FAQ

Absolutely! Gesher has been accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS) since 1997, requiring a regular and rigorous review of our learning environment and curriculum. We are proud members of the Jewish Community Day School Network (RAVSAK) as well as the Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington (AISGW). We have close to three decades of experience teaching and nurturing Jewish children from all over the Washington DC area.

A Gesher student starts his or her academic day at 8:30 and finishes at 3:30. The day is filled with hands-on science, living history, engaging reading, math lessons, Hebrew and Spanish language, Jewish prayer, history and holidays, kosher lunch, recess, physical education, music, art, computer lab, and library. Our integrated dual curriculum offers a fast-paced, broad-based learning environment with small learning communities and a focus on the teacher-student relationship.

Gesher is a K-8 community Jewish Day School established to educate children from a broad spectrum of Jewish practice in Northern Virginia. As a community day school, we have families from all levels of observance and practice, each bringing their own unique perspective to the table. We model tolerance and respect for the community of ALL Jews, and in turn, our children learn to respect religions and cultures of others.

Our goal in admissions is similar to yours as a parent: that our learning environment be a good fit for your child. On occasion, we may request additional outside educational testing be conducted or arrange to observe your child in his current program and speak to his current teacher(s) as part of our admissions process. All Kindergarten admissions require a Kindergarten readiness screening and a recommendation from your child’s preschool teacher.

Parents seeking to learn more about Gesher and what we have to offer your child are encouraged to begin the application process in the Fall prior to the academic year you may wish to enroll. Applications are received though the end of January and beyond on a space-available basis. Please contact Debra Mendelson, Director of Admissions, to arrange a personal tour and/or to receive our information packet.

Fall is a great time for us to get to know each other. Plan to attend an evening Open House in the Fall to tour the school and receive an overview of our program. Later in the season, simply call the Admissions office to arrange for a personal visit and observe classrooms during the day.

Tuition is set annually by Gesher’s Board of Directors. We recognize that applying to a private school is a big financial decision for families and no question or concern you may have regarding cost is insignificant to us. There is a firm commitment to help any families who wish a Jewish day school education for their child at Gesher. Our financial aid program is needs-based and strictly confidential. Click here for a complete 2010-11 Tuition and Fees Schedule.

Yes, we currently have busing from various points in Northern Virginia. Several of our stops are at area synagogues. We also assist families in arranging carpools.

Yes, Gesher ABC is our before and after-school care program. Supervised before-school care is available at 7:30 and after-school care goes until 6:00. Our program includes snack, enrichment classes, free time, outdoor games and homework time. Drop-ins are welcome with minimal advance notice!