Lower School

Our Lower School utilizes a rotational model which divides children into three groups based on learning level, learning stile, compatibility and other criteria, for that particular topic. This enables teachers to work with a third of the class directly, while one third of the class is working on an independent project and another third of the class utilizes technology.

Teachers are able to differentiate instruction for individual students based on real-time qualitative and quantitative data and provide targeted feedback. Rotations are 20 minutes in Kindergarten, building to 45 minutes in Fifth grade.

Lower School Curricular Areas

  • Language Arts

    From early decoding to comprehension, students acquire a love of reading and writing, while fostering creativity and skillsets. This curriculum utilizes the Reading Street phonics based methodology.

  • Social Studies

    Crafted to integrate the child and the larger world, this curriculum is based on the National Standards for Social Studies and builds working knowledge of history, geography and culture.

  • Math & Science

    Using Singapore Dimensions Math, students acquire understanding of math concepts to implement operations and problem solving. From scientific method to electricity and biology, students engage in hands-on projects.

  • עִבְרִית‎ | Hebrew

    From early decoding moving into comprehension, students utilize the iTalAm curriculum to master modern and religious Hebrew languge.

  • תָּנָ״ךְ‎ | Tanach

    With both pshat and drash, students explore Bereshit in depth, Parshat haShavua, adding Rashi and Navi in the upper grades.

  • חֲגִים ותְפִלָה | Chagim & Tefillah

    Daily tefillah is an essential element of the curriculum, offering an emphasis on recitation, meaning and kavanah. Each holiday is addressed using both iTalAm and creative projects.

  • Music

    For our younger students, music focuses on melody and Hebrew language. Beginning in third grade, students learn guitar & ukelele, focusing on music decoding, notation, chords and song-writing.

  • Gym

    From calisthenics to skill building and sportsmanship, physical education starts from the value of treating our bodies well and having fun at the same time. Students also gain an understanding of basic sports’ rules & plays.

  • Art

    By studying the works of famous artists, students gain the analytic skill of recognizing features of element and design. Then utilizing their own creativity, they incorporate what they have seen into their own work.