The English language arts curriculum follows the New York State Learning Standards, which includes a rigorous framework for reading, writing, listening, speaking, and language. This framework focuses on critical thinking, evidence-based analysis, and articulate expression of ideas. As the students engage with a variety of texts, they are expected to cite textual evidence from multiple sources, analyzing theme development in different texts, and evaluating argument structures. The students produce written pieces that demonstrate their mastery of argumentative, informative, and narrative pieces.
Seventh-grade math in New York State focuses on proportional relationships, rational number operations, expressions and equations, and geometry based on the Next Generation Learning Standards.
Key topics include unit rates, percent increase/decrease, solving multi-step equations, and working with negative numbers, area, and volume. Advanced students work with algebraic expressions, polynomials, and more complex problem-solving in preparation for higher-level math.
The seventh grade curriculum focuses on physical science. Students study electricity and magnetism, engineering and energy transformations, forces and motion, structure and properties of matter. Students engage in weekly laboratory experiments and apply scientific reasoning and ethical considerations to analyze the social impact of scientific advancements.
Our seventh grade social studies curriculum follows the New York State Social Studies framework. This framework focuses on inquiry-based learning, chronological reasoning, and thematic understanding that prepares students for citizenship.
Students study American history, beginning with early Native American societies and continuing through colonization, the Revolutionary War, and the development of the United States Constitution and formation of our government. They continue on through westward expansion and the events that led up to the Civil War, and social movements. A highlight of the year is a three-day trip to Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
Students continue progressing through the NETA curriculum, working at their individual levels. Texts and tasks become more complex, with increased emphasis on fluency, comprehension, and expressive language. Students engage with materials that connect language learning to Jewish texts, Israeli culture, and contemporary topics.
Judaic Studies
Students focus on legal and ethical themes in Torah, including tzedakah, kashrut, and civil law, while strengthening skills in reading and interpreting text and commentaries. In Navi, students study Shoftim and selections from Shmuel.
Jewish history covers 19th-century through present-day Jewish life, including Eastern Europe before World War I, Europe between the two World Wars, the growth of Jewish nationalism and Zionism, and Jewish life in the United States in the 20th century. Seventh graders create a Family Heritage Album, in which they interview members of their families to understand the challenges and successes throughout their family history.
Rabbinics aligns with Torah study, exploring ethical responsibilities and Jewish law. Bar/Bat Mitzvah learning concludes with a focus on values and character development.