Elementary School (1-5) - Yavneh Day School

Elementary (Grades 1 - 5)

In the first through fifth grades, our students grow into readers, writers, mathematicians, scientists, and engineers. They are guided in developing social skills, character traits, leadership, and community building. They grow their Jewish identity and Hebrew skills. They become independent thinkers, collaborators, and investigators.

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World-Class Academics

As a National Blue Ribbon School, our students can take advantage of more than 25 specialty classes, electives, and after school offerings. With a STEAM lab, community garden, visual and recording arts studios, sports facilities, and state-of-the-art classrooms, there are countless places on campus where students can discover who they are. Beyond that, each year Yavneh students go on an average of 20 field trips including overnight journeys and 10 service learning and Tzedakah projects, giving them a worldly perspective. This has resulted in our students winning multiple national and international robotics, science, engineering, and writing competitions.

We proudly use a structured literacy program, FUNdations, a science-based curriculum that uses multi-sensory lessons to lay the groundwork for life-long literacy. This program focuses on reading, writing, spelling, and handwriting.

Our math program uses the Singapore Math learning method, which uses three distinct approaches to understanding mathematical concepts and problem-solving. It uses the concrete to pictorial to abstract approach and encourages students to actively think, understand, and communicate to solve math problems.

Daily life at Yavneh school focuses on character and skill-set development, such as teamwork, empathy, kindness, perseverance, etc. We utilize our signature Keshet of Kavod program, morning meetings, closing circles, and buddy activities to help our students develop resilience and healthy social-emotional awareness.

Daily Schedule

Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday
8:15 am – 3:30 pm

Wednesday
8:15am – 2:30pm

Friday
8:15am – 3:00pm

Snapshot of core subject areas per week

Subject	Per Week
Reading	5
Writing	5
Math	5
Hebrew	4
Science/STEAM	3
Social Studies	3/4
Jewish Studies	3
Art	2
Music	2
PE	2
Electives	3

Creativity Starts Here - Art at Yavneh

The Arts are an important part of learning at Yavneh. Beginning in kindergarten, students explore a wide range of artistic media while building creativity, confidence, and self-expression.

Art is also integrated across the curriculum, helping students make meaningful connections to Judaism, math, science, the humanities, and more. Along the way, students discover their own creative strengths and develop the artistic skills and talents within them.

Music & Performing Arts

Music is woven into daily life at Yavneh – from morning tefillah and Kabbalat Shabbat to holiday celebrations and milestone ceremonies. Students build musical foundations through rhythm, tempo, notes, and creative expression while learning instruments including ukulele and Orff xylophones.

Throughout the year, students have opportunities to sing, play, and perform – including Yavneh Live!, our annual showcase that takes over the streets of Los Gatos and puts our students center stage to share their music, talent, and confidence with the community.

Specialty Club Offerings

We’re thrilled to present an incredible array of extracurricular clubs motivated and led by our student body with teacher supervision! Our diverse offerings cater to a wide range of interests, providing students with opportunities to explore new passions, develop skills, and connect with peers outside of the classroom. From creative arts and academic challenges to active sports and community service, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and thrive in. Many clubs are started and led by students in all grades!

Examples of past clubs:

Lego Club
Jr. House band
Survivor Club
Cheer Club
Drawing Club
Chess Club
Dungeons and Dragons
Exploring club
Makhela Aliza
Soccer club
Basketball Club
Mock Trial Club
Trash picking up club
Yoga Club
Garden club
Admissions Ambassador Club
Shabbat Shaband
Shishi party!
Announcements Club

Elementary News

The Role of STEAM in the Lower School

Introducing science and engineering in our lower school isn't just about memorizing facts or following a recipe; it's about tapping into students’ natural curiosity to help them make sense of their world. When young students get to build with cardboard, make a density column with different liquids, or test which paper allows colored water to [...]

Welcome to a Wonderful New School Year at Yavneh!

What an incredible start to our school year! Walking through the Yavneh halls on our very first week, I am filled with pride! I am so lucky to be leading this extraordinary school, home to some of the best teachers and most vibrant families anywhere. We kicked off the first day of school with a [...]

Yavneh Celebrates Students Learning

What does learning look like at Yavneh? Sometimes it looks like a fourth grader teaching visitors how to identify real gold. Other times, it looks like a second grader proudly sharing a book of original poems or a third grader explaining how laws are made. Over the past week, families were invited into classrooms for [...]