Quick Links: General Studies | Judaic Studies | Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten | Enrichment Program

General Studies

Language Arts Curriculum

The language arts curriculum aims to develop proficient communication skills focusing primarily on reading and writing. In the lower elementary grades, students focus on reading fluency from phonics to basic comprehension. The upper elementary grades build proficiency in these areas and develop their literary analysis abilities. The writing component builds penmanship, conventions of writing such as spelling and grammar, and expression of ideas through a variety of written forms. At the end of the elementary language arts curriculum, students should be proficient in reading and writing skills to perform successfully in any middle school setting.Middle school Language Arts curriculum builds on basic skills developed in elementary years.  Students perfect their writing and literature analysis skills. 

Science Curriculum

The science curriculum aims to foster scientific curiosity in all students and introduce a general knowledge base of science topics. In addition to understanding the scientific process, students will engage in activities and investigation about topics learned. Topics will include life, physical, earth and space, and technology. By the end of the elementary science curriculum, students should be ready to delve deeper, through research and/or investigations, into any of the major science topics that will be covered in middle and high school. Middle school science further develops the topics covered in the elementary years.  The curriculum delves further in depth in the areas of biology, chemistry and physics.  The scientific method and experimentation and scientific thought process run as themes throughout each topic.

Mathematics

The mathematics curriculum aims to develop adept basic math skills as well as the ability to problem solve and apply mathematical concepts to real life situations. The curriculum follows a cumulative structure, one skill leads to the next, building readiness for middle school mathematics in areas of numbers and operations, algebra, geometry, measurement, data analysis and problem solving.Middle school math begins as an intense review of elementary math so students are fully prepared for specialized math subjects.  Then it moves towards pre-algebra and algebra.

Social Studies Curriculum

The social studies curriculum aims to build an awareness of self and one’s place and function within family, community, state, country and world. There are four key, overarching concepts dealt with throughout the curriculum including: history, economics, civics and geography. Each grade level consists of unique units that foster understanding of the above concepts. Students will explore these topics through textbooks, research and a variety of projects. The curriculum wants to build a sense of excitement and pride for the world a student lives in whether directly or indirectly affecting him. Middle school social studies curriculum covers specific topics of geography around the world, U.S. History and government and economics.

Judaic Studies

Hebrew Language Curriculum

The Hebrew Language curriculum aims to develop fluency in reading, writing, translating, decoding and comprehension of Hebrew found in Biblical texts and used in basic speaking. This includes an understanding and usage of grammar as well as a vast vocabulary base. The curriculum also aims to build comfort with basic usage of speaking and listening to Modern Hebrew as related to classroom instructions, etc. By the end of the course, students should be able to read and translate almost any sentence in Chumash, know the rules of grammar and feel comfortable speaking Hebrew to enable further study of the language.

Jewish Year/Dinim Curriculum

The Jewish Year/Dinim Curriculum aims to familiarize, excite and provide practice for important aspects of a Jewish life. The curriculum is divided into four categories. They include:

1. Yearly Holidays
2. Shabbos
3. Brachos/Tefilos
4. Parshas Hashavua
5. Other (laws only covered in one grade level)

Students will learn and practice many of the laws and customs associated with the holidays and Shabbos. They will learn the historical significance of each holiday and how it applies today. Students will also pray and make brachos each day and understand the meanings of each. Every week, students will review and extract key ideas from the Parsha.

The curriculum encourages a fun, hands-on approach to learning about these topics (especially in younger years) through means of arts and crafts, song, drama, etc.

Textual Torah

The Textual Torah Curriculum aims to develop skill proficiency in reading and understanding Torah texts. It also aims to create an appreciation for the text and a breadth of knowledge. The curriculum is divided into four sections. Each is covered at different levels.

1. Chumash – First grade and above
2. Navi – Fourth grade and above (girls)
3. Mishnayos – Fourth and fifth grade (boys)
4. Gemorah – Sixth grade and above (boys)

Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Curriculum

Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) is a state-subsidized program allowing four year old children to attend 540 hours of the school of their choice for free.  The children in Torah Academy’s (TA) VPK program are taught by a qualified teacher who has a decade of experience with this age group and a Master’s Degree in education. The class follows the typical standards of growth and development for the State of Florida including:

Physical Health
Approaches to Learning
Social and Emotional Development
Language and Communication
Emergent Literacy
Mathematical and Scientific Thinking
Social Studies and the Arts
Motor Development

The uniqueness of VPK at TA is the inclusion of Hebrew and Judaic experiences. Children learn many of the Emergent Literacy skills in Hebrew. They also participate in Judaic activities which builds their excitement and pride for their Jewish heritage and culture. Developing social interaction is another special component of our VPK program. Children learn how to problem solve social issues and respect each other and adults.

All learning uses multi-sensory methods and is exciting to children. Whether they are ‘jumping for J’ or using a magnifying glass to see their fingerprints, children enjoy their learning.

A TA day runs from 8:30a-2p. A typical schedule would include activities such as the following: story time, days of the week and weather, center time, circle time, Weekly Torah Portion time, Outdoor play, and table time. Some of the topical units covered during the year include: Family and friends, community helpers, Holidays, transportation, senses, changes, Ethics of the fathers and seasons.

Contact the office to schedule a visit or hear more about our VPK.

Enrichment Curriculum

Torah Academy believes a good education is more than the core subject areas in General and Judaic Studies. It is important to learn beyond reading, writing, math, science, social studies, Torah and Judaic subjects. Children gain tremendously from exposure to enrichment opportunities such as technology, library, physical education, art and more. TA offers all of these at least once a week and some classes also participate in yoga and music. Depending on availability and desire, TA will provide afterschool programs as well. These have included chess club, photography, gardening, drama and many more.