Jewish Religious Schools

[Anonymous]

Has anyone had a really positive experience with a Jewish religious school (i.e. not a full-time school) in D.C. (not in Maryland or Virginia). We are looking for a school that does not require too many hours (around 2 hrs a week for K-3) and that has a down-to-earth feel (i.e. a low quotient of rich Potomac types) and that has a focus on cultural issues (as opposed to strictly religion). We are reform but would consider other branches if the school was great.

[Anonymous]

We belong to Temple Sinai and I am a huge fan of the religious school. Not perfect, but an energetic, resourceful head and a lot of great energy and terrific families. It would meet all your criteria except for the focus on cultural issues. This is religious school, after all, and I send my kids there to learn about their religion. Of course, they get music and history and other stuff, but if you aren't comfortable with the religious aspect there is a Jewish humanist society (can't remember the exact name) on 16th Street.

[Anonymous]

We belong to Temple Micah in DC and really love the religious school, especially now that we have a great new education director. To figure out whether it is a good fit for you, you would have to check it out and see. For K-3, Sunday school is 9:30 - 12:30 but the first half hour is a sing along with parents. Kids don't have to do additional classes during the week until 6th grade. The community is very down to earth with lots of folks who come in from Maryland (much more Tacoma Park than Potomac) and even Virginia for the social activism/laid back vibe. Lots of community service projects and social awareness included in the program. As with PP, there certainly is a religious component, along with a lot of cultural/Hebrew/Israel learning and certainly the community includes and welcomes all leves of belief or non-belief.

[Anonymous]

OP, I know that you said DC, but you might want to take a peek at Beth Chai in Bethesda. The school, I think, meets at Burning Tree Elementary. The congregation is at River Road Unitarian.

[Anonymous]

My DH and other friends used to teach at Adas Israel on Quebec St in Cleveland Park. They have a great program.

[Anonymous]

Another vote for Temple Sinai; great teachers, low to no Potomac quotient

[Anonymous]

Does the D.C. religious school of Washington Hebrew have a lot of Potomac-types - or are they all at the Potomac branch of the religious school? Anyone have experience with the religious school at the Conservative temple on 16th Street (forget the name)?

[Anonymous]

Etz Hayim on Rt 50 in Arlington has a well-regarded sunday preschool program and a number of DC families who swear it is an easy drive (less than 5 minutes from the Teddy Roosevelt bridge).