Lower School

In a nurturing environment – child-centered and non-competitive – students are encouraged to pursue knowledge.

Small classes enable teachers to tailor instruction for every child, allowing each the freedom and respect to develop individual interests and abilities.

Fundamental to academic excellence, all children learn to collaborate, to solve problems and to think critically.  Students receive instruction in math, as well as interdisciplinary study in science, social studies, and language arts.  Technology is used as a tool for learning on a daily basis, and students enjoy classes in chess, music, art, dance, computers, library and gym.

Above all, a love of reading and writing is cultivated at every age, across all subjects.  Comprehension, vocabulary, grammar and spelling are heavily emphasized.  In kindergarten, first and second grades, our students learn sight words and study phonics and word-solving strategies.  Balanced literacy ensures each child learns at his/her own level of ability.

With drawing and invented spelling, they learn to love expressing thoughts on paper.  In grades three through five, students hone their writing skills, learning to research, organize ideas and draft well-crafted communication.  With joy and focus, they learn to balance creativity with knowledge of their audience, purpose, tone and genre.

Integral to our traditional day school education is the study of Hebrew language, Torah, Prophets, and Jewish holidays.  Assemblies, programs, Shabbat and holiday celebrations bring vitality and enthusiasm to our children's days. They learn about Israel in a variety of ways, including Torah stories, geography, history, holidays, fairs, and charity drives, in order to make cultural connections between the American Jewish community and the State of Israel.