“Torah Im Derech Eretz“
Welcome to PJJDS
Nestled in the wooded Glen in Camps Bay, Cape Town, the Phyllis Jowell Jewish Day School is a progressive educational institution which caters for children from the ages of 18 months (playschool) to Grade 6. This unique school blends a solid curriculum with religious education, values and practice.
The PJJDS is named to memorialize Phyllis Jowell, a very special Aishet Chayil, generous spirit and giving in all ways. She was a woman of valour, who strongly supported Torah learning and Jewish continuity during her lifetime. She lived her life by the motto of Veahavta Leraiacha Kamocha: ‘love your fellow as yourself”. Her inspiration continues to ensure young children being educated in a Torah-inspired environment.
Our Motto
Torah Im Derech Eretz
Our Mission and Vision
Mission:
At PJJDS we want to foster accomplishment and instill a sense of self confidence and feelings of success in each student. We believe in stimulating young minds in a way that is rewarding for the student.
We believe that a student’s potential is always more than appears on the surface. We strive to develop this potential through creative teaching methods, sensitivity to individual needs, and supportive relationships between teachers, students, and parents.
We want to ensure that students are inspired by a nurturing environment, and supported in creative learning situations by both caring teachers and parents.
Vision:
Our vision is to be an exemplary Jewish school which strives to create a deep sense of love for Torah, the Jewish people, Israel and the wider South African community, through the highest standards of integrated Torah and academic education.
PJJDS works towards the development of the whole child in a warm and caring environment. Our dual curricula, where Kodesh studies and the general curriculum combine, provide a well rounded and integrated educational offering.
Our Purpose
The purpose of PJJDS is to provide the Cape Town Jewish community with a unique education, which will:
- Promote a meaningful appreciation of Judaism
- Cultivate a commitment to Jewish lifestyle and practice
- Prepare students for success in the dynamic and modern world
- Develop our students by fostering a positive self-esteem, independence and responsibility
Our Uniqueness
PJJDS is a school that seeks to develop the total child. Children receive a high level of individual attention, and therefore greater opportunity to express and develop themselves as individuals.
We expect the faculty and students to conduct themselves in a way that exemplifies the true spirit of the school community, including :
- Respect for individuals feelings
- Sense of dignity
- Courtesy and self control
- Hospitality to newcommers
- Concern for others
- Good sportsmanship
- Kindness and humility
- Pride in dress and work
- Community services
Facilities, Services, Extra Curricular Programmes
Our curriculum is supported by the following facilities and services :
- Computers and internet access. A computer curriculum is run from Pre-primary age
- Secular and religious library
- Outdoor classrooms
- Well-equiped playgrounds
- Educational consulting
- Guidance counsellor
- Intra-curricular sports programme
- A full extra-curiccular programme including soccer, gymnastics, chess, dancing, karate, music and yoga.
What our community says about us
Phyllis Jowell Jewish Day School Testimonials

"At Phyllis Jowell my friends and I raise money for organisations helping the underprivileged.”

"Phyllis Jowell is an extension of our family."

“This school teaches us how to be a Mensch, to be caring and kind.”

"Phyllis Jowell Jewish Day School, is a special school because it provides a intimate and nurturing environment, enabling each child to develop their own sense of self and and be professionally educated while having fun!”

“Working at Phyllis Jowell is not a job - it’s my second home and family.”
Get in touch with us
We look forward to hearing from you!