Ask a Kavod Charter School explorer what they love most about school, and you won’t get a one word answer. We recently asked a group of our 7th grade explorers to reflect on their Kavod experience, their teachers, their favorite classes, the clubs that let them try something new, and the community that makes them feel like they belong. Their answers say more about our school than any brochure could. Here’s what they told us, in their own words.
“What’s your favorite subject?”
When asked what their favorite subject is, the answer isn’t just one! Our explorers’ answers ranged across the curriculum, proof that a rigorous, well-rounded program gives every student something to love. Explorers love Language and Literature, due to the creative assignments; the complexity of Math; the engaging projects in Science and Design classes and Individuals and Societies and learning different languages in Hebrew and Spanish.
“Do you participate in any clubs or electives?”
From theater to Dungeons & Dragons to journalism, our explorers are finding their people and their passions outside the core classroom, too.
Maya and Gali both lit up talking about theater. Maya loves directing the elementary show as much as performing in the middle school production, calling it “something I have always wanted to do… “It’s so fun to be a part of a show, sing, act and dance. I am also so excited to be able to direct a show for younger kids.”
Gali and Isaac both spend time in D&D Club, which Isaac says gives him room to “be creative with my friends.”
Emma is part of Art Club and Journalism, where she gets creative freedom to write about topics she cares about. “We have a bunch of art supplies and artistic activities.”
Dahlia has found a new favorite in Photography Club, where she’s learned to set up a shot and use a camera with real intention.
“What are your favorite things about being a Kavod explorer?”
A few themes came up again and again: the teachers, the friendships, and the sense of community.
Maya put it simply: being an ambassador and helping with festivals and tours, getting to know her teachers, and being with her friends. Gali named the supportive teachers, the fun electives, and classes that keep her engaged. Dahlia pointed to the people, “the teachers, my friends, and the overall community… it’s nice to come to a place where I am surrounded by kind, loving, and supportive people each day.”
Isaac summed up why the teachers matter so much: “the teachers are amazing, the electives and clubs are fun – you will learn a lot from your classes.”
“What would you tell a student thinking about joining Kavod?”
This is where our explorers really spoke from the heart, and their advice sounds a lot like what we hear from families, too.
“You will fit right in. No matter who you are, you will make friends and become very close.” – Isaac
“That the teachers are really great and sweet, and that we get to help out at the school.” – Maya
“I would tell them to come. I’ve noticed in Kavod, whenever someone new comes, whether that be at the start of the year or in the middle, they make friends very quickly and get integrated into the school easily. I’ve seen kids meet people and already have friends to hang out with within their first few days, which is amazing to me. Not to mention we have a lot of fun extracurricular activities, kind teachers, and fun lessons that make you enjoy the class. We do less tests and more activity based learning, which to me is a lot more fun.” – Dahlia
Dahlia also pointed to something families ask about often: how Kavod supports kids who need help. “There are so many ways for you to get help if you need it. We have a wonderful school counselor who brings her dog to school, and a bunch of trusted adults here to help.”
The Kavod Difference, According to the People Who Know Best
Our explorers didn’t mention test scores or rankings. They talked about teachers who put in effort, electives that let them explore, friendships that formed fast, and a community that shows up for them. That’s what respect looks like in action, and it’s exactly what we hope every family feels when they walk through our doors.
Have a Kavod explorer at home with their own story to tell? We’d love to feature more voices like these on our website, upcoming blogs and social media posts. Reach out to Alexa Greelnald to share what your explorer loves most about being part of our community.
New to Kavod? Come see what our explorers are talking about. Schedule a tour and experience our community for yourself.
About Kavod Charter School:
Kavod is a tuition-free public charter school in San Diego committed to growing the next generation of bilingual, globally aware leaders who will make the world a more respectful place. We offer modern Hebrew and Spanish to diverse TK-8th graders alongside a rigorous curriculum, the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, and enriching electives. As a non-religious, dual language elementary and middle school, we are consistently ranked as a top 5% charter school in California and the nation. Kavod means respect – we believe respect makes a world of difference. Enroll with Kavod today!
