What's it like being a new student at DJDS? 

This year, DJDS welcomed 15 new students to the school. These students, dispersed across grades six to 11, are seeking new opportunities, a better community, and better teachers. 

The new students came from various schools such as South High School, Cherry Creek High School (Creek), Denver Academy of Torah (DAT), Thomas Jefferson High School (TJ), and more.

Allison Cohen, a new student from Creek, explained that her previous school lacked a community where she could talk to everybody. She had heard from her older sister and alumnus of DJDS, Sammy Cohen (class of 2024), about the amazing community that DJDS gave to her. 

“I wanted that type of community [my sister experienced] throughout my high school journey,” Cohen said. Cohen has found exactly what she was looking for in the school and enjoys the academics, classes, and people. 

Others came to DJDS looking for a better place for themselves to go to school. Ellah Aharonian, a sophomore who came from DAT, explains that she came to DJDS because she wanted a change in atmosphere. As Aharonian explained, DAT did not provide her with what she needed. In contrast to what Cohen believed, Aharonian wanted a slightly bigger community with better teachers, education, and opportunities. 

Yoav Friedman, also a sophomore from DAT, says he came “to meet new people” and because he “needed something new.” So far, Friedman has really liked the teaching style and meeting new people. 

Both Cohen and Aharonian describe the transition to DJDS as a simple, easy experience. “Everybody was so nice and welcoming,” Aharonian said. 

DJDS aimed to make this transition easier on both the students and parents by first welcoming them to school to participate in a poker night. Each new student was paired with a former student in hopes of connecting them to the school before they started the year. 

One pair, Maya Karlitz, a DJDS 10th grader, and Josie Abrahams, a new DJDS 10th grader, have had a very positive experience being a part of the buddy program. “I am so glad the school chose me to welcome new students to the community,” Karlitz explained. 

According to Karlitz, the buddy system has not only been good for Abrahams but also for herself. Now, Maya talks to her buddy daily and has developed a strong bond with Abrahams. 

“Normally, I am a shy kid,” Karlitz said. “The program has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and welcome new students.”

Overall, the transition to DJDS has been a very positive experience for the students interviewed. “I have really liked it so far,” Friedman said.