Bornblum Jewish Community School

🌟 Key Highlights: Bornblum Jewish Community School

Bornblum Jewish Community School (BJCS) is a private, co-educational Jewish day school in Memphis, Tennessee. It is committed to a dual-language, integrated curriculum of high-quality General Studies and pluralistic Judaic Studies, fostering academic excellence, Jewish identity, and social responsibility.

🏫 Overview

• Type: Private / Independent Jewish Day School

• Location: Memphis, Tennessee (East Memphis Area)

• Grades Served: Kindergarten (K) – 8th Grade (Lower School K–5, Middle School 6–8)

• Enrollment: Approximately 109–162 students

• Core Mission: To provide a rigorous and pluralistic Judaic and general studies curriculum that inspires students to achieve their potential and become intellectually curious learners with a lifelong connection to their Jewish identity.

• Affiliation: Member of the Memphis Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) and Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools.

• Accreditation: Accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS).

• Focus: Comprehensive K–8 education integrating dual-language instruction (English and Hebrew) and Jewish values.

✅ What Makes the School Unique?

BJCS is distinguished by its integrated dual curriculum, commitment to pluralism, and innovative Middle School programs:

• Integrated Dual Curriculum: Provides a high caliber dual-language curriculum that actively seeks opportunities to integrate Jewish and General Studies. Students gain mastery of both English and Hebrew and study subjects through both secular and Jewish lenses.

• Pluralistic Jewish Identity: Operates as a community school that welcomes and respects families from diverse paths of Jewish observance (Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox), striving to create a mutually respectful environment of shared tradition.

• Middle School Innovation: The Middle School (Grades 6–8) features an innovative model including a six-day rotating schedule and dedicated time for experiential, hands-on learning (LOFT), social-emotional learning (SEL), and the development of essential soft skills.

• Design Thinking & Capstone Projects: Middle School students participate in Design Thinking and complete an individual Capstone project, utilizing a dedicated Design Lab with tools like a laser cutter and 3D printer to explore passions and solve real-world problems.

• Affordability Commitment: Maintains a core principle of making a Jewish education affordable and accessible to any Jewish family, utilizing support from the Bornblum Foundation, Memphis Jewish Federation, and community donors to keep the parent tuition portion relatively low compared to the actual cost of education (e.g., approximately $13,000–$14,500 for a program that costs $25,000 per student).

• Small Class Sizes: Maintains exceptionally small class sizes (average of 10 students and a student-teacher ratio as low as 7:1 or 3:1), ensuring every student receives individualized instruction and attention.

📞 Contact Information