Frequently Asked Questions

What are the School Day Hours and the School Calendar?

Starr Family Jewish Day School’s Class Times:

  • Monday-Thursday: 8AM to 4PM
  • Friday: 8AM to 3:30PM

Starr Family Jewish Day School’s First Day of School:

  • 2021-2022 Semester: August 19, 2021

Starr Family Jewish Day School’s Last Day of School:

  • 2021-2022 Semester: May 27, 2022.

Does the school have a uniform policy and/or dress code?

STARR JDS will require all students wear uniforms. Our school colors will be Navy, White, and Powder Blue. All students should wear Navy bottoms and White or Powder Blue Shirts. Shirts should be tucked in. Students should look neat and well-groomed when arriving for school and throughout the day. Spirit Clothing may be worn on Thursdays with Navy or Jeans bottoms (shirts may be un-tucked).

Girls

Girls in grades K-2 may wear skirts, pants or shorts. Beginning in grade 3, girls are encouraged to wear skirts.

Jumpers – Navy: Jumpers should cover the knee, so students can sit or play comfortably and modestly.
Skirts – Navy: Skirts should cover the knee, so students can sit or play comfortably and modestly.
Privacy Shorts – Navy or Black: (to be worn under Jumper or Skirt) Shorts may not extend past skirt
length.
Shorts – Navy: Should be knee length so student can sit or play comfortably and modestly.
Blouses – White or Powder Blue Blouse: Short and long sleeves permitted (must be tucked in).
Knit Shirts – White or Powder Blue: Short and long sleeves permitted (must be tucked in).
Sweaters – Navy or White Cardigan
Socks/Tights – White ankle, crew, or knee socks, or tights. No leggings please.
Shoes – Students should wear comfortable shoes in neutral colors (brown, white, black, or grey). Closed
toe and covered heels only.
Coats – Only allowed outside.
Hair/Accessories – Hair must be clean and well-groomed. Accessories in accordance with school colors.
Jewelry – Simple (dangling earrings not allowed); only one earring per ear. No multiple bracelets or bangles.
Cosmetics – Make-up not allowed.

Boys

Slacks – Navy Pleated or Flat Front Slacks with Belt Loops.
Shorts – Navy Pleated or Flat Front Short with Belt Loops.
Oxford Shirts – White or Powder Blue Short or Long Sleeve Oxford Cloth Shirt (must be tucked in).
Knit Shirts – White or Powder Blue Short or Long Sleeve Pique Knit Shirt (must be tucked in).
Sweaters – Navy or White V-neck Pullover (Fine gauge acceptable).
Belt – Belts are recommended.
Shoes – Students should wear comfortable shoes in neutral colors (brown, white, black, or grey). Closed
toe and covered heels only.
Socks – Socks worn in neutral colors (navy, white or black) are required.
Coats – Only allowed outside.
Hair – Clean and well groomed – should be no longer than collar length.
Jewelry – Simple, no earrings.
Kipah – Boys are required to wear a kipah at all times, including recess, PE, and at off-campus activities; use of a clip or bobby-pin is recommended. Kippot are supplied by the school office for students who have lost or forgotten their own. A kipah is the only allowed head covering.
Tzitzis – Boys are required to wear tzitzit during Tefillot. We encourage the students to continue wearing them throughout the day.

Read more in the Parent Student Handbook.

Who is allowed admission into the school?

STARR JDS only accepts students of the Jewish faith.

What role does technology play in the classroom?

STARR JDS recognizes the value and role technology plays in the modern world. Students will learn about and interact with various types of technologies as part of the STARR JDS curriculum. Furthermore, tools such as Computer Labs, Digital Projectors, etc. may be used where applicable to enhance the teaching environment. However, STARR JDS strongly believes that much of the value in private school education comes from the real-life interactions between students and students and between students and teachers, though we have successfully implemented online courses as part of the curriculum this year.

We successfully implemented a Cognia accredited online secular curriculum for middle school grade levels.

Is STARR JDS Accredited?

STARR JDS achieved formal accreditation through Cognia, formerly known as AdvancED, the largest community of education professionals in the world. Click here for more information.

Will standardized tests be part of the curriculum?

STARR JDS believes that standardized tests are important, but what is more important is what is done with the results. STARR JDS conducts appropriate assessments to help guide the teaching staff to determine the best ways to help and teach each individual student.

Is STARR JDS a Yeshiva/Religious School?

No. Starr Family Jewish Day School is a traditional Jewish day school. This means our school has a strict kosher policy, our prayer books follow the Ashkenazi liturgy, our students recite Birkat Hamazon (grace after meals), and the school observes all of the religious holidays.

Are girls allowed to participate as much as the boys are?

Yes. Our girls participate equally with our boys in all aspects of academics and extracurricular activities. Each student at STARR JDS is educated in the manner most befitting their abilities, regardless of gender

We don’t practice orthodoxy at home, will my child fit in?

Many of our families do not consider themselves “Orthodox”, “religious”, “observant”, or any similar label. However, all our families feel respected about their personal religious practice. Our teachers and administrators are sensitive to and respectful of the wide range of observance among our families – it is actually that diversity that makes us such a tight family.

Is STARR JDS competitive with local public and private schools?

STARR JDS’s students have consistently scored in the top rankings in the ERB’s CTP-4 & IOWA examinations – higher standard tests than the State of Texas’ STAAR. In addition to our strong academics, the skills our students learn in Judaic studies and by learning a second language uniquely prepare them to excel in the real world.

Does STARR JDS offer financial aid to families that can’t afford the full annual tuition?

The Board of Directors at STARR JDS believes Jewish education should be available to all Jewish children. Therefore, the Board has established a Flexible Tuition model based on a family’s income and number of children, so that a high quality private school education is within reach. For more information, visit the Tuition & Financial Aid page.

Will STARR JDS hire only certified teachers?

All of STARR JDS’s secular studies teachers are certified teachers. STARR JDS’s Judaic studies teachers will not be required to be certified, but will need to demonstrate competency in teaching as determined by STARR JDS’s administrative staff.

I'm worried that STARR JDS isn’t diverse enough for my children?

At STARR JDS, our student body is comprised of families spanning the socio-economic and religious observance spectrum, making us one of the more diverse private schools in town. In addition, our school focuses on teaching tolerance and respect for others, regardless of background or race.

My child has special needs. Does STARR JDS have the resources to accommodate him/her?

STARR JDS has established partnerships, both with private organizations and NEISD, to accommodate most special needs. We have access to specialized tutors, counseling, or supplementary services to ensure each child gets the attention they deserve. Furthermore, with our smaller class sizes and focus on differentiated instruction, each child is taught to their ability so they can excel to their fullest potential.

Does STARR JDS have any after school activities for my child?

STARR JDS offers a full complement of after-school programs, including Homework Club, Advanced Art, Music, Yoga (through a partnership with Yoga Day), and Advanced Judaic Studies. STARR JDS is also working on a chess club, Odyssey of the Mind, Tech Shop, and other after school offerings to complement our rigorous in-school programming.

How can I get involved as a parent to participate in the school?

As a part of the STARR JDS family, the best way to engage is through the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). Made up and governed solely by parents, the PTO works tirelessly to ensure the staff of the school receives the support they need to create the fun, yet rigorous environment we have established at STARR JDS.

I’m concerned about the school’s safety, what precautions are taken?

The safety of our students is the top priority of our staff. Every day, our staff members walk the campus before school to ensure a safe perimeter. During drop-off and pick-up times when the main gate is open, staff are stationed to identify vehicles as they approach the building. Our entrances are always locked and are equipped with cameras to identify visitors. Our staff trains regularly in emergency response procedures. We have also engaged with local agencies to improve our emergency action plans.

Have any questions? Get in touch with us!

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