Portland Jewish Academy

Specialties

PJA is an established academic powerhouse with a respectful, cool, and creative community. We graduate students with ties to their community and a sense of responsibility for the world based on a values system rooted in Jewish faith and history.

History

Established in 1961.

Portland Jewish Academy was formed in 1986 when two prominent Portland Jewish schools merged. The school combined Hillel Academy, founded in 1961, with The Jewish Education Association, which had operated an afternoon Hebrew school program since 1934.

An April 1987 Portland Jewish Review article asked whether there would be support for a reorganized Jewish Day School. «Would prospective parents be interested in sending their children to a Jewish day school that offered a stronger academic curriculum and had its own building on the property of the Jewish Community Center? Would they want a school that was open to all branches of Judaism?» The answer was a resounding «Yes!».

PJA became a center of Jewish learning open to the community and all branches of Judaism. The same article noted: «With an improved curriculum, a beautiful educational facility and a new community spirit, the rebirth of spring… also signals a rebirth of Jewish education in Portland.»

Meet the Manager

Inge H.

Manager

As Admission Director for Portland Jewish Academy, I have the great privilege of touring prospective families through this marvelous school. I am filled with pride as I see students from all grades, preschool through grade 8, enjoying school and engaged in their learning. Our mission is to ensure an academically excellent environment in which children thrive. PJA nurtures and inspires positive Jewish engagement, respect for human and religious differences, and responsibility for the world in which we live. Please do join me in a tour. I look forward to meeting you!