The Middle School Judaic Studies syllabus builds upon the extensive foundation of the Elementary School years. In addition to continued study in the subject areas learned in grades 1-5, Talmud (Advanced Rabbinic Literature) is introduced in grades 6-8. In the Middle School there is a greater emphasis on primary texts and their commentaries, and the increasingly sophisticated skills required to study them in their original language.  Students in Middle School increasingly acquire and develop independent learning skills. They are progressively taught practical synagogue and ritual skills as part of their study of Jewish laws and customs to enable them to function as educated Jews at home, in the synagogue and in the community. In the Middle School, parallel tracks are introduced which allows for varied instruction for students with differing needs, backgrounds and abilities.

General Studies Program

To develop intellectually capable young people is the goal of our Middle School program.  Beginning in sixth grade with World History and ancient river civilizations, seventh grade Civics, and eighth grade Geography and American History culminating in a “World’s Fair,” including an on-going analysis of contemporary events, students’ acquire a world perspective allowing them to participate as a citizen of the world.

Hebrew Academy students’ study of mathematics involves not only paper and pencil, but also the use of computers and calculators with an emphasis on critical thinking and problem solving.  Opportunities exist for the mathematically talented student to develop further through our Middle School Math Enrichment program and acceleration.

In science, each grade is exposed to a diverse area of science, drawing from the fields of earth and space, life, and the physical sciences in an exploratory laboratory setting.   Parlaying the natural curiosity of the middle school student into scientifically literate individuals who understand and appreciate the natural world, in which they live, is a major objective of the middle school science program.

Students engage in a multi-faceted language arts curriculum so as to develop their strengths as critical readers and writers. Integration of the reading and writing process across the curriculum allows students to explore different genres, further deepening their understanding of literary texts, both fiction and non- fiction.  Essential to this process is the higher-level acquisition of vocabulary and grammar skills.