Core Subjects

LANGUAGE ARTS

At Adat, our strong reading and language arts programs provide powerful goals and objectives for each grade level, while allowing students to progress according to their individual abilities. From fundamental phonics through critical thinking and comprehension skills, our students gain mastery in written and oral communication.

Our reading program, Reader’s Workshop, is a powerful way to engage our young readers in a love for reading that will last a lifetime. Our students are encouraged to choose their own books and are given time to read independently. The explicit teaching of reading strategies and skills is followed by meaningful tasks for each reader to practice what they have learned. There is also an emphasis on the importance of time for readers to engage in authentic talk about their books.

Some important elements of our reading program are:

• Developing phonemic awareness in kindergarten
• Presenting letters, sounds, and reading skills in a variety of modes for the primary grades, especially kindergarten
• Reading, writing, phonics, spelling, grammar, and vocabulary for the primary grades
• Emphasis on the writing process, used appropriately at each grade level
• Exposure to various genres for students at every level
• Literature-based reading discussion groups in the upper grades, where students use contextual clues for word study and examine different literary elements
• The use of a multi-text program throughout the grades, allowing students to experience genres, author styles, and abstract thinking skills from a variety of rich literature, as well as to receive words and concepts that are revisited in a sequential manner from a reader
• Extensive nonfiction reading included throughout the grades
• Reading and writing integrated with social studies, adding a layer of meaning and opportunity for deeper learning
• Book fairs and book events that encourage parent participation and elevate reading to a celebratory status

Reading instruction is differentiated according to student abilities and supported by the use of Lexia software. Lexia is a personalized learning program that supports the reading development needs of every child. For more information about Lexia, please click here.

Our writing program encourages students to make choices when writing within a teacher-designed framework. Teachers start by providing students with a brief lesson that enlists the use of literature, or model text, to teach students the craft of writing. Once the lesson is complete students have time to develop writing independently. Writing takes time, and for students to develop their writing process and practice utilizing the writing traits effectively, we have to give them the time to write on their own.

Our authentic approach to learning engages our students in real-world challenges. For example, our students are more likely to write a blog post than a book report.

SOCIAL STUDIES

Whether learning about the environment, Sephardic Jewry, U.S. geography, native North Americans, ancient Greece, the Revolutionary War, the Holocaust, early Man, or modern Jerusalem, our children develop critical thinking skills and see the world from a variety of vantage points, in order to become better citizens — and better Jews.

Our social studies program encourages students to understand the similarities and differences of individuals and respect their rights, regardless of culture, social class, gender, family structure, religion, age, disability, nationality, or race.

HEBREW & JUDAIC STUDIES

From Hebrew to holidays, Torah to Tefillah, our school provides a rich real-time Jewish experience for every student. Whether exploring culture and tradition, learning about Israel and Jewish history, or developing a personal relationship with God, our students develop a deep understanding of what it means to be a Jew.

Ultimately, however, Judaism is not just about religious practices or even Jewish history. At Adat, it’s about Jewish living: the active integration of personal ethics, moral behavior, manners, family relationships, and social responsibilities into our students’ day-to-day lives.

• Starting in kindergarten, the goal is to develop a love of God, understand the importance of mitzvot, and learn to be active participants in the Jewish community and the community at large
• Students develop their language skills by learning and becoming more proficient in Hebrew language
• Students are encouraged to find modern relevance in the ancient text and apply them to everyday life
• Develop strong critical thinking skills
• Foster a connection to Israel and the Jewish people
• Many of the Judaic studies units are integrated with general studies

Proficiency-oriented language instruction is a general framework for organizing instruction, curriculum, and assessment, rather than a method or a theory. Within this framework, language learners practice the four modalities (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) in order to communicate meaningfully, effectively, and creatively in their target language for real-life purposes. A proficiency orientation promotes intercultural communication by exploring the mosaic of language and culture, so that students can communicate appropriately and accurately in authentic contexts in the foreign language. Proficiency-based instruction is student-centered and builds upon what students need, already know, and can do, and it respects diverse learning styles, while encouraging the development of a wide range of skills and learning strategies.

MATHEMATICS

Adat’s mathematics program provides a classroom atmosphere where students experience the excitement of discovery and an appreciation for numbers in daily life. Our students don’t merely compute; they make real-world connections and apply critical thinking skills to all areas of their lives.

Activities include:

• Math journaling using students’ own words and experiences
• Hands-On Algebra with age-appropriate materials
• Singapore Math, a cutting-edge strategy for learning in today’s high-tech society
• Mastery over algorithms, number concepts, and swift computation
• Math applications for everyday experiences
• Problem solving with numerical tools 

SCIENCE

Science at Adat Ari El Day School focuses on teaching students to think and act as scientists. The framework of our curriculum is based in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), with an emphasis on our school's design thinking approach to learning. This allows Adat Ari El students to learn science by conducting investigations, observing natural phenomenon and experiencing hands-on science activities. Students are taught the skill of using scientific and engineering principles to make evidence based arguments, develop models, and to think critically about our world.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Here at ADAT, health and wellness go hand in hand.

The development of both physical skills and self-esteem are of equal importance in creating confident, physically adept students. The program consists of experiences and activities.

Ours is truly a Physical Education program, in which students don’t simply play competitive sports. They learn the importance of warming up, the benefits of strengthening muscle groups, and why it’s a joy to be physically fit. The goal for every student is measurable progress, healthy enjoyment, and a life-long interest in being physically fit and active.

They also learn the power of teamwork and mutual respect.