New for 2012-13: CJP's Discover Day School Checks

Choosing Jewish Day School just got easier!

Your family may be eligible for up to $18,000 toward day school tuition. The Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) has expanded their Discover Day School Grant Program from 2011 to include any Elementary or Middle School child that is the first in the family to enter a Jewish day school.

The Discover Day School Grant is aims to target:

  • K-8th grade students entering day school in Fall 2012;
  • The child must be first in the family to attend a Jewish day school;
  • “Middle tier” income families – Check out the eligibility calculator at www.discoverdayschool.org.

The Discover Day School Grant is:

  • A voucher submitted to the school of your choice that covers 25 percent – up to $6,000 – of tuition;
  • Applicable toward tuition in the fall of 2012 and the following two years;
  • In lieu of financial assistance.

Important Dates to Remember:

  • 01.09.12 – Application available online
  • 03.09.12  –  CJP Discover Day School application due
  • 04.16.12  –  CJP Discover Day School check submitted to school of choice

Please see the other side of this sheet for Frequently Asked Questions. For more information, please visit the Discover Day School website, www.discoverdayschool.org.

A community plan grounded in research and data

CJP’s Affordability Initiative is a volunteer effort led by CJP’s Day School Education Commission (DSEC). At its core is the belief that all Jewish children should have access to a Jewish day school education.

In a two-year study conducted by the DSEC, findings proved that many middle tier income families value the benefits of Jewish day school, but are discouraged by the high cost of tuition and long-term impact on their savings. These findings led to CJP’s Discover Day School Program.

What is a “middle tier” income family?

These are families who do not qualify for substantial (if any) financial assistance from day schools, yet find the cost of day school education prohibitive. Middle tier families considering day school often decide against enrolling on the basis of cost, and so never discover the value it can provide their children and family. CJP’s Discover Day School Program is designed for this group of families.

Why “first in the family”?

The purpose of CJP’s Discover Day School Program is to lower financial barriers for families who have not yet experienced all that our Jewish day schools have to offer. Therefore, this pilot program requires that the student receiving a CJP Discover Day School Check be the “first in the family” to attend a Jewish day school.

Why in lieu of financial assistance?

CJP’s Discover Day School Program requires families to choose between school-based financial assistance and CJP Discover Day School Checks. Day schools already provide substantial financial assistance to families on the lower end of the income spectrum. These families generally receive greater financial assistance than they would with CJP’s Discover Day School Checks. Those who opt for a Discover Day School Check will be families who receive either no financial assistance or a smaller award than the Discover Day School Check value. Because Discover Day School has been structured to dove tail with school-based financial assistance programs, DDS Checks can only apply to grades where the school also makes financial assistance available.

The start of a solution

Funds for the CJP Discover Day School Program are the result of generous designated gifts by visionary and passionate day school supporters. They understand the value of day school as well as the financial challenge families face. This pilot program is one component of a broader effort to address day school affordability. The CJP Discover Day School Program will bring to the schools a new pipeline of students whose families might have opted out due to cost. The schools and current students will all benefit from the infusion of increased revenue, spirit and energy these students and their families will bring.

Contact Us

For More Information:

Answers to most of your questions about this program can be found in the FAQ and Next Steps sections.

For all other questions, please contact us directly at info@DiscoverDaySchool.org. Please note that we will not be able to answer eligibility questions relating to a specific case/family.

For more information about investing in CJP’s Discover Day School Program, please contact Larry Tobin, Major Gifts Officer at LarryT@cjp.org or 617-457-8732.