Middle School Curriculum

Independence and Responsibility

Yavneh's Middle School program supports early adolescents' developmental needs as we challenge and enrich their minds and spirits. As students begin to explore their own interests, strengths and identities, they also seek greater independence. We have designed a Middle School approach to help our students learn that increased independence calls for increased responsibility for self and respect for others.

The middle school curriculum emphasizes individual development, self-responsibility, being a positive community member, and being an active participant in one's own learning. Our outstanding teachers emphasize higher-order thinking skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The core program consists of Language Arts, Math, Science, Environmental Studies, History and Geography, as well as Hebrew, Tanach, Jewish History, and Judaic Studies. We welcome students transferring from both public and independent schools, and we offer Hebrew language instruction in various levels to accommodate new students. Students also choose from a variety of enrichment courses, including robotics, rocketry, music, drama, dance and fine arts.

Focus on Tikkun Olam

In addition to fostering academic excellence, our middle school curriculum has at its core the concept of Tikkun Olam, the imperative to repair the world. With a focus on social justice, freedom, equality, peace, and the restoration of the environment, our students make a difference in their world through community service and individual projects. We teach respect for diversity of religious practice within the Jewish community, and welcome families from a broad spectrum of Jewish backgrounds.  A love for Israel is encouraged through academic programs, art projects, social action and community event participation.

Middle school is a time when young people engage in dialogue and debate around issues that have direct impact on their developing identities, academic growth, and social and spiritual well-being. Through an increasing voice and expanded role in their schooling, our students develop the skills necessary to become responsible citizens of the Jewish community and beyond.

Hallmarks of Middle School Education

Outstanding program

• Multi-level Hebrew program
• Multi-level Math program
• 5-day a week science curriculum in a full-service science lab, where students can see their hypotheses come to life
• Core Social Studies and Language Arts with an emphasis on excellence in writing and research skill and enriched through experiential activities such as drama, cultural fairs and mock trials
• Text-based Judaica curriculum supports critical thinking skills
• Twice-weekly elective program with offerings such as robotics, rocketry, music, drama, dance and fine arts
• Tzedakah Project, a specially crafted curriculum integrating Judaic Studies, Language Arts Social Studies, advocacy, ethics and  community service
• Study, test taking and life skills
• Technology instruction integrated into classroom, with personal laptops for each student
  
• Full-time learning specialist plus additional learning support
• Middle School Tefilah program: Iyun Tefilah (in-depth study), Tefilah leadership skills, spirituality and theology, opportunities to teach younger students
• Extended Learning Trips: Yosemite (Vav), Ashland (Zayin), Washington, D.C. (Chet, proposed)

Outstanding teachers

• Experienced, knowledgeable, dedicated faculty whom are experts in their field
• Low student-teacher ratio
• Individualized  attention
• Credentialed within their discipline on subject taught

Community and Social Activism

Instruction in political and social awareness, combined with experiential opportunities, enable students to become responsible citizens and an integral part of our democracy.