Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School teachers design and implement an exciting dual-curricular general studies and Judaic program to develop skill, spark curiosity, and generate love of learning. English and Hebrew, together with literature, math, social studies, Judaic studies, science, technology, physical education, art, music and dance combine to form the essence of the elementary school curriculum. Academic studies are expertly invigorated by thematic units, innovative projects, field trips, community service, and extracurricular activities that build individual achievement, student leadership, camaraderie, and group success. 

What is a thematic unit? A “thematic unit” is a large scale simulation that reflects the complexities of real life experiences. The Kindergarten Shoe Store unit is an example: An area of the classroom is set up like a shoe store with a colorful exhibit of interesting and varied “right-foot” shoes (organization). Students can “shop” in the store, measure their own sizes (math), find the matching shoe in the stockroom (observation), proceed to the cash register and pay for their shoe (math). Students describe their experience (language arts and writing).  Of course, students are expected to replace the shoes to their proper positions (responsibility) and take turns playing different roles (social skills). The thematic unit immerses the child in an adventure that integrates reading, math, art, science, music, social studies, language arts, and Judaic studies so naturally that it feels like play.

Thematic units in the upper grades are more structured and complex, yet equally compelling in integrating concepts and engaging students. When fifth graders study the early American colonists, they map routes (geography), learn about trades (social studies), write diaries (language), create pioneer crafts (art), all culminating in a Colonial Day, complete with costumes, food, music – creating a lifelong memory.

At Heschel, we are committed to maintaining exceptional parent-teacher communication and accessibility to communicate student progress.  Through homework assignments, varied assessment tools, newsletters, telephone, email, progress reports, and both formal and informal parent teacher conferences, parents are kept abreast of their child’s social, emotional and academic progress.  We believe that school success depends on the healthy partnership of families, faculty, staff, and administrators.