General Studies
“The teachers at Beth Hillel Day School encourage their students to reach their full potential and beyond. My son is consistently inspired to conquer new knowledge and integrate this knowledge into his existing skill set. He is thriving in this environment.”
- Tronie Rifkin Ph.D. and Beth Hillel Day School parent.
Our accrediting organization, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, commended us for “providing a rich, challenging and diverse program for students across all subject areas.”
Reading and Writing Workshop, developed by Lucy Calkins and her colleagues at Columbia University, is at the heart of our LANGUAGE ARTS Curriculum. Students are taught to read using a balanced approach that integrates all aspects of the reading process. The children read books that are “just right” while learning the thinking strategies they need to understand complex texts. Reading and writing are integrated daily; students learn to write with purpose as they select topics of interest to them. Students learn to communicate their ideas and understand that their writing conveys meaning, while studying spelling and grammar. The curriculum is designed to give students the tools they need to become effective communicators in middle school and beyond.
In MATHEMATICS, students go beyond skill building to develop critical thinking skills and problem-solving ability. Students in K-6 use the Singapore Math curriculum, which emphasizes mastery of math concepts and trains students to connect different mathematical ideas using words and word problems. Using objects, pictures, songs, stories and drawings, students learn number sense, mental math and algebraic thinking from the youngest ages.
SCIENCE is integrated across the curriculum. As students discuss the weather during their morning routine or study spiders in a literary unit, they learn that science is an integral part of our everyday life and not merely a subject to be studied in school. Our students also explore aspects of physical science, earth science and life science through the acclaimed Foss Hands-On Science Program, where students discover science as scientists do, by thinking critically and solving problems using the scientific method. Every student in TK-6 participates in our annual Science Fair.
Our project-based SOCIAL STUDIES allows children to learn about their place in their family, community and the world. Upper grade students study peoples and cultures. All classes incorporate experiential and project-based approaches to learning. Field trips introduce students to various aspects of our diverse, multicultural society.
In all of our subjects, teachers use technology, books, field trips, discussions and hands-on projects to ignite a love of learning and deep engagement with the information.
