Judaic Studies Program

The Hebrew Academy is proud of its unique comprehensive Syllabus for Judaic Studies. This exceptional Syllabus delineates the content, skills and values in all content areas of Judaic Studies for all grades levels 1-12.  The Syllabus was professionally produced to reflect the Mission Statement and Ethos of the School and to accommodate a diversity of students with a variety of needs.

The core subject areas in the Elementary School are Chumash (Pentateuch), Parshat HaShavuah (Weekly Torah Portion), Navi (Prophets), Halacha and Minhagim (Jewish Laws and Customs), Mishnah (Rabbinic Literature) and Ivrit (Hebrew Language). Tefilah (Prayer) is an important part of every day, as the students learn both how to Daven (pray) as well as the basic structure and meaning of prayers and rituals. Current events of Jewish interest are introduced as appropriate as a tool to develop a sense of connectedness with all Jewish People all over the world, and especially with our fellow Jews in Israel.

Throughout the Elementary School years, in addition to accumulating content knowledge, the students increase their sophistication in language skills, textual skills and thinking skills. They are exposed to Jewish ideas and values that are internalized through activities, stories, assemblies and other methods of reinforcement. Students are trained to act Jewishly through formal learning as well as by example of teacher and other role models. The students learn in a pleasant non-threatening and non-judgemental atmosphere that stimulates a love for learning and Torah. 

General Studies Program

The elementary General Studies division consisting of grades 1-5, seeks to actively engage students in the learning process while being committed to a strong academic curriculum.  In addition to the core subjects of math, science, social studies and language arts, students meet weekly with specialists in the areas of P.E. art, music, and library.  Classroom science instruction is enhanced through participatory experiences in our science lab under the direction of our Middle School science instructor. 

For those students who are mathematically talented, a Math Enrichment Program provides opportunities for additional exposure to math topics such as tessellations, not normally pursued in everyday math.  A strong writing program taps into students’ creativity as they develop their strengths while writing poetry, essays, doing research and reports, culminating in a portfolio of individually selected pieces, which have been revised and edited. Frequently, students’ writings are selected to be published in national magazines and children’s anthologies.

In a nurturing environment, students are encouraged to become life long learners.