Upper Elementary School
A vibrant, engaging, and nurturing environment where your child can develop and thrive.
Students are encouraged to think critically, embrace new challenges with confidence, build meaningful relationships, actively engage in their learning, and develop compassionate, thoughtful behaviors that will serve as a foundation for their personal and academic growth throughout life.
The Upper Elementary
Curriculum
The Upper Elementary curriculum at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley is designed to recognize and support the transformative intellectual, emotional, and spiritual development that occurs during these pivotal years. Throughout their Upper Elementary journey, students are provided with a rich array of authentic learning and leadership opportunities that challenge them to think critically and engage deeply across all subjects.
With a focus on higher-level thinking and analytical skills, each discipline encourages students to question, explore, and analyze the world around them. Small class sizes allow for strong teacher-student relationships, where personalized attention ensures that every student is challenged and supported at their own pace.
At the heart of the Upper Elementary experience is the development of independent thinking and self-evaluation. The program equips students with the tools to not only navigate academic challenges but also to evaluate themselves, their community, and the broader world as they grow into thoughtful, informed, and responsible individuals.
Upper Elementary
Judaics
As our middle school students prepare for life beyond the JDS, we want to ensure that they are knowledgeable, confident Jewish community members who will feel at home wherever their future takes them. Tanach studies intensify and focus on text-based learning, deciphering Biblical language, and understanding thematic concepts. Class research projects lead students to greater comprehension and a heightened curiosity to know more.
A very sophisticated dive into the Jewish year reveals an in-depth, inspiring, and relevant historical understanding of the Jewish experience. Holiday stories take on a new meaning with a global view of what was happening to the Jewish nation before, after, and during the classic tales, and how those times in our history affect us today.
Israeli history classes bring the students right up to the current political situations with a greater understanding of what led us to where we are now.
Daily prayer ensures that our graduates can join any congregation with ease. While accomplishing all of this, our students still revel in the school spirit that each holiday brings, often helping to organize and lead events. They complete their time at their JDS as well-rounded, proud Jewish citizens who can’t wait to make their mark on the world!
Teaching Philosophy
The Upper Elementary Program adopts an inquiry-based, student-centered approach, recognizing that older children learn best through exploration, critical thinking, and hands-on experiences. The curriculum is dynamic and flexible, allowing teachers to build on students' interests and tailor lessons to challenge and support each child's growth. In this nurturing environment, students feel safe, supported, and motivated to take intellectual risks and engage deeply in their learning.
Family Involvement
The curriculum encourages strong connections between school and home. Parents are regularly invited to participate in classroom activities, Shabbat celebrations, and school-wide events, fostering a sense of community and partnership in their child’s education.
