Grades 1-8

O

ur elementary and junior high school students experience two half-day sessions in general and Judaic studies. With the latest teaching aids available, our outstanding faculty is able to provide the best possible instruction and best utilize our students' time. The general studies content covers Language Arts-including spelling, vocabulary, reading composition, grammar, writing skills and mechanics-Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. The Judaic studies content covers Hebrew Language, Chumash, Jewish Law, Navi and Talmud (for middle school students). Library, Art, Computers and Physical Education supplement our program.

The Horizons program provides special attention for those students needing either enrichment or special assistance in general studies. Horizons teachers work in a specially equipped classroom with small groups of students, or they work together with the classroom teachers to seamlessly integrate specific Horizons activities into regular classroom programming. The results of this program have been impressive with many of our students winning acclaim for the poetry and creative writing produced in the Horizons setting.

Our M.H.A.E.R.A.H. (Margolin Hebrew Academy Enrichment and Remedial Advancement in Hebrew) Program provides assistance to elementary students who need help with their Hebrew skills. In the area of reading, a standardized test called The K'riah Scan is administered to students to assess Hebrew reading abilities in the areas of letter and vowel recognition, sight words and fluency. Standard, Rashi and script orthographies are tested. Our M'HAERAH teacher creates customized Judaic lessons based on the skill needs of the individual student.

Seventh and eighth grade students engage in a challenging curriculum taught by subject area specialists-most of whom also teach in our high schools. Many of our students qualify for the Johns Hopkins University Talent Identification Program and we have had many students commended for their test results. Some of our students have also participated in the state division of the National Geography Bee in Nashville. Our students in grades 4 - 8 also participate in the Readers Digest National Vocabulary Bee and we have sent representatives to Nashville for the regional competition.

Combining the best of instructional practices appropriately designed for elementary and junior high school students, our staff regularly engages in reflective practice as they work together to integrate the content of the various subjects. Higher order thinking required for the analysis of a Torah text complements the instruction required to analyze the causes of historical events and scientific discoveries.

Our goals for our students include the teaching of Jewish values and proper respect for others as well as academic instruction. Skillful blending of strong academic instruction with the love of Torah, the State of Israel, and a strong Jewish identity are the hallmarks of a Margolin Hebrew Academy graduate.