The Calgary Jewish Academy curriculum is based on the following principles guided by our vision of engaging, empowering and educating our students. At the CJA, we strive to honour core Jewish values through an enriched Alberta curriculum while being inspired to learn about Jewish religion, heritage and culture. We endeavour to create a culture of Yiddishkeit and Menschlekeit so that our graduates are knowledgeable and compassionate citizens who are proud of their heritage and identity.
At Calgary Jewish Academy (CJA), students walk down the halls on Friday hearing the prayers of Shabbat, the sounds of locker doors and zippered binders creating a chorus with prayers thousands of years old. In this way, generational legacies are forged and nurtured, ensuring traditions and teachings of centuries past continue to find their place in the Jewish homes of tomorrow.
At CJA we offer a dual curriculum, which expands beyond provincial requirements. Our approach incorporates a full Judaic curriculum which explores the history, and the heart, of the Jewish people. Our educators strive to offer students a broader understanding of the world, so they may anchor their personal histories and experiences inside those of the collective. This creates more room for unique experiences and diverse expression.
At Calgary Jewish Academy (CJA), students walk down the halls on Friday hearing the prayers of Shabbat, the sounds of locker doors and zippered binders creating a chorus with prayers thousands of years old. In this way, generational legacies are forged and nurtured, ensuring traditions and teachings of centuries past continue to find their place in the Jewish homes of tomorrow.
At CJA we offer a dual curriculum, which expands beyond provincial requirements. Our approach incorporates a full Judaic curriculum which explores the history, and the heart, of the Jewish people. Our educators strive to offer students a broader understanding of the world, so they may anchor their personal histories and experiences inside those of the collective. This creates more room for unique experiences and diverse expression.
Our Grade 9 students recently returned from an incredible journey to New York City, a trip filled with culture, history, discovery, and unforgettable memories. From the moment they landed, they hit the ground running and didn’t look back. Their adventure began in the heart of the Lower East Side, where they explored stories of immigration, resilience, and community. At the Tenement Museum, they learned about the inspiring Jewish women who protested a 50% rise in kosher meat prices in the late 1800s history brought to life in a way textbooks can’t replicate. From there, they stepped into the vibrant world of Katz’s Deli, followed by a bit of shopping and city exploration, all leading up to a major highlight: a live performance of Hamilton on Broadway.
Our Grade 7 and 8 students recently returned from an unforgettable educational adventure to Ottawa, and what a journey it was! From the moment they arrived in our nation’s capital, the trip was filled with powerful learning experiences, meaningful connections, and memories that will last a lifetime. Their first full day set the tone for the entire trip, with visits to some of Canada’s most significant institutions. Students explored Parliament Hill and the Supreme Court of Canada, gaining insight into our democratic system and the rule of law. They reflected deeply at the National Holocaust Monument and explored Canada’s military history at the Canadian War Museum, engaging with exhibits that made the past come vividly to life. A special thank you to our guide, @ericboutinbloomberg, whose passion and storytelling helped bring these moments to life in unforgettable ways.
This year’s Passover celebrations at The Calgary Jewish Academy were filled with meaning, pride, and community spirit. Our Grade 9 students took on the important role of leading the annual Model Seder for students in Grades 1 through 9. With confidence and heart, they guided their peers through the traditions and rituals of the Seder, demonstrating the leadership and depth of Judaic learning they’ve developed over their many years at CJA. We are so proud of the way they embraced this role—not only as leaders but as mentors—sharing the beauty and significance of our traditions with younger students.