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Welcome to the Jewish Academy of Orlando

The Premier Elementary School Education in Central Florida.

Success Start Here

The Jewish Academy of Orlando develops strong leaders and critical thinkers by providing the highest educational standards in an individualized learning environment. We celebrate our Jewish identity, heritage and values while fostering a passion for learning and high achievement. Our students are empowered to achieve academic success, thus becoming role models in our community and the world. 

Innovation Lab

In 2015-2016 we created our version of a maker space; The Innovation Lab. We utilize the ilab to augment our S.T.E.A.M. infused curriculum, providing technology focussed enrichment opportunities and maker-based activities.  All grade levels come to the iLab on a rotating weekly schedule. Classroom teachers also sign up to use the iLab for classroom projects during open times. The iLab provides a safe space for students to fail while supporting inquiry-based learning. Students are able to tinker, experiment and prototype in a safe and supportive environment. Collaboration and teamwork are also strongly encouraged. iLab activities are designed to foster self-reliance, attention to detail, patience, communication and empathy.

Whole Child

At JAO, our approach to focus on the whole child is a core value.  We foster the values of kindness, self-awareness, and character within our students, nurturing them to be mindful critical thinkers.
 

Jewish Leadership

The Jewish Academy is also affiliated with PRIZMA - Jewish Community Day School Network. Prizmah strengthens and sustains the Jewish life, leadership and learning of community day schools through out the United States. Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools was founded in 2016, with a mission to transform the North American Jewish day school landscape. Prizmah provides day schools with tools to foster the educational excellence, financial vitality, and community support that will make day school education the first choice for Jewish families. 

Inclusive Classrooms

From Kindergarten through fifth grade, we, at Jewish Academy of Orlando, are committed to Academic Excellence by kindling a love of learning, a passion for the arts and empowering our students to challenge themselves to go out and change the world!

Upcoming Events

Announcements

Jewish Academy of Orlando Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

Jewish Academy of Orlando has made private education more accessible by initiating the Tuition Assistance Program. The TAP program adjusts tuition based on a family’s income for new students in grades TK-5th. TAP is designed to boost enrollment of new students by specifically targeting middle-income families.
JAO students score two grade levels ahead of peers Featured Photo

JAO students score two grade levels ahead of peers

For the sixth straight year, on average, students at Jewish Academy of Orlando are performing at least two grade levels ahead of their peers nationwide. The test scores, from April 2021, were taken using the nationally recognized Iowa Test of Basic Skills® (ITBS®) – commonly known as the "Iowa Assessments."
JAO partners with Christian and Muslim schools for multi-faith program Featured Photo

JAO partners with Christian and Muslim schools for multi-faith program

Jewish Academy of Orlando fifth grade students partnered with Muslim peers from Leadership Preparatory School and Christian peers from Geneva School in "Trees for Peace," a multi-faith tree planting service held at Mead Gardens. The tree planting is part of the schools' Multi-faith Education Program that has been in place for almost 20 years.
Planting trees for Tu B'Shvat Featured Photo

Planting trees for Tu B'Shvat

Once again, Laurence Morrell, aka "Last of the Jewish Red Necks," came through. He gladly assisted both the Temple Israel educational school, MAGAL, to have both a fundraiser and a way to celebrate Tu B' Shvat in January. He did the same with the Jewish Academy of Orlando. Both were very successful events.
There's always time for PE at JAO Featured Photo

There's always time for PE at JAO

Jewish Academy of Orlando kindergarteners and first graders participate in PE despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Here is a peek at what PE looks like at the Jewish Academy of Orlando.

Jewish Academy of Orlando welcomes new "BEES"

Jewish Academy of Orlando welcomed many new "BEEs" this school year. Here are a few photos before the start of school. Jewish Academy of Orlando serves central Florida students of all faiths from kindergarten through fifth grade.
The importance of playtime in schools Featured Photo

The importance of playtime in schools

The Jewish Academy of Orlando has extended recess for all grades to 45 minutes. In addition to extended recess time, lunch for all grades is 30 minutes, and a mid-morning break of 15 minutes is included in the daily schedule.
JAO Students learn lessons of hope from a Holocaust survivor Featured Photo

JAO Students learn lessons of hope from a Holocaust survivor

Jewish Academy of Orlando fourth and fifth graders heard testimony from Holocaust survivor Sami Steigmann as part of a visit organized by Dr. Dan Layish, an alumni parent. Steigmann visited students to share his incredible story of hope and survival.
Jewish Academy mascot 'Mac The Bee' visits the JCC Featured Photo

Jewish Academy mascot 'Mac The Bee' visits the JCC

Jewish Academy of Orlando Mac the Bee returned to the Roth Family Jewish Community Center with much fanfare. Students and faculty of Jewish Academy of Orlando and the Early Childhood Learning Center at the JCC danced, sang, and welcomed Shabbat with Mac the Bee at a campus-wide Shabbat.

Lauren S.

The differentiated learning is a key element to providing a superior education to each and every student. Every child is challenged at their own level in several subjects which allows them to thrive in an environment nurturing individuality, rather than expecting the same standard regardless of the individual. The faculty has immense knowledge in a variety of learning styles to better meet the individual needs of each student. They truly get to know each student and understand how to best support each and every one. We know that the students at JAO are getting the best of the best educators and I only wish that all children were so lucky. The guidance and care and expertise that goes into each day is exceptional. I can’t state enough how beyond satisfied we have been with our experience at JAO. Our middle schooler even comes for Shabbat before her own school begins on most Fridays. It is a truly magical place that will forever reside in the heart of every JAO family.

Natalie W.

I am so grateful for the opportunity my daughter has at JAO. Even without being at school she is able to interact with her teachers and stay in touch with her classmates. It is amazing how the faculty was able to work together to continue to provide an excellent academic experience without missing a beat.

Michelle C.

During these scary and challenging times, JAO never missed a beat and has been there each and every day for the children and their families.
From the very first day of remote learning, the children were right back into their regular routine, watching the WJAO morning news, meeting with teachers and greeting their peers.

The teachers created an amazing at home curriculum for the children following with the schools beliefs of academic excellence and Jewish tradition and values. The teachers and support staff have been wonderful through this transition to remote learning. My family and I are so grateful for all that JAO does, stands for and teaches.

Jennifer T.

Tomorrow is the first day of our spring break. We had a mini spring break just before the quarantine started from 3/13-3/15, which got extended only 1 extra day for the staff and teachers to get distance learning up and running. There have been a few glitches here and there but overall it has been amazing! For the last 3 1/2 weeks Collette has been completely engaged in all aspects of school. She has had meetings daily with all of her teachers and administrators, special events, appropriate amounts of school work that has allowed us to keep her busy and learning throughout the entire day without overwhelming her or us, she has had opportunities to video chat with her friends, have physical, mental, and artistic challenges, and she's had an outlet to discuss her fears, questions, and concerns about everything going on around her. The best part is that in 3 1/2 weeks I have never once heard either of the kids say they were bored- not a single time!

Tomorrow we start spring break, and just as I was getting nervous about how we would keep the kids busy and entertained for 10 days we got an email that the Head of School is going to do live story telling or children's services every day of spring break to continue giving the kids access and engagement!Jewish Academy of Orlando- to say we are impressed and grateful for everything you have done so far and continue to do is an understatement. Thank you, so much!