Our Mission

Solomon Schechter Day School of Metropolitan Chicago is a pre-kindergarten through eighth grade Jewish day school, with two campuses in the northern suburbs of Chicago. At Schechter, we ignite our students’ Jewish souls, educate them to their highest potential, and empower them to use their knowledge, skills, and creativity to enrich our world.

Our Core Values

Exemplary/Dugma

Solomon Schechter Day School is committed to providing an education that weaves the best of general studies and Judaic studies in an integrated program that is the benchmark against which Jewish day school programs are measured.

In the Image of God/Btzelem Elohim 

Solomon Schechter Day School values the uniqueness and worth of every individual. Our school emphasizes respect, dignity, inclusiveness, and compassion. We nurture the health, safety, and well-being of every member of our community. 

Journey/Masa

Solomon Schechter Day School welcomes and partners with parents to encourage and support their children and families throughout their Schechter journey. We also promote a love of learning in our students, and create opportunities for children, parents, families, educators, and volunteers to engage in life-long learning and growth.

 Israel/Yisrael

Through Hebrew language education and immersion in Israeli culture, Solomon Schechter Day School personalizes for its students the American Jewish connection to Israel, instilling a passionate, lasting commitment to, and a sense of responsibility for, the State of Israel.

Celebration/Simcha

A Jewish life is a joyous life.  SSDS provides a joyful learning environment for children, families, and educators. Jewish holidays and life cycle events are an opportunity for everyone to come together to celebrate and experience the richness of Jewish life.

Responsibility/Achrayut

As Jews, we are all responsible for one another. This sense of responsibility begins with, and extends beyond, our SSDS community and includes giving tzedakah and improving our world.

Community/Kehillah 

SSDS is a community of students, families, educators, donors, and volunteer leaders who support each other through times of joy and sorrow, forging life-long bonds of friendship based on a shared commitment to each other and to Jewish life and learning.

SSDS is committed to the philosophy and practices of the Conservative Movement, which also serve as a guide in our approach to religious observance and teaching. We welcome students and families from every spectrum of Jewish life.

A Portrait of a Schechter Graduate

SSDS Graduates:

• Thrive academically
• Emerge as creative and critical thinkers
• Demonstrate their roots in Jewish life and living
• Feel passionately connected to Israel
• Advocate for themselves, others, and important causes
• Celebrate diverse views, ideas, and practices
• Remain connected to each other and to SSDS for life