At Smith Jewish Academy, learning is not only about mastering content — it’s about applying knowledge, solving real problems, and discovering what students are capable of when they work together. Academic competitions give our students authentic opportunities to stretch their thinking, collaborate across teams, and experience the joy of learning in action.
These experiences aren’t “extra.” They are part of how Smith nurtures curiosity, confidence, and purpose in every child.
Why Competitions Matter in Elementary Education
Elementary-level competitions build lifelong skills in ways the classroom alone cannot. When students take on open-ended challenges, they learn to:
Collaborate — listening, compromising, and building something stronger together
Think critically — applying knowledge creatively to new situations
Persevere — revising, problem-solving, and pushing through setbacks
Communicate — presenting ideas clearly and confidently
See themselves as capable — understanding that their ideas can make a real impact
This is why Smith prioritizes these opportunities: They help students discover not just what they know, but who they can become.
Big Thinking Starts Early: Space Colony Challenge
Each year, our fifth graders participate in the Cosmic Leap Foundation Space Colony Competition, designing sustainable life on Mars. Working in teams, they research science, engineering, architecture, and even community wellness — then build detailed 3D colony models from recycled materials.
Last year's class' learning, creativity, and teamwork shone through:
One Smith team ranked #1 out of 92 teams worldwide.
Four of our teams earned the highest possible innovation and design rating.
The awards are wonderful — but the real win is watching students collaborate across disciplines and discover the excitement of STEM-driven problem-solving.
Learning With Purpose: STEM at the Zoo
Our third graders also learn how science comes alive in the real world. Just last week, this year’s students kicked off their participation in the Minnesota Zoo’s ZOOMS STEM Design Challenge with a field trip to the zoo, where they gathered firsthand insights for their engineering projects.
Past Smith classes have excelled in this statewide challenge, with:
Two teams advancing to the final round and one winning third place overall in 2025.
One team winning first place overall in 2024.
Six out of seven years placing in the competition.
Through this work, students see themselves as scientists and problem-solvers — and learn that their ideas can support real animal needs.
Confidence, Strategy, and Focus: Success in Chess
Smith students also impressed at the School Chess Association Primary Statewide Tournament, earning first place overall as a team last year. Even our youngest participants held their own against older, more experienced competitors.
Chess strengthens strategic thinking, patience, and confidence — skills that benefit students far beyond the chessboard.
Why Families Choose Smith
Competitions at SJA aren’t about pressure or perfection. They are opportunities for students to:
Tackle meaningful, authentic challenges
Practice leadership and teamwork
Build confidence and resilience
Experience the joy of discovery
Live out our Jewish values of curiosity, community, and perseverance
At Smith Jewish Academy, students are prepared not only for the next grade — but for the world they are already helping to shape.