My son went this year to kindergarten and had a wonderful year. He made so many good friends and wind really happy every morning to his class. Dylan learned new social skills, learned how to read and write in English and recognizing and acknowledge all the , ... I I'm also adding my three year-old next year to ecec, heard so many good things about it(: read more

Kadima Day School - Elementary Schools Near Me - West Hills, California

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My son, like many kids, has a lot of energy, and unfortunately, the school wasn't able to provide the right accommodations for him. The administration suggested that I either provide a shadow for my child or pay the balance and withdraw him from the school. This was a difficult decision, as we felt that the school should have been better equipped to handle the diverse needs of energetic children without such a drastic ultimatum. It's important for schools to create an environment where all children, no matter their energy levels, feel supported and included. Unfortunately, our experience felt more about fitting kids into a specific mold rather than embracing each child's unique needs. The worst thing I ever did was to put my son at Kadima!! read more

Academic excellence? While there for 3 yrs, I had several Board members tell me "Kadima has never been known for being academically focused," or "the kids at Kadima won't be the next Einstein". We finally left after my kiddo tested under grade level -- which they didn't tell me until 2 weeks before school ended. In the 3 years we were there we had different 3 principals. It is a wonderful school if you are looking to be in an environment with Israeli families (majority). And from what I understand, the ECEC is pretty good. Ps: they must not check Yelp -- Dikla has been gone for 2.5 years Part II: My post prompted the current admission director to finally -- after 2.5 yrs -- remove the old admission director's name. The comment the school added is a scripted response and untrue. Two report cards (Kadima does 3 per year) without one mention of my daughter needing help with reading or math (Kadima doesn't teach science in 3rd). In fact, the administration tried to hide the learning loss -- my daughter wasn't the only student who needed tutoring over the summer to catch up -- by cancelling the state testing for 3rd. read more

The school's teachers and administration are deeply committed to meeting the needs of every student. They are committed to improving academic achievement and supporting every student. I am thrilled to be a part of this community. read more

Our daughter is currently in the preschool and we couldn't be happier with the school. She loves her teachers and is learning so much and is thriving. The teachers and faculty are all so warm and welcoming. There is weekly music and Hebrew class, lots of extra curricular activities to select from and there's always different events and forums for parents to get involved. Highly recommend! read more

After being in Kadima for one year with our 2 years old, we decided to leave that school because they are too strict for us. they're limiting parents access to the school in every possible situation, like if you the kid forgot the bottle at home they will not allow the parent to walk into class to hand it to him and will insist to leave it at the front desk, if the kid is crying at departure they won't allow the parent to escort him to class and they will insist on taking him crying from the sidewalk. We felt that they're too tough and not considering the feeling of the little kids and their parents, so we left and moved to Ilan Ramon School. read more

I have 2 kids at Kadima: 1 in middle school, 1 in upper elementary school. So here's the unbiased scoop from a parent who has no board involvement and no interest other than in providing an amazing, fulfilling education for his kids in an environment that nurtures Jewish cultural values. Every school has breakthroughs and breakdowns just like our own households and work environments. The big differentiator is how a school deals with those breakdowns. At Kadima, those breakdowns are dealt with in a manner that I have not encountered at the 3 previous schools that my kids have attended. Kadima's incredibly devoted staff "bend over backwards" to ensure that no kid is left behind. At Kadima, there is no bureaucracy; every student and parent has open-door access to administrators virtually anytime and under any circumstances. If one have an issue, definitely raise it; it never gets swept under the rug when dealt with in a professional and productive manner. In fact, my experience is that issues are addressed and resolved expeditiously. The new principal, Dr. Lorch, and the K-8 Director, Anthea Canes, are so involved with the kids and committed to each and every one of them on a personal level. I have honestly never come across administrators who take this kind of approach to running a school. And finally, two years ago Kadima's tuition was comparable to that of many other Jewish and secular private schools in the area. This is Kadima's second year operating under its reduced tuition model that gives the opportunity of Jewish, private school education to many families that otherwise would not be able to afford it. I am not on the board, but my understanding is that there was a great deal of effort that went into making this dream a reality. After all, if the Christian schools can accomplish this, then why shouldn't the Jewish schools also be able to do it? This is representative of the unwavering underlying commitment that Kadima's board of directors has made to the families of our local community. This is the kind of commitment that Kadima teaches my kids. And if that alone were not a good enough reason to be at Kadima, I don't know what is. If anyone is interested in further discussing my experience with Kadima, it would be my pleasure. Please feel free to contact me. read more

Best school everrrr! Two girls i had in there. Now my little one who is in 7 grade is the happiest child ever. She loves going to school. Amazing teachers amazing people!! Thank you Kadima for all the great efforts you put to make this school amazing read more

My two kids have attended Kadima for 3 years and we could not be happier. There is a really strong sense of community, from the caring teachers to the warm administration. We have loved every teacher that we had thus far, and my kids still talk about the teachers after they've left that class (which says a lot about the way they impacted them.) I especially like the fact that Kadima focuses on Jewish and Israeli identity. My kids have made wonderful friends at the school, and we simply could not imagine going anywhere else! read more

HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SCHOOL! The staff of teachers is one of the best (if not the best) in the area. The care and attention they give to my kids( 3 boys) by far exceeds any of our expectations. And if that wasn't enough, my children and their classmates out-perform any of the children in their age group. All of my children have thrived under the direction of teachers who have taught here at Kadima Day School for MANY years. My children LOVE to attend and learn. I am confident that this school has set a solid foundation for their learning path and that they have developed a true love for learning. WE Love Kadima! read more

So thankful to Kadima for everything they do for our children ! From the head of school to administrative staff, teachers and assistants you have our eternal gratitude and we could not be happier to be a part of such a beautiful and strong community. You are a leading example for any and all schools in the West Valley specially during these trying times. read more

Dikla director of admissions and school came through and helped us resolve the situation with my daughters placement I am very happy that we were able to communicate and Wishing for both my kids many more years of happiness at Kadima . read more

Having worked in the early childhood field for a number of years I am thoroughly impressed with how Kadima's ECEC program is run. I've heard so many great things about the new director and can't wait to send my child there. read more

We have been a Kadima family for the last 6 years, and remain ever grateful for the superior education, whole-student teaching model and haimish community. The teachers are warm and caring, the administration embraces best-practices, and the students are awesome! Go, Kodiaks! read more

FACT: My two sons attended this school for less than two weeks. FACT: My sixth grader was bullied. FACT: My third grader has ADHD and they knew it from day one. They asked for a FBA (functional behavioral assessment) within six weeks per the contract we signed in order to better support him. FACT: Two weeks the school ( offered this solution to my third grader before the FBA even started. Hire a teacher's aide (on our own) or leave the school in two days. This is their "secret sauce" and "winning combination" that Dikla stated: "A supportive environment, caring staff, Jewish heart, small class sizes, and individualized instruction." It was quite the opposite in our case besides the smaller class size. There's a good reason for that. This school lacks demand, esp. compared to much better Jewish Day School options in the SF valley. FACT: The 3rd grade teacher who is new to the school lacked experience (first year teaching) and never reinforced anything positive. It was always what our 3rd grader was doing negatively in the classroom. FACT: Dikla Kadosh, the admission director, who is also new to the school has no experience in admissions and/or education. She came from a charity. FACT: The head of school is also new to the school. He never responded to numerous emails that the school would (cc) him and/or offer solutions to help. I even mentioned this to him on an email exchange and still no response. This is the only email I received after I posted the initial Yelp review and emailed it to him. His response: "I am sorry that the school was not to your liking." FACT: Lied about refunding tuition as promised. FACT: I have all email exchanges and I will post those next. Again, please make sure you speak with parents who have left the school. There's a reason why. read more

I have been a parent at Kadima Day School for 6 years now. I have two children in the school. This is what I love about it... 1. The teachers and administrator deeply care for their students. I can call, email or text any one of my kids teachers and they respond quickly. In fact, if there is an issue, no matter how small, the teachers usually contact me first. In my experience they have been highly qualified. The school also provides them with continuing education programs and seminars. 2. I am very happy with the education that my kids are receiving. It goes so far beyond the State requirements. They learn critical thinking skills, foreign language, social studies, the sciences, art, technology...and then there are the morals and values they teach. They have monthly community service projects and publicly reward the kids for the good deeds they do for their own community (i.e. - making new students feel welcome). 3. The school is warm and inviting. Our children feel comfortable with kids in other grades. They watch out for each other. It is a special thing to see Middle Schoolers hang out with and take care of the Elementary school kids, forming an integrated community. It has been a great joy to spend holidays and special occasions with the families in this school. The diversity of the community has enriched our lives as people and as Jews. if you are considering a Jewish Day School I highly recommend that you take a tour. It certainly is worth your time. read more

I grew up in Israel and I always thought I would raise my kids there. We live here now and we're happy but the Jewish part of life was always missing. And the connection to Israel. Kadima is the next best thing to raising my kids in Israel. They learn what it means to be Jewish. Really Jewish. Not just the basic facts about the holidays. They learn to pray, they explore the deepest Jewish values and ethics, they discover the many amazing things about Israel and its history. And of course, they are learning to speak, read, write and understand Hebrew on a daily basis. Judaism has become a part of my two sons lives in a way that my wife and I could never achieve at home by ourselves. We love being a part of the warm, loving, loud, full of joy and always have something to say Kadima community. There is nothing like it. It's our home away from home. read more

I cannot say enough great things about Kadima! We started at the school when my son was 2 years old and right from the start, felt at home! Kadima's staff are warm, nurturing, and engaging, and my son looked forward every morning when I told him we get to go back to see his teachers! The classrooms are beautifully decorated and foster a community of learning, and the playground is such a fun place for kids of all ages. When I think of a school that serves not only for academic purposes, but also for emotional growth and whole child development, Kadima is at the top of the list! read more

Not really sure what David is talking about. Dikla and the director are some of the most professional educators I have ever met. As someone who has been in education for the past 5+ years as well as moving my two boys to the ECEC, I can attest to how fantastic the school is. It is our first year and I uprooted my eldest to put him in here because it is so fantastic. They place simply by age and I have never heard of a preschool evaluating a child for skills. Preschool is always by age and his kid was in my kid's class. They are all within 6 months of each other and are 2 years old. Kids need to be in a class for months before being able to be evaluated for "ability" but at two, they aren't exactly doing calculus. I love Kadima and am SO grateful to have found such an incredible, warm, school. read more

We absolutely love Kadima and what is has given to our family! My children love going to school, they feel safe, and welcome everyday and they love their friends they have made. Kadima is not only great academically, but so amazing with helping each student individually. We tried public for a year and both my daughter and I missed Kadima so much, and we came right back. From Ecec, to middle school, Kadima is such a great place for Jewish education. The staff is always there with a helping hand, and I leave my kids with complete trust, knowing they will come home with smiles. read more

Kadima's academics are unparalleled. Class size is between 6-12 kids, with both honors and regular levels for most subjects. The teachers are tremendously caring and my children have grown academically in ways I never imagined. The school administration, including the extremely warm and experienced Head of School, Dr. Lorch, will not shy the extra mile to ensure that the students thrive academically and socially in every way possible. I am glad we chose Kadima for our kids - and so are our kids. read more

We have been at Kadima four years, specifically in the middle school. Our older daughter graduated and is now in high school; our younger daughter is there now. The school's academic standards are extremely high, and the curriculum -- which emphasizes critical thinking skills and deep subject knowledge -- is innovative and far-ranging. Students receive a values-based education in a Jewish framework, all within a warm, community-centered environment. They are given roots -- the foundational knowledge of their rich heritage -- and are encouraged to apply that knowledge so as to become active participants and often leaders in the world around them. Kadima has some of the most highly skilled, dynamic, and dedicated educators (teachers and administrators) I've seen anywhere in the U.S.. Because the school environment is intimate, the students develop relationships with their teachers that will serve them well all their lives. Great school all around. read more

We are blessed to be a part of the Kadima Day School community now, for nearly five years. It is a warm and nurturing school with wonderful teachers and administrative staff. Both our kids are thriving at Kadima, learning core subjects and Jewish values. We are very grateful for the impact Kadima has had on our kids and our entire family. read more

Kadima Day School is the best, the most professional, the most caring and supporting school I have ever come across when comparing a lot of other schools with each other trying to choose the one for my 3-year old son. From the very first moment (when you schedule a tour) you feel how warm, welcoming & professional the Kadima Community is; how much they care about kids & their families, education process, security (which is extremely important), nutrition and all other aspects you can possibly think of. The excellence & professionalism of the whole personnel can't go unnoticed & underestimated! I see with how much pleasure my son goes to Kadima Day School every day! He loves being a part of it and keeps talking about his teachers and friends after when we bring him home from school every day! He is growing and acquiring new knowledge so fast! I love the fact that a lot of attention is devoted to both - Hebrew & English language on a daily & regular basis! It's been the best decision of mine to choose Kadima for my son and I will undoubtedly choose Kadima for the rest of my kids when the time comes. Special thanks to Dikla Kadosh, Alisha Sela, Ingrid Schwartz, teachers of ECEC & E2 and all personnel for all your help & support with all life events our family went through lately and for all your love you send to kids. Thank you! read more

We are in our 4th year of being a Kadima family. Beyond the small classes, differentiated classwork, and values-imbued education, what I love most about Kadima is the partnership between parents, educators and students. Staff have a strong knowledge in child development, gifted education, and learning challenges that allow them to see beyond the surface. My two children have very different strengths, challenges and needs -- which are recognized, validated and supported. No school (or anyone for that matter) is perfect 100% of the time for 100% of children. However, I have been consistently impressed at the way that Kadima teachers and administrators collaborate with me as a parent to resolve the issues that inevitably arise. The process does not end with the proactive plan developed in the meeting -- staff reaches out regularly to check in on progress. Of course, if you ask my kids, they would just tell you that they love the teachers, their classmates, math, Hebrew, social studies, Judaic studies, science, art, holidays, social action projects, recess, sports teams, handball, and just about everything (except homework -- they are still kids, after all!) read more

We have been part of the Kadima family in the last few years and this is a perfect opportunity for me to recognize a top notch staff, faculty and admin. Kadima provides a perfect combination of academic achievements, social and emotional setting, as well as Jewish education. Kadima is not only a school, it's a community! read more

Let me start by saying that Kadima more than a school. The friendship, love of life, community, the positive and creative, yet academic education is fabulous. As a parent of 3, This is my 11th year at Kadima and we couldn't be any happier! read more