Curriculum Overview

Our Promise: The Lev Jewish Academy Difference
Creating the Next Generation of Jewish Leaders
 
At Lev Jewish Academy, our mission is to inspire academic excellence in a warm, nurturing environment while cultivating a lifelong commitment to Torah, mitzvot, Jewish values, and the State of Israel. We empower our students to become compassionate, knowledgeable, and confident individuals who lead with integrity and purpose.
 
Our vision is to prepare students to thrive as engaged members and future leaders of the Jewish community and the broader world. Through a challenging and inspiring dual curriculum that integrates outstanding General Studies with rigorous Judaic Studies, our students develop intellectual curiosity, strong character, self confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.
 
We believe that Torah is at the heart of a Jewish child’s education. Guided by the principles of Modern Orthodox Judaism, our students grow in their understanding of Torah, Tefillah, Halacha, and Jewish tradition while learning to apply these timeless values to everyday life. Our vibrant Chesed program provides meaningful opportunities for students and families to perform the mitzvot of Tikkun Olam, developing empathy, responsibility, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
 
A deep and enduring connection to the State of Israel is woven throughout every aspect of school life. From the earliest grades, students build a love for the land, people, history, and culture of Israel through classroom learning, celebrations, and immersive experiences. This journey culminates with our transformative eighth grade trip to Israel, allowing students to strengthen their connection to Eretz Yisrael and experience firsthand the places they have studied throughout their years at Lev Jewish Academy.
 
At Lev Jewish Academy, academics, character, community, and Torah learning come together to prepare students for lives of purpose, leadership, and meaningful Jewish engagement.

Early Childhood Program

Early Education: Nursery, Pre-K and Kindergarten

The foundation for a lifetime of learning begins in the warm, nurturing, and joyful environment of Lev Jewish Academy’s Early Childhood Program. During these formative years, children are encouraged to explore, discover, create, and grow while developing confidence, independence, curiosity, and a genuine love of learning.

Our experienced educators recognize that every child develops at their own pace. Through hands on, developmentally appropriate experiences, students build the academic, social, emotional, and spiritual foundations they need for future success. In a caring environment where every child feels known and valued, students develop resilience, self esteem, kindness, and a strong sense of belonging.

 

As a Modern Orthodox Jewish Day School, we believe that Torah learning begins in early childhood. Through joyful Jewish experiences, meaningful relationships, and daily opportunities to practice mitzvot, our youngest learners begin developing a lifelong connection to Torah, Jewish values, the Hebrew language, and the State of Israel. Acts of Chesed and the values of Tikkun Olam are woven naturally into everyday classroom life, helping children understand that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference.

 

What does the General Studies program cover?

Our General Studies program provides a strong academic foundation through active, hands on learning that inspires curiosity and creativity.

 

Using a balanced literacy approach, students develop early reading and writing skills through phonics, guided reading, shared reading, interactive writing, rich literature, and daily read aloud experiences. Small group instruction allows teachers to meet each child’s individual needs while fostering confidence and a love of reading.

 

Mathematics is taught through exploration, discovery, and real world experiences. Students build strong number sense while learning mathematical reasoning, counting, patterns, measurement, estimation, problem solving, and early geometry using manipulatives and engaging activities that make learning meaningful.

 

Children also participate in enriching programs in science, social studies, art, music, physical education, technology, and library, encouraging creativity, collaboration, and a broad understanding of the world around them.

 

What does the Judaic Studies program cover?

Our Judaic Studies program nurtures each child’s love of Torah, mitzvot, Jewish traditions, and the Hebrew language while laying the foundation for a lifelong commitment to Jewish learning and observance.

 

Students are introduced to Chumash, beginning with the stories of Bereishit, and develop familiarity with the weekly Parashat HaShavua through engaging stories, songs, discussions, and hands on activities. They begin to understand that the Torah is the foundation of Jewish life and values.

 

Children learn about Shabbat, Jewish holidays, brachot, and everyday mitzvot in joyful and meaningful ways. Weekly Kabbalat Shabbat celebrations fill our classrooms with singing, dancing, and pride as students experience the beauty of Jewish tradition together.

 

Tefillah is an important part of every school day. Through age appropriate prayer experiences, students learn to express gratitude, strengthen their relationship with Hashem, and appreciate the meaning of communal prayer. Daily tefillot and brachot become familiar and cherished parts of their routine.

 

Hebrew language acquisition begins through a natural immersion approach. During Judaic Studies, teachers incorporate conversational Hebrew throughout the day, helping students develop listening, speaking, reading, and early writing skills. Songs, stories, games, movement, and hands on activities make Hebrew engaging while building confidence and fluency.

 

Throughout the year, students celebrate Jewish holidays, Israel, and special school traditions, fostering a deep love for Am Yisrael, Eretz Yisrael, and their Jewish heritage from the very beginning of their educational journey.

Elementary School Program: 1st-4th Grades

What is the first through fourth grade program like?

The Elementary School program at Lev Jewish Academy builds upon the strong foundation established in our Early Childhood Program, guiding students as they grow academically, spiritually, and socially. Through a nurturing environment and a rigorous dual curriculum, students develop the knowledge, confidence, and character needed to become lifelong learners and engaged members of the Jewish community.

Our classrooms foster curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking while encouraging each child to reach their fullest potential. Students are challenged to ask thoughtful questions, solve problems, and develop the skills they need for success in school and beyond.

 

What does the General Studies program cover?

Our General Studies program provides a strong academic foundation that inspires a love of learning while preparing students for future academic success.

 

In English Language Arts, students develop into confident readers, writers, speakers, and listeners through a balanced literacy approach that emphasizes phonics, fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, writing, and critical thinking. Instruction is aligned with the New York State Learning Standards and encourages students to read thoughtfully, communicate effectively, and express their ideas with confidence.

 

Our Mathematics curriculum develops strong computational skills alongside mathematical reasoning and problem solving. Students explore number sense, operations, geometry, measurement, fractions, data analysis, and introductory algebraic concepts through hands on learning, visual models, and real world applications that make mathematics engaging and meaningful.

 

Technology is thoughtfully integrated throughout the curriculum, giving students opportunities to develop digital literacy, research skills, creativity, and responsible technology use. Beginning in the elementary grades, students utilize educational applications and digital tools that enhance learning across all subject areas.

 

Students also participate in enriching classes in science, social studies, art, music, physical education, library, and technology. These experiences promote collaboration, creativity, communication, and a deeper understanding of the world while encouraging students to think critically and solve problems with confidence.

 

What does the Judaic Studies program cover?

Our Judaic Studies program strengthens each student’s connection to Torah, mitzvot, Jewish values, the Hebrew language, and the State of Israel. As a Modern Orthodox Jewish Day School, we provide a rich Torah education that inspires students to live meaningful Jewish lives rooted in learning, faith, and action.

 

Students engage in the study of Chumash, Navi, Parashat HaShavua, Halacha, Jewish holidays, and Jewish history while learning to apply timeless Torah values to their everyday lives. Through thoughtful discussion and active participation, students deepen their understanding of Jewish texts and develop a lifelong love of Torah learning.

Daily Tefillah is an essential part of school life. Students learn the meaning and structure of the prayers while developing the ability to participate confidently and respectfully in communal prayer. As they progress through the grades, they assume increasing responsibility and leadership during tefillah services.

 

Students celebrate Shabbat, the Yamim Tovim, and Jewish traditions throughout the year, experiencing Judaism as a joyful and vibrant way of life. Acts of Chesed, community service, and opportunities to fulfill the mitzvot of Tikkun Olam are woven throughout the curriculum, helping students develop compassion, responsibility, and a commitment to serving others.

 

Hebrew language instruction is an integral part of each school day. Through an immersive approach, students strengthen their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills while building the fluency needed to access Torah texts, participate in Tefillah, and communicate with confidence. As students advance through the elementary grades, they develop increasing proficiency in both modern and biblical Hebrew, strengthening their connection to Jewish learning and the State of Israel.

 

By the end of Fourth Grade, students have developed strong academic skills, a deep appreciation for Torah and Jewish life, confidence in Hebrew language, and the character and curiosity that prepare them for continued success in the upper grades

Middle School Program: 5th-8th Grades

The Middle School program at Lev Jewish Academy prepares students for the academic, social, and spiritual challenges of high school and beyond. Through a rigorous dual curriculum, students deepen their intellectual curiosity, strengthen their Jewish identity, and develop the confidence, leadership, and critical thinking skills needed to thrive in an ever changing world.

 

As students mature, they are encouraged to become independent learners, thoughtful problem solvers, and compassionate leaders who embody Torah values both inside and outside the classroom.

 

What does the General Studies program cover?

Our General Studies program provides a challenging and engaging academic experience that prepares students for success in competitive high schools, college, and beyond.

 

In English Language Arts, students refine their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills through the study of classic and contemporary literature. They write across multiple genres, including narrative, persuasive, analytical, explanatory, and creative writing, while strengthening vocabulary, comprehension, research, and critical thinking skills. Students learn to communicate effectively and develop the confidence to express their ideas with clarity and purpose.

 

Our Mathematics curriculum emphasizes conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, logical reasoning, and real world problem solving. Students study algebra, geometry, measurement, statistics, probability, and advanced mathematical concepts through differentiated instruction that meets individual learning needs.

 

Students have the opportunity to participate in both accelerated and grade level mathematics tracks. The accelerated program culminates with the Algebra I Regents Examination in eighth grade, while the grade level track provides the foundation for continued success in high school mathematics. Eighth grade students also complete the Living Environment Regents Examination, giving them an academic advantage as they enter high school.

The curriculum also includes science, social studies, technology, art, music, physical education, and health.

 

Technology is thoughtfully integrated across all subject areas, encouraging collaboration, innovation, research, and responsible digital citizenship while preparing students for the demands of the twenty first century.

 

What does the Judaic Studies program cover?

As a Modern Orthodox Jewish Day School, Lev Jewish Academy is committed to providing a rigorous Judaic Studies program that inspires students to develop a lifelong commitment to Torah, mitzvot, Jewish learning, and the State of Israel.

 

Building upon the strong foundation established in the elementary grades, students engage in increasingly sophisticated study of Chumash, Rashi, Navi, Mishnah, Talmud, Halacha, Jewish history, and Parashat HaShavua. Students are encouraged to analyze texts, ask meaningful questions, think critically, and appreciate the timeless relevance of Torah to modern life.

 

Daily Tefillah is an essential part of the Middle School experience. Students participate in Shacharit each morning, taking active leadership roles by serving as chazzanim, reading from the Torah on Mondays and Thursdays, and delivering Divrei Torah. These experiences help students develop confidence, responsibility, and a meaningful connection to communal prayer.

 

Hebrew language instruction continues through an immersive approach, enabling students to communicate confidently while strengthening their reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension skills. Hebrew serves as both a living language and the gateway to Torah learning, Jewish texts, and a lifelong connection to the State of Israel.

Students also explore Jewish history, Zionism, and Holocaust studies, developing a deeper understanding of the resilience of the Jewish people and their responsibility as future Jewish leaders. Throughout the year, they commemorate Jewish holidays, Yom HaShoah, Yom HaZikaron, and Yom HaAtzmaut while participating in meaningful leadership opportunities that strengthen their commitment to Am Yisrael and Medinat Yisrael.

 

One of the defining experiences of the Lev Jewish Academy Middle School journey is the transformative eighth grade trip to Israel. This unforgettable experience brings years of classroom learning to life, allowing students to deepen their connection to the land, the people, and the history of Israel while creating lifelong memories and strengthening their Jewish identity.

 

Graduates of Lev Jewish Academy leave Middle School academically prepared, deeply rooted in Torah values, confident in their Jewish identity, and ready to excel in high school while continuing to lead lives of learning, service, and meaningful Jewish engagement.

Last updated July 29, 2026

Curriculum overview: common questions

What is the goal of the curriculum at Lev Jewish Academy?

The curriculum at Lev Jewish Academy aims to inspire academic excellence in a warm, nurturing environment while building a lifelong commitment to Torah, mitzvot, Jewish values, and the State of Israel. Its dual curriculum integrates General Studies with rigorous Judaic Studies, guided by the principles of Modern Orthodox Judaism.

Do students take a trip to Israel?

Yes. The school's connection to Israel culminates in an eighth grade trip to Israel, where students strengthen their connection to Eretz Yisrael and see firsthand the places they have studied. From the earliest grades, students build a love for the land, people, history, and culture of Israel.

What does the Early Childhood Program cover?

The Early Childhood Program covers Nursery, Pre-K, and Kindergarten. Through hands-on, developmentally appropriate experiences, children build academic, social, emotional, and spiritual foundations, and their Torah learning begins through joyful Jewish experiences and daily opportunities to practice mitzvot.