Academics

Jewish Studies

Judaic classes include time devoted to the mastery of modern and traditional Jewish texts and the knowledge of Jewish history and culture from life cycle events to holidays. Our students are taught how to apply Jewish values and ethics to make good choices for their own behavior. The core laws of Loshon Hora which forbids gossip and making fun of, or speaking badly about, others are emphasized and the students engage in active discussions about how they can positively react to life situations where they encounter loshon hora.

Services / Israeli Dance

All children are encouraged to read the Parsha of the week from the Torah. Even the very young read a line paired with an older child to assist in the reading.

We also often start our days with traditional Israeli Dance to guide our students with connecting their minds, bodies, and spirit through movement, rhythm, and music rooted in the Jewish culture.

Hebrew / Second Language

We assess each student’s abilities and provide materials, activities, and projects to help them reach their full potential. Our unique use of Skype in our upper-grade Hebrew classes allows students to have conversational Hebrew classes with our Israeli teacher.

Recent studies suggest that people who master more than one language build a more resilient brain, are more proficient at multitasking, and are better able to set priorities.

– Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University

English Language Arts

Our English language arts (ELA) program focuses on building strong reading, writing, spelling, grammar, and basic communication skills. Our small class sizes allow us to meet each child exactly where they are in their ELA journey so that they can continue to build on these verbal and written foundational tools with confidence.

Social Studies

Our comprehensive social studies curriculum includes history, civics, and economics. Students learn all about geography, from cardinal directions to continents. We introduce the three branches of the U.S. government and we provide our students with the basic knowledge that will prepare them for a successful future ahead.

Mathematics

We make math fun at PHDS! We use Montessori style tools and concepts to help our students visually grasp the basics of mathematics, from writing numbers and understanding place values to learning operations, decimals, and fractions. We incorporate practical applications into our math program such as cooking, baking, and building to learn various units and types of measurement. We build steadily on one concept after another all the way through geometry and algebra so that when our students graduate, they are well prepared to delve into high-school math.

Science

Our science program engages our students, fosters inquisition, and cultivates a love for discovery through exploration and experimentation in each of the three main branches: physical science, life science, and earth science.

Art

Children are always excited to participate in our art program, regardless of level or skill, and we encourage each of them to be proud of, and appreciate the beauty in, their creations. Our PHDS art program is designed for our students to explore many different types of art and experiment with a variety of media, while also spending time learning about an array of artists. Each year our art projects range from painting, collaging, drawing, and sculpture, to building using recycled items and modern or pop art.

Physical Education

Physical education is an integral part of our curriculum. We follow the SHAPE (Society for Health and Physical Educators) America recommendation of 150 minutes per week of instructional PE for elementary students and incorporate a wide variety of activities from yoga and jogging, to jumping rope and games of tag!