Explore the Upper Division (Middle School 6-8)
Fun Facts about the Upper Division
More than 70% of Denver JDS Upper Division students participate in team sports.
Denver JDS Upper Division students earn National Merit Recognition at four times the national average.
Denver JDS middle schoolers meet several times a week with their advisors.
Several Upper Division teachers have taught at our school for more than 30 years.
Tekes Tichon offers a unique opportunity for 11th graders to take eighth graders off campus for the day to form a connection.
Students are encouraged to pursue specific interests and passions, and faculty members are open to independent study classes in order to help facilitate that exploration.
In the winter of 2021, our Varsity Boys basketball team reached the 1A 'Great 8' for the first time in DJDS history.
On Senior Stress Day in the fall, a couple of faculty members take the senior class off campus to bond as a class and begin planning Color War.
If I am not for myself who will be for me?
If I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?
— Ethics of Our Fathers 1:14
Denver Jewish Day School middle and high school students gain college preparatory excellence while growing into mature and responsible young adults.
Our low student-to-teacher ratio, Judaic values, and individualized approach to education helps ensure that in addition to gaining academic acuity, Denver JDS students also learn how to find their own voice and be true to themselves.
Nurturing the adolescent mind
The middle and high school years are a time of incredible physical, social, and intellectual growth. At Denver JDS, we understand and embrace the importance of helping each student negotiate his or her way and develop a sense of identity and independence.
Our middle school Advisory Program provides a daily source of social, emotional, and academic support, including conflict resolution training, health education and de-stressing techniques. By high school, each student has at least one faculty member he or she can turn to for such support.
Class schedules vary throughout the week, allowing students to study each topic at different times of the day. Students gain important time management, organization, self awareness, and self-advocacy skills at weekly periods of unstructured choice time on Tuesdays and Thursdays. During this time, all Upper Division students can meet one-on-one with teachers, study individually or as a group, do homework, or, if their academic responsibilities have been handled, participate in athletic or social activities. Middle school students also use this time to meet with their advisory groups. Upper Division Announcements, a brief gathering of all students in grades six through 12, also happen weekly during this time.
A wide range of extra-curricular activities and experiential learning opportunities enhance classroom lessons and further prepare Denver JDS scholars for college and beyond.
Within the Upper Division, we also offer to our learning community the Learning Resource Center (LRC) and a social wellness program.