Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Technology
Innovation in Action
At San Diego Jewish Academy, innovation is a way of thinking that shapes learning across the entire school. Every day, students engage in hands-on experiences that encourage curiosity, problem-solving, and creative risk-taking — in classrooms, workshops, labs, and real-world settings. Teachers and students work side by side to apply academic knowledge in meaningful ways, blending entrepreneurial thinking, science, and technology into authentic learning experiences.
Innovation at SDJA is strengthened through collaboration across divisions and disciplines. Students regularly design, build, and learn together, creating a shared culture of experimentation and growth. Recent projects have included international partnerships with Sha’ar Hanegev, cross-divisional experiences such as the Shuk marketplace in Jewish Studies, participation in the Cadena humanitarian innovation competition, and the Ideas to Products entrepreneurship course, where students learn the foundations of business development and entrepreneurial thinking.
Rooted in Jewish values, these experiences challenge students to think ethically, act responsibly, and connect their learning to purpose — preparing them not only for college, but for meaningful leadership in an ever-changing world.
What does Innovation and Entrepreneurship look like at SDJA?
Programs
Innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology at SDJA are experienced through interconnected pathways rather than isolated courses. These programs provide students with repeated opportunities to design, build, lead, and problem-solve across disciplines and divisions. Together, they create a culture where creativity, ethical thinking, and real-world application are part of everyday learning.
Innovation & Entrepreneur Scholar Program
The Innovation & Entrepreneur Scholar Program is SDJA’s highest recognition for students who complete sustained, advanced entrepreneurial experiences. Students who earn this distinction demonstrate leadership, initiative, and real-world problem solving, and receive the Innovation & Entrepreneur Scholar designation on their diploma.
Independent Study: Science & Technology
Independent Study allows students to design passion-driven projects in science, engineering, and technology. Projects have included developing a hyper-local ride-sharing app, conducting research on microplastic filtration and identification, and generating more durable and sustainable bio-composite materials; all guided by faculty mentorship.
Student Clubs & Leadership
Student-led clubs provide space for students to lead in areas they care about most. Offerings such as Business & Entrepreneurship, Cultural Club, Young Leaders in Healthcare, and Eco-Club allow students to collaborate, innovate, and take ownership of meaningful initiatives.
Kayefit
This program is aimed at inspiring the next generation of SDJA students to become innovators. It allows for the Robotics team to build a sustainable model to secure funding for themselves. Robotics team members to mentor elementary school students to introduce them to foundational robotics and engineering topics.
High Altitude Science
High Altitude Science engages students in authentic research through near-space balloon launches. Students design experiments, collect atmospheric data, and analyze results using real scientific tools and methodologies.
Spaces
Innovation at SDJA is supported by purpose-built spaces that invite students to explore, create, and learn by doing. These environments extend learning beyond traditional classrooms, giving students access to tools, materials, and settings that encourage experimentation, collaboration, and real-world application.
The Hatzer
The Hatzer is SDJA’s interdisciplinary makerspace, where ideas move from concept to creation. Students engage in hands-on, project-based learning that blends design, engineering, art, and technology, supporting creativity, iteration, and problem solving across grade levels.
Levana’s Garden
Levana’s Garden is a 5,000-square-foot outdoor learning space where students of all ages explore plant biology, soil health, and environmental science through direct experience. Rooted in Jewish values, the garden connects sustainability, stewardship, and scientific inquiry in a living classroom.
Irwin and Joan Jacobs Science and Technology Laboratory
Provides students with space and tools to design, build, test, and refine solutions to real problems. Supporting work in robotics, prototyping, and applied engineering, the lab encourages analytical thinking, collaboration, and hands-on experimentation.
Media Studio
The Media Studio is a creative hub where students develop skills in digital storytelling, film production, and media creation. Featuring a green-screen space and professional tools, the studio empowers students to amplify their voices through news segments, videos, and multimedia projects.
Sensory Gardens
The Sensory Gardens offer a calming, interactive environment designed to support reflection, regulation, and experiential learning. These spaces engage the senses while providing opportunities for mindfulness, exploration, and connection to the natural world.
Courses
SDJA’s innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology courses provide students with structured opportunities to build skills, explore interests, and apply learning through hands-on, project-based experiences. These courses emphasize creativity, iteration, collaboration, and real-world problem solving while complementing the broader pathways that run across campus.
Ideas to Products
A year-long course introducing students to business and entrepreneurship through hands-on creation. Students transform creative ideas into real prototypes while learning how to design, build, test, and launch products with purpose.
LionLabs Incubator
The Lions Incubator is a selective fellowship where students independently develop businesses or product ideas with support from mentors, alumni, and industry professionals. Fellows graduate with functional prototypes, business plans, and recognition as Innovation & Entrepreneur Scholars.
Notable Lions Incubator projects include:
Fallen Heroes
Created by Zichrono Livracha, Fallen Heroes Hoodies honor IDF soldiers who gave their lives in service, with each hero’s name respectfully embroidered on the sleeve. All proceeds support Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF), ensuring their legacy lives on through meaningful impact.
Sip Smart
A wearable device designed to help young people stay safe in social settings. The discreet technology tests drinks for harmful foreign agents, providing immediate protection against drugging and sexual assault.
Principals of Engineering
A project-based course introducing students to the engineer’s mindset and design process. Students analyze problems and create solutions ranging from simple machines to computer-controlled mechanical systems.
Web Design
Students learn the fundamentals of web development, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, along with basic design theory, SEO principles, and cross-platform compatibility. The course emphasizes both technical skills and thoughtful digital design.
AP Economics
AP Macroeconomics is an introductory college - level macroeconomics course. Students cultivate their understanding of the principles that apply to an economic system as a whole by using principles and models to describe economic situations and predict and explain outcomes with graphs, charts, and data as they explore concepts like economic measurements, markets, macroeconomic models, and macroeconomic policies.
Make It
Designed for students who love to tinker, design, and build, Make It explores hands-on mechanical, electrical, and digital technologies. Projects include junkyard challenges, boat building, and creating interactive electronic objects that function in the real world
Competitions
Competitions at SDJA give students opportunities to apply innovation, engineering, and entrepreneurial thinking in real-world contexts. Through local, national, and international challenges, students collaborate, problem-solve, and test their ideas under authentic constraints while developing resilience, teamwork, and leadership.
Robotics (FIRST Tech Challenge)
Students design, build, and code robots to compete in the FIRST Tech Challenge while mentoring younger students through Kayefit LEGO Robotics. This pathway reinforces both advanced engineering skills and cross-divisional leadership.
Cadena Humanitarian Challenge
Middle school students develop innovative solutions to real-world humanitarian crises through the Cadena Humanitarian Challenge. Teams apply design thinking, collaboration, and ethical problem solving as they advance to national and international competitions.
The Diamond Challenge
The Diamond Challenge is a global entrepreneurship competition hosted by the Horn School of Business at the University of Delaware. SDJA students identify real problems, develop business concepts, refine pitches, and receive feedback from industry professionals while competing on an international stage.
Mentorship & Community Engagement
Mentorship and community engagement are essential to how innovation comes to life at SDJA. Students regularly learn from peers, educators, and professionals beyond the classroom, connecting ideas to real-world perspectives and meaningful relationships.
Entrepreneurship Experiences
Entrepreneurship experiences in lower and middle school introduce students to creativity, problem solving, and foundational business thinking. Through age-appropriate projects and challenges, students begin to see themselves as creators and innovators.
Show & Tell
Early childhood learners explore innovation through Show & Tell experiences that encourage curiosity, communication, and creative thinking. Older students and mentors support these moments by sharing projects and ideas, helping innovation feel accessible from the earliest grades.
Guest Speakers & Mentors
SDJA benefits from a strong network of industry professionals who volunteer as guest speakers and mentors. Recent contributors include Richard Jaffe, Jonny Simpkin, and Ben and Ariel Zvaiffler, offering students real-world insight, feedback, and inspiration.
"SDJA empowers students and educators to innovate, create, and lead with confidence, uniting entrepreneurial thinking, science, and technology to prepare learners for a rapidly changing world."
Adam Borek
Director of Innovation, Entrepreneurship, & Technology