The English Language Arts curriculum follows the New York State Learning Standards, which includes a rigorous framework for reading, writing, listening, speaking, and language. The key areas of focus in the sixth grade curriculum include identifying central themes, tracing the structure of arguments, as well as analyzing word choice in a text. The students also produce structured research writing. There is a focus on academic language, standard English conventions, and comprehensive media review.
Our sixth grade curriculum, which aligns with New York State Next Generation Learning Standards, focuses on deepening understanding of ratios, rates, and extending their understanding of arithmetic to rational numbers (negative numbers, fractions, and decimals). Key topics for this year include algebraic expressions, one-variable equations/inequalities, area, surface area, volume, and an introduction to statistics.
The primary goal of our science programs throughout middle school includes providing a strong foundation in biological principles, and developing scientific reasoning and problem solving skills. Through an interdisciplinary approach, students use scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and problem solving to enhance their understanding of the world around them.
They strengthen their technical proficiencies by participating in weekly labs and improve their communication skills by writing and discussing their findings with their fellow students and teachers. Students also increase their learning by thinking about ethical considerations in scientific research, and the societal impact of scientific advancements.
The sixth grade curriculum focuses on life science. Students study cell structure and function, ecosystems, genetics, heredity, and adaptation. Through hands-on lab work, students learn to use scientific tools, including microscopes, and explore processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, mitosis, and diffusion. Emphasis is placed on scientific inquiry, data analysis, and the scientific method.
The sixth grade social studies curriculum follows the New York State Social Studies framework, which focuses on inquiry-based learning, chronological reasoning, and thematic understanding that prepares students for citizenship.
Students explore ancient and global civilizations, including early river valley civilizations (Mesopotamia, Egypt, Indus, and China), the Mediterranean world (Rome and Greece), and interactions across the Eastern Hemisphere. Topics include the development of civilizations, the impact of geography, and how cross-cultural exchanges impact society.
Hebrew instruction is based on the NETA program, a leveled, immersive curriculum that develops reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension skills.
Students engage with increasingly complex texts on themes relevant to their lives, exploring connections to Jewish tradition, Israeli culture, and global topics. The program emphasizes steady progression toward fluency and independent communication.
Students study Sefer Bamidbar, focusing on leadership, community, and the challenges of the Israelites in the desert. They begin transitioning into Navi, exploring the shift from Moshe to Yehoshua.
Rabbinics focuses on Mishnah and values such as respect, gratitude, and ethical behavior. Students participate in Bar/Bat Mitzvah studies, exploring identity, responsibility, and their place within multiple communities. Students also learn trope and engage in school-wide holiday learning and experiences.
Jewish history curriculum guides students to understand the differences between biblical and historical accounts of Jewish history, illuminating how Jewish texts teach spiritual values, whereas historical accounts focus on literal, verifiable events.