In Lower School, we have designed a rich curriculum that excites and challenges our students.  Subject matter serves as the basis for integrated learning to make real-world connections and heighten interest.  Kindergarten through fourth grade students are involved in thematic learning in every grade.

“Families from around the World” is the foundation of our program teaching our Kindergartners to appreciate the similarities between people across the globe.  Families from south Florida, Japan, Mexico, and Israel are all part of the Kindergarten experience. 

First graders expand that knowledge exploring their own “Community,” as well as Jerusalem, a biblical community, and finally an African community on the other side of the world.  Students learn about Maslow’s hierarchy of basic needs and become conscious of the interdependence among people.

Every community produces its own “Heroes and Heroines,” and second graders use their critical thinking skills as they evaluate a long list of candidates.  Students have the opportunity to compare and contrast character traits and qualities.  Famous for their heroes and heroines, fairy tales come alive as second graders study this literary genre.  At the Fairy Tale Ball, students celebrate the writing of their original fairy tales.

Third graders explore the theme of “Freedom” from the early pilgrims in America, through the Revolutionary War and Civil War.  Through reading historical fiction, the students begin to empathize with youngsters living through those wars, journeying westward across our country, and finally exploring emigration, civil rights, and women’s rights.  Third graders share their books of original writings reflecting the time periods at their Freedom Festival.  

Japan comes to fourth grade in January of each year, as fourth graders are immersed in their theme “Here and There.”  In the first semester students study the history, geography, and cultures of Florida, while in the second semester they participate in an in-depth study of Japan.  A school-sponsored Japanese intern brings her culture to our school, and our collaboration with the Morikami Museum allows students to participate in the traditional arts of ikebana, Japanese gardens, calligraphy, and the tea ceremony.  Simultaneously, students learn about the workings of a museum and the care of its collections.  The year ends with students researching, marketing and opening a Japanese Gallery of their own, open to the public.  The students serve as the curators and docents for this exciting achievement. 

We are a Jewish day school offering multicultural learning to promote peace and understanding in our world.  It is easy to see how this program engages young minds in the joy of learning.