An Excellent Dual Curriculum
academics
We invest all our resources in providing an excellent education that encompasses a cutting-edge language arts and math curricula to an immersive Judaic, Hebrew, and Israeli studies.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
General Studies Curricula
Shorashim Academy will use Go Math to teach math and Fundations to teach reading for kindergarten and first grade. Both of these curricula are widely used in Florida because they are user-friendly for both teachers and students and are designed to meet Florida’s BEST (Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking) standards. Shorashim Academy will use Wonders to teach reading in second grade and above.
Shorashim Academy’s students will be assessed three times per year using i-Ready’s computer-based assessment platform. These tests will help Shorashim Academy’s teachers and administrators assess proficiency levels and learning gains among individual students and classes as well as specific strengths and deficiencies among individuals and student groups.
ISRAELI ATMOSPHERE
Hebrew Language
- We will use Tal-Am and/or Chalav Udevash to teach Hebrew (to read, write, and speak).
Israeli Culture
- Israeli Atmosphere— Hebrew language, Israeli culture and images of Israel will be prevalent throughout the school. Led by Israelis for Israelis, our school will have an Israeli “feel.”
- Israeli Cultural Holidays—We will celebrate Yom Ha’Zikaron, Yom Ha’Atzmaut, and Yom Yerushalayim. In addition, students will learn about and experience Israel’s history, culture, geography, and religious roots and meaning.
- Zionist Themes—We will emphasize the religious significance of the modern state of Israel.
ZIONIST ORTHODOX CURRICULUM
Judaic Curriculum
- Tefillah and Brachot—Students will daven and recite brachot in school daily. In kindergarten, we will introduce prayer through songs. In first grade, students will begin praying in Hebrew from a siddur (prayer book). We believe that prayer and blessings instill an appreciation to G-d for everything, which is an essential component of Jewish philosophy. By teaching our students to appreciate even the seemingly small things—like having food to eat or a properly working body—we hope to combat the strong messages of entitlement promoted in our generation.
- Chumash, Parsha, Halacha—Students will develop text-based skills while learning about the origin and beauty of our Jewish faith. The texts will be made relevant by applying the ethical behavior to our lives. For example, stories and lessons will emphasize ideas such as true wealth is based on satisfaction with what you have, and a powerful person is one who demonstrates self-control.
- Shabbat & Chagim—Students will learn the laws (halacha) pertaining to these special days, and we will develop their enthusiasm through songs, projects, and special events.
Character Development
We believe that textual learning must be accompanied by character development. Using texts from throughout Jewish history, students will learn to value personal growth, especially the qualities of humility, honesty, respecting others, doing good deeds, and developing a relationship with G-d.
Students will be encouraged through positive reinforcement to apply the lessons learned in class by practicing positive behavior at home as well as in school.
- Mitzvah Notes—Students will be acknowledged for positive notes brought from home.
- Nachat Calls—School personnel will call or email parents when a student is “caught” doing a good deed.
- Student of the Day—Every day during an assembly, one student will be acknowledged publicly for a good deed. Students will be nominated not only by teachers, but also by their fellow students, thereby encouraging the children to look out for the good in others.
- Respect for Adults—When an adult enters the room, students will stand out of respect.
SAFE SCHOOL CLIMATE
social & Emotional Learning
Shorashim Academy’s educational philosophy is rooted in social and emotional learning theory as well as constructivism theory. Below are six core beliefs, taken from Responsive Classroom, a leading social and emotional approach, that will guide Shorashim Academy.
- Teaching social and emotional skills is as important as teaching academic content.
- How we teach is as important as what we teach.
- Great cognitive growth occurs through social interaction.
- How we work together as adults to create a safe, joyful, and inclusive school environment is as important as our individual contribution or competence.
- Partnering with families—knowing them and valuing their contributions—is as important as knowing the children we teach.
- How we work together as adults to create a safe, joyful, and inclusive school environment is as important as our individual contribution or competence.