , Univ. of New Mexico ‘20
Challenge and passion High school is a powerful time of exploration--when teenagers consciously shape their identities, cultivate new and existing passions, and become more defined versions of themselves. Intellectual inquiry. Aesthetic expression. Spiritual development. JCHS encourages students to take a deeper dive into their learning and become their best selves.
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8
OSHER MARIN JCC
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JFCS
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JCHS students come from all over the Bay Area via bus, car and public transportation. We offer private bus service with pickups at multiple locations in the Bay Area.
PICKUP LOCATIONS
SAN RAFAEL CORTE MADERA, MILL VALLEY, TIBURON
Transportation
4
EL CERRITO
NORTH BERKELEY/ KENSINGTON
101
NORTH BERKELEY BART
1
580
1
Get to know us!
BERKELEY MONTCLAIR
24
80
101
80
OAKLAND
580
880
SAN FRANCISCO
CALTRAIN STATION 280
1
ALAMEDA
13
OAKLAND ROCKY’S MARKET
Choosing a high school is an exciting process. We encourage you to be yourself, keep an open mind, and find out if JCHS is the right place for you. Join us for a virtual admissions event. Ask questions of our students, parents, teachers and staff to learn more about JCHS.
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For more information, visit WWW.JCHSOFTHEBAY.ORG/ADMISSIONS
Peninsula & South Bay 8%
5:1 12 21% STUDENTFACULTY RATIO
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
STUDENTS OF COLOR
COLLEGE VISITORS
90
Colleges and universities meet virtually with our students.
EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
4
YEAR
Exploring identity, community, peoplehood, service and Tikkun Olam in: Los Angeles | Utah | Israel | New Orleans
FINANCIAL AID
JCHS is committed to socio-economic diversity among our students. Tuition for 202021 is $49,725. We encourage families with demonstrated need to apply to our Flexible Tuition Program.
&
ZIP CODES
Marin & North Bay 14%
20
San Francisco 52%
Visual
East Bay 26%
Athletics
STUDENTS FROM
Performing Arts
FAST FACTS
STUDIO ART PRINTMAKING CERAMICS SCULPTURE MURAL PROJECTS PHOTOGRAPHY DIGITAL IMAGING ACTING DESIGN & TECHNICAL THEATER PLAYWRITING & SCREENWRITING MUSIC WRITING & PRODUCTION VOCAL ENSEMBLE INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE FILMMAKING SOCCER (Girls & Boys Varsity) VOLLEYBALL (Boys; Girls Varsity & JV) CROSS COUNTRY (Co-ed Varsity & JV) BASKETBALL (Girls & Boys; Varsity & JV) BASEBALL (Boys Varsity) SWIMMING (Co-ed Varsity) TENNIS (Varsity)
Student-Led Clubs
v
BBQ CLUB CHESS TEAM COMMUNITY IMPACT (JFCS) ENVIRONMENTAL CLUB GENDER-SEXUALITY ALLIANCE JTV (Student-run News) LITERARY MAGAZINE ROBOTICS CLUB STUDENTS FOR PROGRESSIVE REFORM YOUNG INVESTORS & MANY MORE
Join us for a virtual admissions event or apply online at www.jchsofthebay.org.com/admissions Contact the JCHS Admissions Office directly at admissions@jchsofthebay.org
JEWISH COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL of the BAY 1835 Ellis Street SF 94115 | www.jchsofthebay.org | 415.345.9777
Explore
OUR CURRICULUM
High school is a powerful time of exploration—when teenagers consciously shape their identities, cultivate new and existing passions, and become more defined versions of themselves. JCHS implements an academically challenging and developmentally appropriate curriculum that ensures exposure to areas of intellectual inquiry, aesthetic expression, spiritual development and physical exercise. Students generally maintain a minimum course load of seven courses in grades 9 through 11 and six courses in grade 12. To accommodate and empower more choices by its students, JCHS offers a range of elective courses. Those who wish can
take a deeper dive into a given subject area about which they are passionate—for example, science or art, social justice, computer science—JCHS course offerings allow students to immerse themselves in what they want to learn while demonstrating to selective colleges and universities authentic academic depth. Freshmen have the option to choose between “Past in the Present” (our 9th grade history course) or “Foundations of Computer Science” (our 9th grade computer science course). We are excited to offer more opportunities for JCHS students to choose courses that align with their passions and grow our already thriving computer science and robotics programs!
TYPICAL STUDENT SCHEDULE BY YEAR
HUMANITIES
MATH & SCIENCE
JEWISH STUDIES
WORLD LANGUAGE
9th GRADE
10th GRADE
WORLD LITERATURE
AMERICAN LITERATURE
ELECTIVES***
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
12th GRADE
WRITING & RHETORIC
SENIOR SEMINAR: ENGLISH
AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE
AP ENGLISH LITERATURE
OR
OR
US HISTORY
PAST IN THE PRESENT THE PAST IN THE PRESENT
OR
OR OR
AP US HISTORY
MATH YEAR 1
MATH YEAR 2
MATH YEAR 3
PHYSICS
CHEMISTRY
BIOLOGY
JS: INDIVIDUAL AND THE COLLECTIVE
JS ELECTIVE
JEW IN THE MODERN WORLD
INTRODUCTION TO OF FOUNDATIONS COMPUTER SCIENCE COMPUTER SCIENCE
SENIOR SEMINAR: JEWISH THOUGHT OR
JEWISH THOUGHT HONORS MISHNA & GEMARA
INTRODUCTION TO RABBINIC LITERATURE
YEAR 1
VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS
Electives are drawn from all departments
11th GRADE
JS ELECTIVE
YEAR 2
YEAR 3 *
UP TO 3 ELECTIVES
UP TO 3 ELECTIVES
V&P ARTS COURSE **
UP TO 1 ELECTIVE
FRESHMAN SEMINAR
* Two year-long courses through at least level three. Three years recommended. ** Students take a Visual & Performing Arts course during 9th or 10th grade.
*** Students typically take between 4-8 electives over their four years at JCHS. The number of electives changes year by year.
UP TO 4 ELECTIVES
SENIOR KEYSTONE PROJECT
Math & Science
Humanities
ENGLISH 4 CORE
WORLD LITERATURE
Jewish S
6 CREDITS REQUIRED
6 CREDITS REQUIRED HISTORY 1 CORE & 1 ELECTIVE
SCIENCE 3 CORE
MATH 3 CORE
US HISTORY OR
AP US HISTORY
FUNDAMENTALS OF ALGEBRA
CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS
ALGEBRA I
CHEMISTRY
AMERICAN LITERATURE
may be taken concurrently
SENIOR SEMINAR: ENGLISH OR
INTRODUCTION TO R
O
GEOMETRY ADVANCED
JEW IN THE MO
ALGEBRA II
SENIOR SEMINAR:
OR
ALGEBRA II ADVANCED
AP LITERATURE & COMPOSITION
JEWISH S INDIVIDUAL & TH
BIOLOGY
OR
AP LANGUAGE & COMPOSITION
4 CORE & 2
MISHNA &
GEOMETRY
WRITING & RHETORIC OR
6 CREDITS
PRECALCULUS HONORS
PRECALCULUS
O
SENIOR SEMINAR: JEWI STATISTICS
AP CALCULUS AB AP CALCULUS BC
AP ART HISTORY
CREATIVE WRITING
AP BIOLOGY
AP PHYSICS, C: MECHANICS
ADVANCED BIBLE & COMMENTARIES I
AP COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
PSYCHOLOGY
AP CHEMISTRY
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
ADVANCED BIBLE & COMMENTARIES II
AP EUROPEAN HISTORY
THE PAST IN THE PRESENT
AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A
FOUNDATIONS OF COMPUTER SCIENCE
ADVANCED RABBINIC LITERATURE
AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES
ROBOTICS & ENGINEERING
ADVANCED TALMUD
CLASS, RACE & GENDER IN MODERN AMERICA
AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
COMPARATIVE RELIGION HISTORY OF THE SHOAH JEWS & MODERN MEDIA
CORE
CORE
CORE
ELECTIVE
ELECTIVE
ELECTIVE
Studies
World Language
REQUIRED
2 ELECTIVES
Visual & Performing Arts 1 CREDIT REQUIRED
2 CORE OF THE SAME LANGUAGE THROUGH LEVEL 3
1 CORE
VISUAL ARTS
STUDIES: HE COLLECTIVE
HEBREW I
SPANISH I
RABBINIC LITERATURE
HEBREW II
SPANISH II
HEBREW III
SPANISH III
HEBREW IV
SPANISH IV
HEBREW V
SPANISH V
HEBREW VI
AP SPANISH LANGUAGE & CULTURE
ACTING I
POST AP SPANISH
ACTING II
OR
& GEMARA
FILMMAKING
FUNDAMENTALS OF PHOTO
ADVANCED FILMMAKING
ADVANCED PHOTO
ODERN WORLD
ISH THOUGHT HONORS
SCULPTURE
CONCEPTS & PROCESSES AP STUDIO ART
JEWISH THOUGHT
OR
MATERIALS & METHODS
HEBREW LIT HEBREW VII
PERFORMING ARTS INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE
Hebrew Ulpan Program: Hebrew program for students with documented learning differences
JEWISH SOCIAL JUSTICE MISHNA & GEMARA MODERN JEWISH ETHICS MYSTERY OF CONNECTION POWER & PERCEPTION
THE ISRAELI-ARAB CONFLICT IN THE CONTEXT OF THE MIDDLE EAST
CORE Students can choose a second World Language as an elective
CORE ELECTIVE
JCHSSignature
Programs
Signature programs at JCHS bring academic learning, student passions, community service and social justice into focus. JCHS offers a curriculum designed to prepare students to be active global citizens in a complex, diverse, and fast-paced world. For more information about each of these programs, go to jchsofthebay.org.
EVERLAB
EverLab is a hands-on integration lab that uses design thinking to encourage students to coalesce ideas about different subject areas to develop tangible interactive projects.
FRESHMAN SEMINAR
Our freshman seminar helps students learn how to build relationships, make healthy decisions, manage stress, and improve executive functioning and study skills.
JOURNEYS
The JCHS Journeys combine learning with a multi-day experiential adventure designed to teach life lessons on the road.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Students must complete 1.5 credits of Physical Education to graduate. Each season counts for 0.5 credit.
TEFILLAH
Students begin each morning in a structured reflective setting, with options ranging from creative experiences to art, yoga to discussion, formal prayer to journaling.
SENIOR KEYSTONE PROJECT
The senior Keystone Project is a culminating educational exercise that provides students with the opportunity to design and implement a multi-faceted project on the topic of their choice, demonstrating the culmination of four years of learning at JCHS. Each senior then presents their Keystone Project to the school community.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Tenth and eleventh grades complete 26 hours each year. Ninth grade students complete their community service as a group. Seniors embed community service into their Keystone Project.
JEWISH COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL OF THE BAY
HUMANITIES DEPARTMENT
Humanities Overview C S umanities courses encourage the intellectual and emotional growth of our students supporting them in becoming sophisticated thin ers confident writers careful readers informed citi ens and effective leaders. The courses cultivate critical and creative thin ing and inspire students to generate empathy and compassion for the human e perience in all its variety. English courses present students with appropriately challenging te ts that contain original thin ing innovative stylistic choices and masterful prose. The articles essays poems plays novels and memoirs often e pose students to perspectives and e periences beyond those familiar to them. These published wor s also illustrate the various components of composition such as rhetorical devices tone evidence structure organi ation synta and grammar. ur history courses engage students in careful reading of primary sources interdisciplinary connections and voices of both first person histories and officially sanctioned narratives. Students will learn to discern bias assess cause and effect and compare recurrent historical themes. We focus not only on economic and political history but on socio cultural trends as well.
The Humanities Department ‘s mission is to see each student develop the ability to: ead Analy ing te ts critically reading closely identifying symbolism thematic elements and rhetorical devices analy ing argument and evidence identifying tone and devices understanding poetic and dramatic devices identifying bias and perspective. Write dentifying and articulating a thesis in a paragraph or essay supporting a thesis with evidence writing analytic and persuasive essays short stories and poems understanding rules of grammar. esearch efining and refining a research uestion finding appropriate research from boo s ournals and the nternet using databases uoting and citing others wor appropriately developing note ta ing and bibliography s ills. ther istorical reasoning honing effective oral presentation s ills wor ing collaboratively with peers understanding and responding respectfully to different points of view.
JEWISH COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL OF THE BAY
MATH PROGRAM
Math Overview
Math
Through mathematics at JCHS, students explore the connections between math and other academic disciplines, and apply their learning to problems from the real world.
3 COURSES REQUIRED 3 CORE
The math program at JCHS offers a rigorous and relevant academic program based on a coherent curriculum that focuses on a sequential development of skills. Students learn to understand and appreciate the intrinsic beauty and applicability of mathematical reasoning.
FUNDAMENTALS OF ALGEBRA ALGEBRA I GEOMETRY OR
may be taken concurrently
GEOMETRY ADVANCED ALGEBRA II OR
ALGEBRA II ADVANCED PRECALCULUS HONORS
PRECALCULUS
STATISTICS
AP CALCULUS AB AP CALCULUS BC
The Math Department’s mission is to see each student develop the ability to:
CORE
• Interpret data using mathematical modeling in order to predict and analyze real world phenomena • Work with graphical, algebraic, and numerical representations of a mathematical concept and understand • • • • • • •
the connections between those representations Communicate mathematics both orally and in well-written sentences Assess the reasonability of numeric solutions to problems using estimation techniques Integrate procedural fluency and conceptual understanding of mathematics Develop mathematical thinking and reasoning skills such as the ability to make conjectures and sound arguments Prepare for future mathematics courses at both the high school and college level Discover the relevance and importance of mathematics in their lives Understand the limitations of mathematics
JEWISH COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL OF THE BAY
SCIENCE PROGRAM
Science Overview The core science sequence encompasses a threeyear, inquiry-based program designed to foster the spirit of curiosity and encourage the ongoing pursuit of scientific knowledge. The goal of the course work is to develop a conceptual framework that students can use to investigate a variety of disciplines. The courses are integrated in that concepts and skills introduced in ninth grade Conceptual Physics are reinforced in tenth grade Chemistry and applied to living systems in eleventh grade Biology. The advanced electives present an opportunity for students to apply their fundamental knowledge of science to a particular area of interest. The ultimate goal is for students to possess sufficient knowledge and confidence to explore the ramifications of modern science in their lives.
The Science Department’s mission is to see each student develop the ability to:
Science
3 COURSES REQUIRED
• Explore the process of science • Examine how models and theories are formed,
3 CORE
communicated, tested, and changed
• Increase awareness of current areas of research and testing of theories
• Become scientifically literate • Appreciate and understand the science in their
CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS
everyday lives
• Apply their understanding of a set of basic scientific
CHEMISTRY
• Build confidence in their ability to learn science and
BIOLOGY
principles to new concepts
• • • • • • •
be willing to think about science on their own Read newspaper or magazine articles involving science and be able to understand and willing to think about them Differentiate between what makes intuitive sense and what really happens Participate in scientific experimentation through hands-on learning activities, inquiry based experiments, and student-led demonstrations Gain a deep understanding of concepts Learn material in depth Implement concepts rather than memorize content Prepare for advanced scieence courses at both the high school and college level.
AP BIOLOGY
AP PHYSICS, C: MECHANICS
AP CHEMISTRY
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A
FOUNDATIONS OF COMPUTER SCIENCE
AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES
ROBOTICS & ENGINEERING
AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE CORE ELECTIVE
JEWISH COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL OF THE BAY
JEWISH STUDIES DEPARTMENT
Jewish Studies Overview
Jewish Studies
The Jewish Studies Program allows students to access thousands of years of wisdom, values, thought, and culture. Our teachers guide students in asking and answering questions of ultimate concern and developing their individual identities. We train students to observe the nuances of language as a central skill in the critical thinking process. We teach students that they have a responsibility to themselves, to their peers and to the text in their learning. The Jewish Studies curriculum focuses on four core subject areas: Textual Interpretation, Rabbinic Thinking, History, and Philosophy. We offer a variety of levels based on Hebrew background and previous exposure to Jewish learning. We believe that our curriculum represents the core of Jewish literacy and provides a solid foundation for lifelong Jewish learning. Our program seeks to build and expand student skills in the areas of textual analysis, analytical and critical thinking, and traditional text study. Our students develop sophisticated intellectual tools to develop their own personal Jewish identity and sustain their learning into adulthood. Our diverse course offerings allow students to explore the Jewish tradition broadly or dive deeply into particular areas of study. Our Jewish Studies Program prioritizes relevancy, interpersonal relationships formed through learning, and the development of articulate graduates who will be empowered to use their learning to make a difference in their communities.
Levels of Study in Jewish Studies Courses • Students are placed in different class levels based on past exposure with Jewish texts, knowledge of Hebrew and critical thinking and writing abilities.
• All our levels prepare students for continued Jewish
learning at the university level. Additionally, our advanced Hebrew intensive courses prepare students for continued
6 COURSES REQUIRED 4 CORE 2 ELECTIVES
JEWISH STUDIES: INDIVIDUAL & THE COLLECTIVE INTRODUCTION TO RABBINIC LITERATURE OR
MISHNA & GEMARA JEW IN THE MODERN WORLD SENIOR SEMINAR: JEWISH THOUGHT OR
SENIOR SEMINAR: JEWISH THOUGHT HONORS
ADVANCED BIBLE & COMMENTARIES I
JEWISH SOCIAL JUSTICE
ADVANCED BIBLE & COMMENTARIES II
MISHNA & GEMARA
ADVANCED RABBINIC LITERATURE
MODERN JEWISH ETHICS
ADVANCED TALMUD
MYSTERY OF CONNECTION
COMPARATIVE RELIGION
POWER & PERCEPTION
HISTORY OF THE SHOAH JEWS & MODERN MEDIA
CORE ELECTIVE
THE ISRAELI-ARAB CONFLICT IN THE CONTEXT OF THE MIDDLE EAST
JEWISH COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL OF THE BAY
WORLD LANGUAGES
World Languages Overview We challenge students to think logically, critically, creatively and reflectively. We provide a challenging, college preparatory World Language Program with communication as its main goal. The department’s standards and philosophy encompass those of the National Standard for Foreign Language and the proficiency guidelines set out by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). We place students at the center of the learning process by using instructional methods that focus on creative projects, role-playing, presentations, individual online work, dialogues and discussions. Students develop their individual voices in the language and gain an understanding and appreciation of the culture in a creative and stimulating atmosphere.
World Language
The World Language Department’s mission is to see each student develop the ability to: Establish linguistic awareness Gain an understanding of how to study language Express themselves creatively in their speaking and writing Explore the target culture and authentic interactions with native speakers Connect with the target culture and develop a love of learning the language Prepare for university language and literature courses Identify areas of interest for further study
2 CORE OF THE SAME LANGUAGE THROUGH LEVEL 3
HEBREW I
SPANISH I
HEBREW II
SPANISH II
HEBREW III
SPANISH III
HEBREW IV
SPANISH IV
HEBREW V
SPANISH V
HEBREW VI
AP SPANISH LANGUAGE & CULTURE HEBREW LIT
HEBREW VII
Hebrew Ulpan Program: Hebrew program for students with documented learning differences
CORE Students can choose a second World Language as an elective
POST AP SPANISH
JEWISH COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL OF THE BAY
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT Arts Overview The Visual & Performing Arts Department offers students the opportunity to explore artistic creation in visual, theatrical, film and musical mediums. Instructors guide students to connect their burgeoning skills with their ideas and personal experiences to begin to develop an artistic aesthetic. Students think critically and analytically regarding artistic choices, motivations and relevant theories throughout the process of creating art and through the completion of the final product. The department emphasizes the importance of studying contemporary and traditional approaches within each medium and its cultural development through history. Art is incorporated into all aspects of the JCHS experience through collaboration with performing arts, gallery showcases, and site-specific art installations throughout our campus. Our goal is to have students transfer their developing awareness of artistic value and cultural understanding to all areas of their life, learning and community.
Visual & Performing Arts 1 COURSE REQUIRED
The Visual & Performing Arts Department’s mission is to see each student develop the ability to: • • •
• • • •
Engage in the artistic process to develop original pieces of art and performance Process, analyze, and respond to artistic information using appropriate artistic vocabulary and themes Relate and utilize historical and cultural information to contextualize their own work, and make historical and cultural connections to fine art and other academic disciplines Analyze and think critically about their own work, the work of their peers, and the artistic works within the community and culture Evaluate and offer respectful, constructive feedback regarding their artistic outcomes and those of their peers Learn to work independently, as well as in a group Develop the problem-solving skills necessary to bring a long-term project to a successful close
At our annual spring Arts Evening, the JCHS campus is transformed into an art gallery and performance venue - for art, photography, sculpture, music, film, drama and spoken word - celebrating the power of our student’s imagination, collaboration and creation.
1 CORE
VISUAL ARTS FILMMAKING
FUNDAMENTALS OF PHOTO
ADVANCED FILMMAKING
ADVANCED PHOTO
MATERIALS & METHODS
SCULPTURE
CONCEPTS & PROCESSES AP STUDIO ART
PERFORMING ARTS ACTING I ACTING II
CORE ELECTIVE
INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE
JEWISH COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL OF THE BAY
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT Arts at JCHS Through our award-winning Drama Department, students explore every aspect of the dramatic arts, including acting, playwriting, improvisation, directing, technical theatre training, scenic painting as well as lighting, sound, projection and costume design. JCHS drama students have been accepted to prestigious BFA programs including NYU Tisch (acting and playwriting programs), UCLA, Emerson, and Syracuse University. In 2011, selected as one of the top 57 drama programs from among thousands of applicants, JCHS was the first-ever Jewish high school to perform at the prestigious Fringe Festival in Scotland. Under the auspices of the American High School Theater Festival, the drama company returned to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August 2017 to perform Alice & the Black Hole Blues, an original, student-created work devised especially for the international arts event. Technical Theatre students have opportunities to run lights, projections, sound, and to work side by side with Bay Area professional designers and technicians for our mainstage shows each year. Allen & Heath and Mackie sound systems provide our sound design students with the ability to create any soundscape or sound effect they can imagine. Students learn programming of professional lighting control systems, including QLab and Champsys. In Filmmaking, students develop storytelling skills using the creative medium of film - from the conceptualization of story, to production, and the post-production processes. Concepts and skills are developed through projects and explore the technical aspects of filmmaking such as: visualization, camera movement, shot composition, special effects, lighting, sound, music and editing. The JCHS Music Program is designed to increase the skill and performance level of each student and to develop aesthetic and cultural values through critical listening. Music students explore every aspect of music from composition and songwriting to music arrangement. Students have opportunities to perform as vocalists and instrumentalists in varied settings including solo work, concerts, and drama productions. Our advanced music students are invited to perform at community engagements throughout the Bay Area.
Through our Visual Arts programs, student artists have opportunities to develop and process film in our dark room, create relief prints on our printing press, and explore three-dimensional sculpture using our pottery wheel and kiln. In introductory classes, students learn basic principles, techniques, and terminology of art through practical studio projects. Advanced studies in visual art include a variety of courses. In Sculpture classes students are introduced to 3-D design through clay, plaster, wood, fiber, and metal. While Photography students explore digital methods as well as the basics of black and white photography through film processing and composition. Finally, AP Studio Art is a collegelevel course in which students produce an inquiry based portfolio of work in either two or three dimensional media.
JEWISH COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL OF THE BAY
ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT
Athletics Overview
JCHS’ Athletics Program promotes student health and wellness, makes participation in sports enjoyable for students of all abilities, and complements our students’ academic experience. Our dedicated coaches help students to improve skills and performance, build confidence, increase mental focus, and strengthen teamwork. Our Athletics Program places emphasis on development through the pillars of good character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. JCHS offers athletic opportunities to student-athletes of all abilities. Our club and junior varsity teams offer students an athletic environment with more individualized instruction and opportunities to play, while our varsity teams offer a more competitive and demanding athletic experience. JCHS is a member of the Bay Counties League-Central (BCL-Central) in the North Coast Section. Other member schools in BCL-Central are Drew School, Gateway High School, Pescadero High School, International High School, San Francisco Waldorf School, and The Bay School of San Francisco. Fall Sports
Winter Sports
Spring Sports
Club Sports
Girls Junior Varsity/ Varsity Volleyball
Girls Junior Varsity/ Varsity Basketball
Girls Varsity Soccer
Ultimate Disc
Boys Varsity Soccer
Boys Junior Varsity/ Varsity Basketball
Varsity Cross Country
Boys Varsity Volleyball Varsity Baseball Varsity Swimming
Rock Climbing Tennis
Alumni Voices BRIANNA LERMAN ’09 California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo ‘13
Manager, Community Partnerships at Facebook “JCHS showed me the power of building community by creating a sense of belonging, support and connection—a sense of home. I realized that anyone has the power to bring people together.”
ETHAN SEDER ’17 Harvard University ‘21
International medalist in rowing, majoring in Mechanical Engineering “JCHS has taught me to be more curious, to examine the world, and to strive to understand complex problems—to always ask more questions and to think about how things work.”
RENEE TORCHIO MAC DONALD ’13 School of Theater, Film & Televison, University of California, Los Angeles ‘18
Co-founder of Muse of Fire, a Los Angeles theater company “I feel so lucky to have had JCHS theater open the door for me and help me find my passion. I hope I can take what was instilled in me and give even just a fraction of that back to young students.”
ELIJAH JATOVSKY ’12 Georgetown University ‘16
Taught English in rural high schools with the Peace Corps in Nicaragua “JCHS expanded my understanding of tikkun olam and public service. Service-oriented projects like Senior Keystone and class journeys offered great platforms for exploring the importance of giving back to the community, and I carry these values with me.”
2019-2020 College Acceptances
Class of 2016-2020 2015-2019 College Acceptances
American Jewish University American University Arizona State University The University of Arizona Babson College Ball State University Bard College Barnard College Beloit College Berklee College of Music Binghamton University Boston University Brandeis University University of British Columbia Cal Maritime California Institute of the Arts California State University (campuses): Chico Humboldt Long Beach Los Angeles Monterey Bay Northridge Pomona San Bernardino San Diego San Francisco San Jose San Luis Obispo Sonoma University of California (campuses): Berkeley Davis Irvine Los Angeles Merced Riverside San Diego Santa Barbara Santa Cruz Capitol Technology University Carleton College Case Western Reserve University University of Central Florida Chapman University Clark University College of Charleston University of Colorado at Boulder Colorado College Colorado State U Ft. Collins Columbia College Chicago Columbia University Connecticut College Cornell University Culinary Institute of America University of Delaware University of Denver DePaul University Dominican University Drew University Drexel University Drake University Eckerd College The University of Edinburgh The Class of 2020 at a Glance
Bold Face indicates colleges where members of the Classes of 2016-2020 have committed or enrolled as of May 25, 2020.
Elon University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical U Emerson College Emory University The Evergreen State College Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Florida State University Fordham University Franklin & Marshall College Full Sail University George Mason University George Washington University Goucher College Grinnell College Hampshire College University of Hartford Harvard University University of Hawaii at Manoa Hawaii Pacific University Hebrew University of Jerusalem Hofstra University Illinois Institute of Technology Indiana University Jewish Theological Seminary John Cabot University Johns Hopkins University Johnson & Wales University University of Kansas Kenyon College Kingston University Knox College Lafayette College Lehigh University Lewis & Clark College Linfield College Los Angeles College of Music Loyola Marymount University Loyola University Maryland Macalester College University of Maine University of Maryland College Park Marymount Manhattan College University of Massachusetts, Amherst McGill University Miami University University of Miami University of Michigan Middlebury College Mills College Moravian College Muhlenberg College University of Nebraska University of Nevada Reno University of New Hampshire University of New Mexico The New School Eugene Lang New York University UNC School of the Arts Northeastern University Northern Arizona University Northwestern University Nova Southeastern University Occidental College Ohio State University • • •
33 Students 162 acceptances to 86 different colleges to date $3.3 million in merit awards
Ohio Wesleyan University Oregon State University University of Oregon Pace University, New York City University of the Pacific Pennsylvania State University Pomona College University of Portland University of Puget Sound Purchase College, SUNY Purdue University Queen’s University Belfast Quest University, Canada University of Redlands Reed College Regis University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rochester Institute of Technology University of Rochester Rutgers University Saint Mary’s College of California University of San Francisco Santa Clara University Sarah Lawrence College Savannah College of Art and Design School of the Art Institute of Chicago Seattle University Simmons College Skidmore College Smith College University of Southern California Southern Oregon University St. John’s University – Queens Stevens Institute of Technology Stony Brook University Syracuse University The University of Tampa Technion Israel Institute of Tech Texas A & M University of Toronto Tufts University Tulane University Union College University College London University of Utah Vassar College University of Vermont Victoria University of Wellington Virginia Tech Wagner College University of Washington Washington University in St. Louis Wesleyan University West Virginia University Western Washington University Whitman College Whittier College Willamette University University of Wisconsin Worcester Polytechnic Institute Xavier University Yeshiva University
Additional Destinations • • •
Bay Area Community Colleges Various Gap-Year Programs Israel Defense Forces
Alumni Voices HANNAH EFRON ‘09 UC Berkeley ‘13, NYU School of Law ‘17
Assistant District Attorney, Bronx County District Attorney’s Office “My path to becoming an attorney began at JCHS. In fact, if you were to place my law school case books and my Talmud from JCHS side by side, you’d see me using the same annotation system. The critical thinking and oral advocacy skills that were taught at JCHS laid a firm foundation for my career as a prosecutor.” CODY ETLIN ‘14 George Washington University ‘18
Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellow, U.S. Department of State “JCHS gave me a foundation that has allowed me to thrive in Washington, D.C. From morning tefillot and Shabbatons to rigorous writing courses, at JCHS I had invaluable opportunities to grow personally and academically.” ELISE HARRINGTON ‘07 University of Pennsylvania ‘11; MIT Urban Studies & Planning, PhD Candidate
Environmental Policy and Decision Making, Resource Management “JCHS encouraged me to blend academics with my personal passions and curiosity. From coursework to the many opportunities outside the classroom, my time at JCHS helped me build the skills to be an independent thinker.” JAKE ROSENBERG ‘14 NYU Tisch School of the Arts ‘18
Public Folklorist at City Lore; Executive Director at American Lore Theater “My mentors at JCHS taught me how to combine and balance my interests in critical text analysis, community politics and performance into a career that creatively connects all three. I continue to learn from JCHS, and frequently return to connect with former teachers. They give me advice on how to communicate, approach responsibility, and even what to wear!” BEN HEYMAN ‘12 Syracuse University ‘16
NASA Flight Controller “I always had a passion for the sciences, and JCHS gave me the opportunity to work with some fantastic STEM teachers. JCHS provided the perfect well-rounded education before starting an intensive college education.”
OUR MISSION
JCHS develops the promise of each individual through the strength of community. We empower students to embrace their unique Jewish identities, express empathy, delight in lifelong learning, and improve the world. OUR VALUES
JCHS is a unique college preparatory high school committed to integrating deep learning, universal wisdom, and Jewish values. • DEEP LEARNING is intrinsically motivated and is the result of complex thinking, collaborative practice, integration, and reflection. It is both grounded in concrete knowledge and infinite in application. • UNIVERSAL WISDOM is inclusively drawn from across disciplines, cultures, and history–whether secular, religious, or Jewish. Universal wisdom honors diverse viewpoints derived from common values. • JEWISH VALUES are drawn from, but not necessarily exclusively identified with, the Jewish tradition, a tradition that is diverse and represented by many voices.