Middle school

The Middle School curriculum emphasizes its ability to accommodate individual students. Our English program emphasizes the writing process, rich vocabulary building, speech, drama and the reading of literary works. Social Studies include units of study such as world geography,archeology, ancient civilizations, medieval Europe and Japan, the World Wars, all intertwined with citizenship and map and globe skills. Science explores the topics of Earth, Life and Physical Sciences. Math includes the teaching of Algebra to all eighth graders. Student conduct research in all their subjects.

Building on the foundations established in the Lower School, Middle School Judaics includes Torah study and Mishnah, the rabbinic source of contemporary Judaism. Our Torah classes examine the Torah from historical, literary and theological perspectives. In Mishnah study, the three year curriculum builds strong analytical skills, memorization techniques and a knowledge of the Classical period of Jewish thought that will enable them to excel in high school. Students planning to attend a Jewish high school will find that their knowledge of Mishnaic method – following the Bonayich curriculum developed by the faculty at the University of Bar Ilan – will allow them to go directly into intermediate Talmud. As part of the curriculum, Middle School students participate in daily morning prayer services, fulfill a community service project, and participate on a a ten-day Israel Study Tour.