There are several reasons to choose a Jewish school for your child. These reasons can include less cost than other options, a more rich curriculum, and a diverse community. For some parents, religious beliefs or family traditions are the main driving factors. Others may choose a Jewish school for its Jewish values, or because they feel the religious education will set their child apart from the rest of their peers.
Less expensive than other options
There are many factors to consider when choosing a Jewish school for your child. The cost of tuition is one of them. Some Jewish schools are more expensive than others, and others offer income-based tuition limits. You can compare the fees of each option and see which one will be best for your child.
If you have a low income, you may want to consider the Jewish Day School in Atlanta. Tuition at Samis is based on the family’s AGI, with a $21,000 cap if the family makes $180,000 per year. Nonetheless, if you are looking for an affordable Jewish school in Atlanta, you have a lot of options.
If you’re looking for an affordable Jewish day school for your child, you might consider enrolling them in a summer program. Most summer programs require one or both parents to spend time in Israel, but they are cheaper than a Jewish day school.
Richer curriculum
In Kindergarten and first grade, students learn core Biblical stories as well as Jewish values and mitzvot (sacred responsibilities). In addition, the curriculum incorporates age-appropriate books and activities that encourage discussion both in class and at home. Students also explore their ideas about G-d through age-appropriate literature.
One benefit of an integrated curriculum is that it makes learning more meaningful. For example, the New England Jewish Academy integrates Hebrew immersion and Judaic studies. It also engages students in project-based learning and teamwork. It also requires students to demonstrate mastery of various subjects, which helps them develop critical thinking and other life skills.
Diverse community
The diverse community at a Jewish school can be a valuable resource for educators. Many educators are now reshaping their curricula to include diversity. They are also running professional development programs and holding parent events to foster a greater understanding of cultural and racial diversity. The American Jewish community is becoming more diverse, thanks in part to interfaith marriage. Currently, 11 percent of U.S. Jews are people of color. Interestingly, Jewish day schools tend to have a much lower percentage of non-white students. A recent conference hosted by the Prizmah day school network highlighted the importance of embracing diversity in Jewish education.
The school has embraced diversity as an opportunity to increase student engagement and foster respect for the differences between different ethnicities. For instance, Senesh School has partnered with the Anti-Defamation League to hold diversity workshops for eighth graders. Similarly, Be’chol Lashon conducts diversity training sessions for students in the fifth and sixth grades. These sessions help students learn more about the history of the Jewish community and explore different ways of being Jewish.
Dual language learning
The dual language approach helps students develop a deeper connection to Jewish culture, while also providing a solid academic foundation. It also supports brain development and helps prepare students for learning other languages.
While learning Hebrew in a Jewish school is not as formal as learning French or Spanish in the classroom, the focus is on immersion in the language. Hebrew classes are offered throughout the day. Middle School students also take Hebrew and Aramaic classes. Students also use the languages in less formal situations, such as hallway conversations and student-teacher meetings.
The goal of dual language learning is to develop a bilingual or bicultural student who is proficient in two languages. In addition to teaching students to read and write in two languages, dual language programs foster multicultural awareness. They also promote appreciation of other cultures.
Comments are closed.