Meet Our Alumni
"I can definitely say that my 8 years at PJA helped shape the person I am today. The small class sizes allowed me to form close relationships with my teachers who were supportive of my goals both inside and outside of the classroom."
- Class of 2010
"PJA really instilled in me a strong love of learning, taught me how to be respectful, encouraged responsibility, and I developed a sense of community and appreciation for the world around me."
- Class of 2015
“I really enjoyed the small classes and the ability to make close connections and relationships with teachers and students. I am still in touch with a number of my PJA friends.”
- Class of 2004
"Not only does PJA provide a nurturing environment that is supportive of all its students as individuals, it also offers one of the best secular educations available while teaching students Hebrew and allowing them to explore their Jewish identities and Jewish traditions."
- Class of 2005
"I very much appreciate the Jewish knowledge I gained at PJA."
- Class of 1998
Even though I've graduated from college now, I have held onto the lessons that PJA gave me about community and family. PJA helped me develop a worldview beyond the classroom and instilled a sense of personal responsibility to others.
- class of 2012
"I attended PJA from 1st through 8th grade. There are so many wonderful memories from my time at PJA!"
- Class of 1999
"PJA helped me become more caring, curious, thoughtful, and creative. It also gave me a sense of pride in my Jewish identity, and a feeling of family with the Jewish community in Portland."
- Class of 2006
Joseph Warton, PJA Class of 2012, was announced in 2017 as a member of the corps de ballet of the San Francisco Ballet.
- class of 2012
"I think the small class sizes, project-based learning, and excellent teachers at PJA all helped me to be successful in the many different academic environments I’ve inhabited since then."
- Class of 2000
“PJA teachers taught me to hold my own ideas in high esteem, that my voice had value, and (this is thanks to Harriet Wingard especially) that anything worth learning is worth writing about - and creatively at that.”
- Class of 2005
“PJA prepared me to be an independent thinker, while simultaneously teaching me the value of community. This allowed me to build strong friendships with both teachers and students in middle school, which I also carried over into my high school education.” - Nathan Gruenberg, Class of 2009
"PJA was a big part of the reason that I was able to successfully attend Riverdale High School. At PJA, the teachers were always supportive, helpful, and gave great guidance. Without PJA and their incredible faculty, I not only wouldn't have the great memories I made there, but I wouldn't be as successful or independent in school. " - Maya Hendin, Class of 2009
“At PJA I learned how to effectively communicate - verbally and in written form. I am so glad I received a Jewish foundation at PJA.” - Sam Rosenberg, Class of 2009