Established in 1971, the Peoria Hebrew Day School serves the Reform, Conservative, and Traditional communities of the greater Peoria area. It serves everyone in the community regardless of religious affiliation. PHDS is the only Jewish Day School in downstate Illinois. Our Board of Directors includes representatives from both congregations, and parents of current and past students. The PHDS is a community day school maintained by tuition, generous allocations from the Jewish Federation of Peoria, and contributions from many supportive families and individuals.

School Mission and History

The mission of Peoria Hebrew Day School is to lead its students toward the mastery of subject matter, a strong Jewish identity, and a pride in their abundant heritage.

PHDS pre-K and elementary school curriculum and faculty offers:

• A comprehensive general studies education
• A strong Jewish education
• An outstanding academic foundation in both secular and Jewish studies.

PHDS children learn Hebrew as a spoken language and a language of prayer. Jewish life through Shabbat and holiday celebrations Jewish ethics and values. Israeli life and culture, as taught by JFP Schliach These core elements are integral to the school program. PHDS believes that teaching Judaism and Hebrew helps to enrich and deepen the lives of its students.

PHDS offers:

• A high level educational framework.
• The warmth, devotion and care of a Jewish education.
• Small class size in a supportive environment
• A high degree of personal attention

Multi-age groups with peer teaching, role models, leadership and community opportunities so that our children are challenged to reach their full potential.

PHDS serves:

More that the entire greater Peoria Jewish community: most major cities in central IIllinois.

Youth from families affiliated with Anshai Emeth, Agudas Achim, Chabad of Peoria, Moses Monterfoire Temple or Jewish Federation of Peoria. In leadership to Peoria Jewish activities and education such as PEFTY

PHDS alumni and graduates remain:

Active Jews as rabbis, doctors, lawyers, merchants, teachers and other leaders of American Jewish and Israeli society Part of the future of American and Israeli Jewry, invigorating the invisible strings that tie the Jewish people together over the centuries.