Elementary School

Our general studies elementary school curriculum follows the Massachusetts Frameworks, but is not locked into them. We broaden, enrich, and individualize our curriculum to meet the needs and abilities of our students. Students receive instruction in language arts (reading, writing, spelling, vocabulary, genres of literature), mathematics, social studies and science. Annually, Heritage Academy students in the third through eighth grade are administered the Stanford Achievement Tests. Although we are not a test-driven school, we are concerned about the achievement levels of our students.

In our Judaic studies elementary school curriculum, students are immersed in the Hebrew language. Heritage Academy students are comfortable reading, writing and speaking Hebrew. Hebrew comprehension is high. The curriculum also includes: Chumash (bible); Jewish laws, rituals and practices; Tefillah (prayer); Navi (prophets); and Parasha HaShavua (weekly torah portion).

Within a framework, parents decide the amount of time their child spends in general and Judaic studies. Percentages are not uniform by class.

All students receive additional instruction from our Specialists in: art, music, computer technology, library, and physical education. Heritage Academy has a fully stocked science and computer laboratory. The school has expanded wireless access throughout the building and has leveraged Cisco equipment to maintain a resilient, fast network.

The Arts and Culture Initiative brings visiting artists, performers, authors, scientists, theater groups, etc. into the school for the benefit of all our students. Additionally, numerous field trips, on every grade, enhance the curriculum. Some examples include: Local Fire Station, Apple Orchard and Picking, Sturbridge Village, Mashantucket Pequot Museum, Ellis Island, Boston’s Freedom Trail, Higgins Armory, TEVA Environmental Learning Center, Eric Carle Museum, Yiddish Book Center, and our two-week Israel Studies Trip.

Taking advantage of being a K-8 school, many inter-grade activities occur allowing all our students to learn from each other, and to get to know one another.