The launch of Kadima in September 2007 was the culmination of several years of effort in Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire to establish a day school that would best serve the diverse needs of the local Jewish community.

In 2004, the Nashua Jewish Community formed a parents group with a vision of a Community Day School for the Nashua/Manchester area.  This group later merged with the board of the Haverhill, MA Solomon Schechter Day School of the Merrimack Valley (SSDSMV).  Although they enjoyed a proud existence as a Schechter school in Haverhill, the SSDSMV board knew that their school needed to evolve into an institution that could serve a broader range of Merrimack Valley families.  Together this new group developed a vision for a community day school that combines academic excellence with an integrated Jewish studies program and a caring environment for families across the region.

A transition team began work in October 2006 envisioning the new school.  Then, in the winter and spring of 2007, a broader array of parents, staff, board members and community leaders worked with Boston-area consultants to develop Kadima Community Day School.  

As a community day school Kadima is not affiliated with any particular movement or denomination within Judaism.  It is a school that places Torah at the center.  We strive to build a community that celebrates Jewish diversity and pluralism.  We respect the traditions and philosophies of everybody in our community.

Our school opened its doors in September 2007 with strong roots and new resources, talent, and energy. 

Kadima prides itself on its warm and open environment.  We welcome all seekers and explorers who wish to engage with Judaism both as insiders and outsiders. Our community includes traditional and non-traditional families, multi-racial families, and families with non-Jewish partners and spouses.

What are school hours?
We are open from 8am to 3pm Monday through Thursday and from 8am to 2:15pm on Friday.

How old does my child need to be to enter nursery/preschool?
Children should be two years and nine months old by September 30th to enter our Nursery program. Children should be three years old by September 30th to enter our Ganon (preschool).

Why should I send my child to Kadima rather than one of the other area public or private schools?
At Kadima, academic excellence goes hand-in-hand with an appreciation for the unique talents, learning styles, and interests of each individual child.  We provide a rigorous bi-cultural program in a caring environment that fosters a lifelong love of learning, autonomy in decision-making, self-discipline, and respect for self and others.

Where are you located?  What plans do you have relative to location in the future? 
The school moved to 41 Central Street, Andover, MA in July 2008.  This location, in the heart of Andover, is conveninet to I-495 and is central to the Merrimack Valley Jewish community.  We expect to be located on Central Street (in the school-wing of South Church) until our permanent home in Congregation Beth Israel's new Andover campus is complete.  

Where do Kadima students come from? 
Current Kadima families hail from as far west as Billerica, MA, as far east as Plaistow, NH and as far north as Windham, NH.  Our move to the Andover area makes our school more accessible to families in the Chelmsford-Lowell-Nashua area as well as those living along the I-93 corridor, from Manchester, NH to Winchester, MA.

What are Kadima's plans for growth?
Kadima opened in the fall of 2007 with a preschool and K-1 class and expanded in September 2008 to include Nursery and 2nd grade.  We will add a grade level each year until the school reaches sixth grade.  At that time we will assess whether to add a junior high school.

Can students enter Kadima in first grade or above?
Yes.  Our teachers are adept at working with multi-aged, multi-level classrooms.  In some cases Hebrew tutoring may be necessary prior to or concurrent with school entry.

What makes Kadima's pre-school program attractive to non-Jewish families?
Many of the same features that attract Jewish families, including a warm child-centered environment, experienced teachers, and small class sizes make Kadima attractive to families of all faiths.

How is kashrut observed in a community day school?
Kadima is a place where children of all Jewish observance levels are made to feel comfortable. In order to create a shared public space, children are asked to bring a vegetarian lunch and kosher dietary laws are observed at all school events.

How do I set up a visit, get tuition information and an application for enrollment?
Please contact our Principal, Michael J. Jacobson by email or by phone at 978-475-5510. He will be happy to mail you an application packet and schedule a visit so you can see our school in action.

How affordable is Kadima? 
Kadima provides a high level program at a cost that is below many area independent schools.  We also provide a generous, confidential, needs-based tuition assistance program. To request a financial aid form please contact the school office.