The Spivak Hebrew Academy Middle School offers a robust academic curriculum, integrating both secular and Jewish education to thoroughly prepare students for high school and their future endeavors. Our programs are designed to cultivate critical and independent thinking, ensuring that students are well-prepared for a rapidly changing world.
In our secular program, we emphasize innovative learning experiences that enrich classroom education. Our Judaic Studies curriculum allows students to delve into their Jewish identity, culture, history, and practices within the framework of Orthodox tradition and law. We instill routines that build moral and ethical character based on Jewish values—Midot and Mitzvot. At Spivak Hebrew Academy, our rich cultural heritage permeates every aspect of our educational approach.
Humanities
Our Middle School language arts is designed to enhance students’ written and oral communication skills tailored to their individual learning needs. Novels, short stories, and literature strive to foster a lifelong love for reading, while regular writing exercises develop their expressive abilities. Through our creative writing program, we prepare students for high school essay writing. In this program, students learn to craft well-structured essays and articulate their thoughts clearly, enhancing their critical thinking and writing skills.
Additionally, the Middle School history curriculum provides students with a strong background in cultural and global awareness. Utilizing various resources, students explore world affairs, historical events, and geographic skills. They develop intellectual reasoning, reflection, and research skills, both individually and in groups, connecting the present to the past. This immersive and engaging historical and cultural environment ensures they are confident in navigating the complexities of historical events, societal changes, and civic responsibilities.
Mathematics
Middle school mathematics promotes problem-solving and analytical thinking. This curriculum enhances each student’s ability to analyze and understand concepts while growing confident in tackling mathematical challenges. We believe in providing a challenging and supportive environment tailored to each student’s level. Our curriculum emphasizes computational skills and numerical relationships while introducing the fundamentals of variable expressions, equations, and graphing. This comprehensive approach ensures that students develop a strong mathematical foundation for more advanced studies in mathematics.
Science
Our middle school science curriculum aligns with the K-8 National Standards for Science, focusing on Physical Science, Earth Science, and Life Science. Students engage in observation, hands-on exploration, experimentation, and scientific reasoning to learn essential scientific concepts and develop critical thinking skills. The curriculum includes topics such as the properties of matter, forces and motion, ecosystems, the Earth’s structure, and human biology. Through experiments and research, our science curriculum encourages curiosity, discovery, and a deeper understanding of the natural world.
Physical Education
Our middle school Physical Education program focuses on fostering physical fitness, teamwork, and healthy lifestyle habits. Students participate in a diverse range of activities, from team sports and individual fitness challenges to cooperative games, all aimed at enhancing their physical abilities and overall health and wellness.
Hebrew/Ivrit
Our Middle School Hebrew Language program emphasizes modern conversational Hebrew language skills. Teaching in an Ivrit B’Ivrit approach, we stress vocabulary and grammar skills. This immersive method ensures that students build on their foundational knowledge, making learning Hebrew engaging and meaningful. By using a variety of carefully selected learning materials from relevant media, we advance language skills and keep students actively engaged, reinforcing previous learning while expanding proficiency, showing that Hebrew learning remains meaningful, challenging, and enjoyable.
Jewish Studies – Limudei Kodesh
Our Jewish Studies program includes Gemarah, Halacha, Chumash, Navi, and more. We emphasize the connection to Israel, integrating Israeli history and Hebrew reading comprehension into the curriculum. Our Zionistic values are reflected in all aspects of Jewish education, fostering a deep cultural and religious identity. Annual Chagim become experiential learning opportunities, bringing Torah to life through creative activities and traditions.
Special Programs
Middle school girls participate in a Bat Mitzvah program, celebrating this important milestone in their Jewish lives. Additionally, various extracurricular activities and leadership opportunities help students develop holistically, preparing them for the challenges of high school and beyond.
Technology and Resources
Each middle school student receives a personal laptop for use on campus, facilitating a tech-savvy learning environment.