PJA FAQ

No. Portland Jewish Academy welcomes students and families from all backgrounds and faith traditions.

All students, regardless of their background, learn Hebrew as a second language, participate in Jewish Studies, celebrate Jewish holidays, and experience tefillah (prayer) as part of school life.

We look for families who are mission-aligned: families who share PJA’s values, are open to learning about Judaism (as both a religion and a culture), and are willing to participate in the Jewish life of the school alongside their child.

➡️ If you’re curious about what this looks like day-to-day, we’d love to talk with you or invite you for a visit.

Yes. PJA is home to a warm, inclusive community with a wide range of identities and practices.

Our families include multi-faith and secular households; families who identify as Jewish and families who do not; and Jewish families across many denominations.

This diversity creates a rich learning environment where students develop empathy, curiosity, and respect for different perspectives. PJA is a place where families can show up authentically while still being part of a connected community.

➡️ If you’re wondering whether PJA is the right fit, we encourage you to reach out. Our admissions team is happy to help you explore.

We’ve got you covered. PJA supports students who join us after Kindergarten and have little or no Hebrew background.

Students entering the older elementary grades or Middle School who are new to Hebrew are placed in a beginner-level Hebrew class, with additional academic support as needed. Our goal is for every student to feel confident and successful in Hebrew, no matter when they begin.

➡️ Our Admissions Director can also share more about how Hebrew instruction is differentiated across grade levels.

Jewish life at PJA is designed to be inclusive and accessible. Students learn Jewish history, values, holidays, and traditions in a way that welcomes many levels of experience and practice.

Families are often invited to join for Shabbat and holiday gatherings throughout the year. Communication with families provides translations and explanations of traditions and experiences. Families who are new to Judaism often tell us they feel supported, included, and invited into the learning community without pressure to be a certain way.

➡️ If you’d like, admissions can connect you with a current family to hear about their experience.

Yes. Tuition Support (also called financial assistance or financial aid) is available. More than 50% of PJA families receive Tuition Support. 

➡️ For more information about Tuition Support and how to apply, click here. If you’d like, we can also connect you with a member of our team to talk through your questions confidentially.

Yes. We partner with another independent school to offer bus transportation throughout the Portland metro area, including North, Northeast, and Southeast Portland, Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Lake Oswego.

➡️ Contact admissions to learn about current routes, schedules, and availability.

A PJA day begins at 8:15 AM. It includes strong academics, Jewish learning and community life, and plenty of time for play, movement, and connection. Students experience a blend of classroom learning, hands-on projects, specials (like art, PE, library, gardening, music, and Makerspace), and outdoor time.

Middle School students follow a 10-day rotating block schedule that allows for inquiry, exploration, and a high-level of student engagement. 

Our school day ends at 3:30 pm, Monday through Thursday. We end at 2:30 pm on Friday. 

➡️ We’d love to share a sample schedule for your child’s grade level during your visit.

PJA is committed to meeting students where they are. We use small class sizes and differentiated instruction to support a range of learners, and we partner with families to help students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Support may include classroom accommodations, targeted instruction, and collaboration with specialists when appropriate.

➡️ If your child has specific learning needs, we encourage you to connect with admissions early so we can talk through how PJA might support them.

PJA is intentionally small, which allows students to be known well by their teachers and peers. Our average class size is 18 students and our student-to-teacher ratio is 10-to-1. Small class sizes and a low student-to-teacher ratio support deeper relationships, responsive teaching, and meaningful participation in the classroom. 

➡️ Admissions can share current class size ranges for each division.

PJA graduates leave with strong academic skills, confidence, and a deep sense of their personal values and identity. Students are prepared for a wide range of high schools and are supported in building the skills that matter most: critical thinking, communication, leadership, and resilience.

➡️ If you’re curious, we’d be happy to share where recent graduates have enrolled in high school and college.

The process typically includes:

• An inquiry and conversation with our Admissions Department
• Family meeting and school tour
• A student visit (grade-dependent)
• Application review and records/teacher input

Our admissions team will guide you step-by-step so it feels clear and supportive.

➡️ Ready to get started? Inquire Now or Apply.