Curriculum

Judaic Sample Class Schedule

Class Time

9th Grade

10th Grade

11th Grade

12th Grade

General Studies Class Schedule

Class Time

9th Grade

10th Grade

11th Grade

12th Grade

Secular
Concentration

Judaic
Concentration

*Dual college credit program for qualified students.
**Decision to follow Senior Judaic or Secular track must be made by the end of the Junior year.

Qualified Seniors may opt for additional classes and/or college credits

Curriculum for Judaic and General Studies

The core subjects of the Judaic curriculum remain the same through all four years of high school. Each year advances to a higher level and builds on the past year.

Judaic Studies Curriculum

Gemara Iyun

The cornerstone of our Judaic Studies curriculum is the Gemara Program. Our goal is not merely completion and memorization of the material. Rather, we strive to give our students the orientation, outlook, and methodologies necessary to teach them how to learn, so they will possess the vital tools needed for their success in understanding Gemara, Rashi, and Tosfos as well as all of the classic commentaries.

Our 9th Grade shiur is geared towards helping our students become well-versed in the ‘shakla vetarya’ of the Gemara, grasp the underlying concepts, and understand how they relate to each other.

Gemara Bekiyus:

Our Gemara Bekiyus program is much faster paced than the Iyun shiurim. It is structured to give our students a breadth of knowledge of Gemara concepts, yedios klalios, fluency in reading, and vocabulary.

9th Grade bekiyus focuses on building a broad foundation of fundamentals to build on.

Chumash B’ Iyun

The focus of our Chumash shiur is to help our students develop the skills necessary to read, translate, and understand Chumash using the classical Rishonim and Acharonim.

Our 9th grade shiur focuses on fluency in reading and translating psukim with Rashi and the Sifsei Chachamim. Additionally, our students will learn insights in Mussar gleaned from the above meforshim.

Halacha

Our Halacha shiur is designed so that a student becomes well versed in the Laws of Orach Chaim. 9th grade features the halachos of Tzitzis, Tefillin, & Shacharis (Mishna Berura, Chelek Aleph). Students will also learn the halachos of Yomim Tovim and seasonal periods before their arrival.

Mussar

Mussar is a vital tool for developing one’s strength of character and is one of the staples of our curriculum. 9th grade includes lessons from the Orchos Tzadikim. A guided discussion of various middos, their foils, and to what degree one should utilize each one. In addition, Mussar shmuesen are delivered weekly on Fridays.

Gemara Iyun

The cornerstone of our Judaic Studies curriculum is the Gemara Program. Our goal is not merely completion and memorization of the material. Rather, we strive to give our students the orientation, outlook, and methodologies necessary to teach them how to learn, so they will possess the vital tools needed for their success in understanding Gemara, Rashi, and Tosfos as well as all of the classic commentaries.

Our 10th Grade shiur focuses on helping our students attain a clear, in depth understating of Tosfos in light of the standard Acharonim.

Gemara Bekiyus:

Our Gemara Bekiyus program is structured to give our students a breadth of knowledge of Gemara concepts, yedios klalios, and vocabulary.

10th grade Bekiyus focuses on expanding the knowledge base, while beginning to develop independent learning skills.

Chumash B’ Iyun

The focus of our Chumash shiur is to help our students develop the skills necessary to read, translate, and understand Chumash using the classical Rishonim and Acharonim.

Our 10th grade shiur adds a focus on the commentaries of Sforno and Ramban. Students are also taught how to use “on page” resources to help them translate words they have never seen. In Addition, we explore various hashkafic lessons gleaned from the above commentaries.

Halacha

Our Halacha shiur is designed so that a student becomes well versed in the Laws of Orach Chaim. 10th grade continues with the halachos of Tefilla, Krias Hatorah, Brachos and Zemanim (Mishna Berura, Chelek Bais). Students will also learn the halachos of Yomim Tovim and seasonal periods before their arrival.

Mussar

Mussar is a vital tool for developing one’s strength of character and is one of the staples of our curriculum. 10th grade includes lessons from the Mesilas Yesharim. A fundamental discussion of man’s purpose in this world and the gradual levels one must master to achieve this goal. In addition, Mussar shmuesen are delivered weekly on Fridays.

Gemara Iyun

The cornerstone of our Judaic Studies curriculum is the Gemara Program. Our goal is not merely completion and memorization of the material. Rather, we strive to give our students the orientation, outlook, and methodologies necessary to teach them how to learn, so they will possess the vital tools needed for their success in understanding Gemara, Rashi, and Tosfos as well as all of the classic commentaries.

Our 11th Grade shiur features independent shiur preparation b’chavrusa, which in turn focuses on attaining a clear, in depth understating of Tosfos as well as other Rishonim (e.g. Rosh, Ritva).

Gemara Bekiyus:

Our Gemara Bekiyus program is structured to give our students a breadth of knowledge of Gemara concepts, yedios klalios, and vocabulary.

11th grade Bekiyus moves closer to independent learning by encouraging talmidim to maximize their own skills, using the “guided chavrusa” methodology. This gives them a chance to learn on their own, while still having appropriate help and guidance when needed. This system also allows for more individualized instruction, enabling each talmid to grow at their own pace.

Chumash B’ Iyun

The focus of our Chumash shiur is to help our students develop the skills necessary to read, translate, and understand Chumash using the classical Rishonim and Acharonim.

Our 11th grade shiur adds a focus on the commentaries of the Chizkuni and Daas Zkeinim. Additionally, students are taught how to deduce Rashi’s implied questions and how to compare and contrast the opinions of various meforshim on a specific topic.

Halacha

Our Halacha shiur is designed so that a student becomes well versed in the Laws of Orach Chaim. 11th grade progresses to the halachos of Shabbos which include: The 39 Melachos, kavod Shabbos, Kiddush and Havdala (Mishna Berura, Chelek Gimmel). Students will also learn the halachos of Yomim Tovim and seasonal periods before their arrival. When appropriate, students will be guided to independent study of Mishna Berura.

Mussar

Mussar is a vital tool for developing one’s strength of character and is one of the staples of our curriculum. 11th grade includes lessons from the Chovos Ha’Lvavos. This addresses various hashkafic topics, such as Bitachon and applying Torah perspectives in daily life. In addition, Mussar shmuesen are delivered weekly on Fridays.

Gemara Iyun

The cornerstone of our Judaic Studies curriculum is the Gemara Program. Our goal is not merely completion and memorization of the material. Rather, we strive to give our students the orientation, outlook, and methodologies necessary to teach them how to learn, so they will possess the vital tools needed for their success in understanding Gemara, Rashi, and Tosfos as well as all of the classic commentaries.

Our 12th Grade shiur features an expanded independent shiur preparation b’chavrusa. The shiur itself focuses on an advanced analysis of an array of Rishonim & Acharonim, giving our talmidim the ability to analyze a sugya holistically.

Gemara Bekiyus:

Our Gemara Bekiyus program is structured to give our students a breadth of knowledge of Gemara concepts, yedios klalios, and vocabulary.

The goal of 12th grade Bekiyus is to have talmidim learning gemara on their own, with minimal help from the rebbe. When appropriate, students are encouraged to participate in the 12th Grade ‘Beis Medrash Program’ (see below) which helps prepare them for a full Beis Medrash experience.

Chumash B’ Iyun

The focus of our Chumash shiur is to help our students develop the skills necessary to read, translate, and understand Chumash using the classical Rishonim and Acharonim.

Our 12th grade shiur trains our talmidim to combine and apply the knowledge and skills developed in previous years, to form a holistic perspective on a sugya in Chumash.

Halacha

Our Halacha shiur is designed so that a student becomes well versed in the Laws of Orach Chaim. 12th grade features independent study of Mishna Brura alongside the Bais Medrash program. Students will also learn the halachos of Yomim Tovim and seasonal periods before their arrival.

Mussar

Mussar is a vital tool for developing one’s strength of character and is one of the staples of our curriculum. Our 12th grade class features independent chavrusa study of various mussar sforim alongside our Bais Medrash program. In addition, Mussar shmuesen are delivered weekly on Fridays.

Public Speaking:

In our public speaking class,11th & 12th graders learn the skills of public speaking from Rabbi Aryeh Rodin, Rav of Congregation Ohev Shalom. Our students learn how to organize their thoughts, speak clearly & coherently, and learn tips as to how to engage their audience.

Bais Medrash Program:

A highlight of the 12th grade program is our Bais Medrash Program elective. This program affords our seniors the opportunity to experience a Bais Medrash schedule by learning mussar and a portion of afternoon Bekiyus seder in the Bais Medrash. The BMP, as it is affectionately known, is an invaluable experience which has prepared many seniors for the rigors of a full Bais Medrash program.

Parsha Quiz 

After self-study over the course of the week, our students take a quiz on a section of that week’s Parsha. 

General Studies Curriculum

Algebra I
Beginning with a review of middle grades math, this course emphasizes various ways of graphing data, concepts of relations and functions, and the use of variables in expressions and equations. Emphasis is also placed on the development of graphing functions and solving equations and inequalities of the linear, quadratic, and absolute value types. Concepts of domain and range, rate of change, families of functions, simple matrix operations, probability, polynomials, and exponential functions are introduced to be expanded upon in later courses. Each student is required to have a graphing calculator for use throughout the course. Demonstrations by the teacher will utilize the TI-84+ graphing calculator, the model recommended for use by the student.

Biology
Students student biology and biological systems. There will be opportunities to conduct field and laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical-thinking and scientific problem-solving. Students will study a variety of topics that include: structures and functions of cells and viruses; growth; and development of organisms; cells, tissues and organs; nucleic acids and genetics; biological evolution; taxonomy; metabolism and energy transfers in living organisms; living systems; homeostasis; ecosystems; and plants and the environment. There is no math proficiency requirement for this course.

English I
Is a fusion of communication skills including: writing, reading, creating, researching and orally presentations. The writing component includes sentence structure, paragraphing, composition, and research. Grammar, spelling, and vocabulary are major focuses throughout the course. Reading various literary forms are also pursued (e.g., poetry, essays, drama, short stories, non-fiction). A minimum of four novels are assigned. Students will complete projects based on the novels and make presentations to the class.

World Geography
Students will develop knowledge and social science skills as they study World Geography. Successful completion of the World Geography course will ensure the student has mastered the social science skills necessary to complete more advanced courses. Students will learn and practice skills including geographic literacy, visual analysis, critical thinking and reading, and communications. They will be challenged to master these skills through critical thinking questions, and the study of maps, pictures, charts, and graphs.

Physical Education
Physical Education classes provide students will time to exercise and to complete in athletic games with their classmates.

Geometry
Geometry students’ study Euclid’s postulates and theorems as the basis for an axiomatic system. Time will be spent on the analyzation of geometric shapes.  Direct and indirect proofs are emphasized. Coordinate graphing and basic constructions are studied. Opportunities to study real world applications and uses of Geometry are included throughout the course.

Chemistry
Chemistry students conduct field and laboratory investigations, use scientific methodology to conduct investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Many topics are covered during the course including: characteristics of matter; energy transformations physical and chemical changes; atomic structure; the periodic table of elements; behavior of gases; bonding; nuclear fusion and nuclear fission; oxidation-reduction reactions; chemical equations; solutes; properties of solutions; acids and bases; and chemical reactions. Students will investigate how chemistry is an integral part of our daily lives. Students need mathematic skills that are including in Algebra 1.

English II
English II continues the foundation provided in English I. Basic writing skills, including advanced sentence structure and paragraphing. Grammar, usage, and style are emphasized. Vocabulary development is a major focus. Reading various forms which represent major writers throughout the world is presented.  Discussions of the criteria needed to judge the worth of a piece of literature are held. Students will also have opportunities to develop their writing skills. A minimum of four novels are assigned.

World History
This is a survey course in which the students will learn about the development of major cultures and civilizations from the early Egyptians up to the 20th century. Students will use maps of the civilizations to learn how geographic location impacts civilizations. This is a foundational course in the study of world cultures and events. Students will develop skills in the study events and historic patterns.

Fine Arts
The Fine Arts class is designed to provide a survey course in a large variety of art applications. The specific topics will change from year to year. Topics include drawing, painting, art appreciation, photography, and many other areas of study. The diversity of topics is designed to include something for students with all areas of interest. No previous Art experience is necessary.

SAT Prep
The SAT Prep curriculum is designed to assist 10th grade students in the preparation for the PSAT and SAT. Students enrolled in the 11th grade will take the PSAT in October. The SAT and ACT exams are used as college entrance exams. Students should plan on taking the SAT two years before they plan to apply for college.

Algebra II
Basic Algebraic concepts emphasized are data analysis, modeling, and functions. Mathematical concepts included in the Algebra I curriculum are further developed, and new concepts introduced. Some of the key topics covered include linear relations and functions, linear systems, matrices, quadratic equations and functions, polynomials and polynomial functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, permutations, probability and statistics, sequences and series, and quadratic relations. The graphing calculator is used extensively and the TI-84+ model is recommended. Pre-requisites for this course are Algebra I and Geometry.

Physics
Physics students study the foundational Physics topics, which include: laws of motion; changes within physical systems and conservations of energy and momentum; force; thermodynamics; characteristics and behavior of waves; and quantum physics. Students conduct field and laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. This course provides students with a conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical and scientific skills. Successful completion of Algebra 1 and Geometry is required for this course.

English III
The English 3 course builds upon and expands the skills taught in English I & English II. Formal writing of multi-paragraph essays is a focused area of skill development. Vocabulary development using SAT terms is emphasized. Reading various genre which represent major American writers is included as a major part of the curriculum. A minimum of six novels are assigned. Students are encouraged to analyze and discuss universal themes and movements that run through major literary works. Students are practice skills tested for several standardized tests (e.g., Iowa Test, PSAT, and SAT). Writing a college entrance letter is also assigned.

American History
Students will learn about the people and events that shaped the United States of America. From the early explorers and colonization through the 20th century, students will be able to identify aspects of American culture that were shaped by American History. Students will use graphs to illustrate important trends in population, economics and politics throughout the course of American History. The course will focus on common themes and the events that shaped the American ideals and values that still exist today.

Principles of Engineering
The Principles of Engineering class is a project-based course where 11th grade students work together to create innovative projections. Students learn the principles of electrical circuitry, and many other engineering applications. Students spend most of the year creating innovative projects that they will use to compete in a contest with high school students from across the country.

Pre-Calculus
The Pre-Calculus course is designed to help the student in his transition to the study of calculus. The coursed curriculum includes a review of algebra and geometry as well as lessons over exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions, vectors, complex numbers and conic sections. The study of trigonometry comprises almost half of the course. Pre-requisites for this course are Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II.

Science Applications
The Science Applications course is designed to be a survey course over many science topics. The course objective is to provide students with insights and knowledge about how science impacts their lives and world. Students will conduct field and laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. No math requirement.

English IV
The English IV course expands on the concepts and skills developed in prior English classes and focuses on skills needed for college English and the business world. A primary focus is the research and preparation of a research paper. Reading various genre which represent major British writers is presented with a major focus on Shakespeare. The history of the English language is also provided. A minimum of eight novels are assigned. Students are practice skills tested for several standardized tests (e.g., TAKS, SAT). Writing a college entrance letter is also assigned.

Government
Government is a single semester course, that will outline the branches and functions of the United States Government with a focus on the Constitution and citizen involvement. Students will understand the responsibilities of both the government and the citizens in all aspects of governmental affairs. Using primary sources such as the Constitution and Supreme Court rulings, students will analyze and discuss political movements and decisions throughout American History and gain a solid understanding of how the political process works.

Economics
The course of Economics is the study of how people try to satisfy seemingly unlimited and competing wants through the careful use of relatively scarce resources. This course also helps you to become more informed citizens and better decision makers. Students will learn how the concepts of Supply and Demand drive the United States economy.

The following 1/2 credit courses are available for 11th and 12th grade students.

Public Policy
The Public Policy course is a study of the public policy development process. Students learn how public policy ideas develop and the impact the legislative process and politics have on the final product. Students will research, present, and defend different positions on policy during the class.

Psychology
Psychology is the study of the human mind and how it works. Students will learn the different theories and applications of psychology.

Legal Applications
The Legal Applications course is designed to develop the students understanding of the law and the legal process. Students will learn about the law, courts, and law enforcement. How these areas interact and impact their lives. The course is designed to provide students with knowledge and understanding of these areas to prepare them for any future interactions they have at any level in the future.

Constitution and Law
Constitution and the Law is a course designs to help students learn the concepts behind the constitution and how the constitute impacts legal decisions and the law. Students will develop a deep understanding of the U.S. Constitution, laws, court cases, and the legal process.