At The Lerner School, we are committed to achieving the highest standard of academic excellence, fostering learning of Jewish values, culture and traditions, while building a diverse and caring community one mensch at at time.

We practice this each day through:

• One Student at a Time

• Academic Excellence

• Jewish Continuity, Culture, and Community

• A Pluralistic, Diverse Environment

• Hands-on, Integrated Learning

• A Community of Lifelong Leaders

• A Safe and Caring Community

• Social Responsibility and Ethical Thinking

These eight core beliefs are brought to life through our dual curriculum, which teaches knowledge and values in both Judaic and General Studies. Additionally, students have the opportunity each week to learn Hebrew; explore arts, music, and physical education; engage in mitzvot; and have chances to play, ensuring we are attending to the whole child.

LANGUAGE ARTS

The Lerner School uses a blend of materials and strategies to support reading and writing instruction. These include:

• Learning Without Tears

• Literacy Book Clubs

• Foundations Reading Curriculum

• Letterland: Literacy Come to Life

This ensures students are gaining key phonic skills, building vocabulary, developing reading comprehension, and fostering their writing abilities.

Mathematics

The core curriculum, Bridges, is a comprehensive pre-K through 5th grade curriculum that equips teachers to fully address state standards in a rigorous, engaging, and accessible manner. Students gain a deep understanding on concepts, proficiency with key skills, and the ability to solve complex problems. The curriculum is composed of three distinct, but integrated components: Problems & Investigations, Work Places, and Number Corner.

Science

The primary goal of the science program is to encourage students to understand and appreciate the systems and processes of the world around them. Our STEAM and inquiry-based approach to learning and teaching guides students to think deeply about their world. The steps of scientific inquiry (defining a problem, creating a hypothesis, testing the hypothesis, making careful observations, drawing conclusions, and asking new questions) challenge students to find innovative ways to solve problems and ignite change.

Social Studies

The social studies curriculum centers on concepts such as geography, history, politics, economics, community, and sociology.

JUDAIC AND HEBREW STUDIES

Judaic and Hebrew Studies are characterized by an integrated approach. While specific time is set aside for each during the week, the curriculum is designed and supported by activities in all subject areas so they are woven together throughout each day.

The Lerner School embraces a pluralistic approach to Judaic Studies that combines key activities that each both the keva (fixed portion of ritual and prayer) and the kavanah (a personal connection to the meaning of the action) of Jewish practice.

Our Hebrew program is characterized by a natural use of the Hebrew language. Students develop skills in all areas of language fluency, including speaking, listening, writing, and reading. The school creates an avirah (atmosphere, environment) where Hebrew is heard and used in many settings on a daily basis. Hebrew is a living language that infuses holiday celebrations and comes alive through music, art, games, and food. It connects students to Jews around the world and Israel. Hebrew links us to our ancestors, the Torah, and prayers.

EMBRACING THE ARTS

The Lerner School believes the arts provide students a pathway to enhance brain development, develop multi-sensory skills, and explore the world around them. Each week students have designated time for both art and music, working with specialists to establish foundations in these areas.

ENGAGING IN MITZVOT

Mitzvah literally means “commandment.” A mitzvah often refers to a charitable, beneficial act performed by another person for someone or something else. Its name is fitting, as we are commanded to perform these acts as Jewish people. Teaching students this important value is key to The Lerner School. Each year classrooms select a mitzvah project to work on throughout the year. Each Friday, as part of our Shabbat rituals, classes have designated time for this important work.