Abrams Hebrew Academy Academics
Abrams Hebrew Academy students connect with the world around them through our General Studies program that includes language arts, science, social studies, history and mathematics. Physical education, computers, music and art are a regular part of the curriculum.
Our General Studies program emphasizes academic excellence and our classes challenge students to work at their highest level. Students receive substantial individual attention to help them develop their particular strengths and interests. Inside the classroom, our teachers celebrate learning, an approach that makes a difference.
Click here to view the 2010 Secular Curriculum.
Click here to view the 2010 Judaic Curriculum.
Language Arts
Our Language Arts program is literature based. In the elementary school, reading skills are integrated into all subject areas. Middle school students work toward refining their reading and writing in preparation for higher education.
Social Studies
The Abrams Social Studies curriculum is designed to develop each student’s prospective on the world. First-graders study historical figures with an emphasis on individual worth and self-esteem. In the following grades, the perspective widens to encompass both the past and present in our state, our country and our world.
Science
Abrams Hebrew Academy built a new, state-of-the-art science classroom and laboratory in 2007. Science education at Abrams has two aims: to foster curiosity about nature and to present basic scientific knowledge. In elementary school, the focus is o developing the process of inquiry. In middle school, students study physical science, biology and space science.
Mathematics
Abrams has developed a unique hands-on approach to mathematics aimed at bridging the gap between abstract concepts and concrete applications. Elementary school students learn computational skills, plane geometry, and measurement. Middle school students begin algebra and the use of their skills in problem solving.
Judaic Studies
Making a difference with a passion for learning and a love of heritage.
The Judaic Studies program at Abrams Hebrew Academy includes Hebrew Language, Jewish History, Israeli Studies, Torah and Prayer. The program instills basic Jewish values—sanctity of life, commitment to community, compassion for others, respect for human dignity, and dedication to the land of Israel.
Through an understanding and appreciation of the rich Jewish past, Abrams students learn why being Jewish is important today—and will continue to be tomorrow. They develop a strong sense of Jewish price and identity and learn how Judaism is fully integrated into the activities of daily living.
Abrams teaches traditional worship and observance, and holds two minyan each morning for boys and girls in the middle school. Torah is read in each minyan on Mondays and Thursdays. We work with each student’s family to determine how our approach to Judaism will fit into the family’s form of observance.
Hebrew Language
Hebrew Studies instruction begins with spoken Hebrew in Kindergarten. As students advance, spoken Hebrew is supplemented with texts, workbooks, Hebrew literature and other media.
Biblical Foundation
Children are first introduced to Bible stories and progress to studies in Torah and the Prophets with commentaries. Middle school students study Talmud with renowned rabbis. Our goal is to enable students to understand Jewish values and principles as they are embodied in the Bible and to discover their relevance to contemporary life.
Prayer, Rituals and Customs
Students learn daily, Shabbat and holiday prayers. They become fluent in the language of prayers and master the structure of ceremonies. As their knowledge grows, they gain insight into the role of prayer in answering life’s questions and the function of ritual in preserving tradition.
Jewish History
The intensive study of Jewish history begins in middle school, correlating Jewish history with world history and emphasizing similarities. Students come to understand the continuity of Jewish history from ancient to modern times and their place in the world’s oldest, unbroken tradition
Eighth Grade Israel Trip
Each year since 1999, the students of the eighth grade graduating class have participated in a 12 day trip to Israel. During this trip they see first hand all they have studied throughout their years at Abrams; they meet and engage in projects with Israeli students their own age; they participate in chesed projects; and they receive their Judaic Studies diplomas at the Kotel in Jerusalem.
Beyond Academics
Making a difference through cultivating expression & strength, inside & out.
Music
Abrams students participate in and enjoy music education, recorder instruction, keyboard, rhythm, singing, dance and theatrical performances. Instrumental music and ensemble taught in grades 4-8. The Abrams Chorus, for students in grades 4-8, sings in school assemblies and performs throughout the community.
Art
Abrams Hebrew Academy has a thriving Art program for students from kindergarten through eighth grade who study various artists, their biographies and styles, and then create their own interpretations of what they have learned. The efforts culminate with an annual Student Art Show.
Physical Education
Abrams Hebrew Academy’s Physical Education program strives to cultivate a positive attitude toward exercise and sports, and to develop a child’s self-confidence. With an emphasis on cooperation and community, the program teaches skills such as balance, special awareness, physical fitness, coordination, team sports. The Samuel Abrams Gymnasium accommodates a full-length basketball court and is fully outfitted with physical fitness equipment.
