The Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School (CESJDS), often referred to as JDS, is a private, pluralistic Jewish JK-12 independent school operating on two campuses in North Bethesda, Maryland (with a Rockville postal address), serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Named after local Jewish philanthropist and real estate magnate Charles E. Smith following a major contribution, with an official renaming convocation on November 9, 1980, it is located in the Washington, D.C. suburbs and recognized as one of the largest and most prestigious Jewish day schools in North America. The school emphasizes inquiry, creativity, collaboration, and both exemplary general and Jewish education. It is accredited by the Association of Independent Schools of Maryland and DC (AIMS) and approved by the Maryland State Department of Education. Contact emails follow the format {first_initial}{last}@cesjds.org, with marketing@cesjds.org for app-related inquiries. Historically, CESJDS began with efforts in the early 1960s, acting on recommendations from the American Association of Jewish Education via the United Jewish Appeal Federation (UJAF) to establish a Jewish community junior-senior high school. It operated in various rented spaces in Maryland before fundraising by the Greater Washington Jewish Community Foundation enabled a permanent location in the 1970s. It maintains an active presence on social media including Facebook, LinkedIn, and X (@CESJDSCONNECT).