Learning @AHS
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Elementary
Superior Educational Experience in Both Jewish and General Studies
Our Elementary branches provide students with the education they will need to be citizens of the 21st century. We not only provide students with the skills, we teach them to be thinkers, innovators and leaders. The day is equally divided into General and Judaic studies while students are continually immersed in Jewish life and culture.
General Studies – Curriculum
At AHS, our General Studies program is designed to spark curiosity, build strong foundational skills, and prepare students to navigate an ever-changing world with confidence and creativity. We offer a rigorous academic program that is aligned with the Ontario curriculum and is brought to life by passionate educators who know how to challenge and support each learner.
Students explore literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and the arts through engaging, hands-on experiences that encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving. We incorporate STREAM learning—integrating science, technology, religion, engineering, the arts, and math—through interdisciplinary units, and project-based learning that brings learning to life and connects it to the world beyond the classroom. Learning is structured, purposeful, and responsive—grounded in clear expectations, but always flexible enough to meet students where they are and help them grow. Throughout the year, our teachers work in partnership with one another and with families to ensure each child feels seen, supported, and inspired.
Our classrooms offer:
- A balanced and research-informed literacy approach
- Rich and engaging math learning that emphasizes reasoning and real-world applications
- Interactive science experiments that foster inquiry and discovery
- Interdisciplinary projects that combine technology, design, and critical thinking
- Collaborative social studies work that develops research and communication skills
- Skill-based specialty classes in physical education, visual arts, robotics, coding, and music
- A strong focus on digital literacy, digital citizenship, and technology integration
- Purposeful innovation through our MakerSpace and Design Studio, where students bring ideas to life through hands-on exploration and creative problem-solving
Hebrew Language Learning at AHS
At AHS, we take pride in fostering a deep connection to Hebrew as a vibrant living language. Through engaging lessons, innovative resources, and dedicated educators, we empower our students to develop fluency and confidence in Hebrew—preparing them to embrace their connection to Israel, Jewish identity and heritage.
Authentic & Engaging Learning Materials
Our curriculum is designed to inspire a love for Hebrew while aligning with the ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) standards and benchmarks. We use authentic, interactive materials tailored to a wide variety of learning levels, including:
- Age-appropriate textbooks, storybooks, and digital resources
- Songs, games, and multimedia content to reinforce language skills
- Custom-developed materials that reflect Israeli culture
Half-Day Hebrew Immersion: Ivrit B’Ivrit
In our half-day Ivrit B’Ivrit (Hebrew immersion) program, students learn Judaic studies entirely in Hebrew. This immersive approach allows students to:
● Engage with authentic Hebrew texts, strengthening their Jewish identity
● Develop language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing
Technology-Enhanced Hebrew Learning
To make Hebrew language learning more interactive and accessible, we integrate modern technology into our classrooms:
- Smartboards & Interactive Apps- We engage students through visual and auditory learning tools
- Makerspace – Hands-On Hebrew Learning: Our Makerspace plays an exciting role in Hebrew language education, transforming language learning into a hands-on, interactive experience.
- Through creative projects and STREAM*-based activities, students combine creativity, technology, and language learning, and become more connected and engaged in Hebrew.
*STREAM refers to integrated learning through Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.
Highly Trained & Dedicated Educators
Our Hebrew teachers participate in continuous professional development to stay at the forefront of language instruction. Their training includes workshops in:
- Hebrew language pedagogy focusing on second-language acquisition for young learners.
- The Proficiency-Based Approach and its application at our school
Hebrew Everywhere - A Living Language
Even beyond the classroom, Hebrew is an integral part of our school environment:
- Classroom signage, bulletin boards, and learning centres include Hebrew messaging
- Daily conversations, prayers, and interactive activities take place in Hebrew
- A rich collection of Hebrew books and resources is available to students and parents
Beyond the Classroom: Hebrew Enrichment
To further support students in their Hebrew studies, we offer:
- After-School Hebrew Homework Club: Providing personalized assistance and practice with Hebrew homework and learning tasks
- Special Hebrew Immersion Days: Engaging students in fun, hands-on activities in Hebrew
- Cultural Events & Celebrations: Connecting language learning with Israel and Jewish traditions and holidays through meaningful community celebrations
Assessments & Data Collection
At AHS, we use ongoing assessments and data-driven insights to track and enhance Hebrew language acquisition.
- Our approach includes formative and summative assessments, ensuring students develop proficiency in all language skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing).
- Benchmark Assessments: We conduct regular evaluations aligned with ACTFL proficiency standards
- Personalized Learning Plans: Data-driven insights guide individualized instruction
By continuously analyzing student performance and proficiency , we provide targeted support and enrichment, fostering confidence and success in Hebrew learning.
Jewish Education at AHS
At AHS, we provide a comprehensive and immersive Jewish education that fosters a strong connection to Hebrew, Torah, Israel, Jewish history, and Jewish values. Our dynamic curriculum blends Hebrew language immersion, in-depth Torah study, technology, cultural experiences, and community engagement, ensuring that students develop a deep and meaningful Jewish identity and fostering continuous Jewish learning and practice.
In-Depth Torah Study
Our Torah curriculum encourages students to develop a meaningful relationship with Jewish texts. Through critical thinking, discussion, and hands-on activities, students explore:
● Parashat HaShavua (the Weekly Torah Portion) with relevant, age-appropriate lessons
● Chumash and Navi (Torah and the books of Prophets) with textual analysis and historical context
● Jewish ethics and values derived from classical sources
Jewish History and Modern Israel
Our students study Jewish history through the generations up to and including the early years of the modern State of Israel, cultivating a meaningful understanding of our people’s heritage and past.
We bring Israel to life through:
● Engaging workshops and cultural activities that make Israel relevant and personal
● Interactive Digital Programs exploring “Myths and Facts” about Israel in the news
● Hebrew conversations and discussions about Israeli current events
Jewish Holidays & Traditions Brought to Life
Students experience the Jewish calendar in a vibrant, hands-on way through:
● School-wide holiday celebrations filled with music, ruach, and interactive learning
● Project-based learning that deepens students’ understanding of each holiday’s meaning and traditions
● Tefillah (prayer) education, ensuring students develop a strong spiritual foundation and an ability to follow along with each holiday’s unique liturgy
Community Engagement & Leadership
Jewish education extends beyond the classroom through meaningful participation in community programs such as:
● Chidon HaTanach: the National Bible Contest, which deepens students’ knowledge of Tanach
● Zimriyah (Song Contest) & Rikudiyah (Dance Competition): Celebrating Jewish and Israeli music and culture with our fellow Toronto Jewish Day Schools
● Chesed (Kindness) & Tzedakah Initiatives: Hands-on projects that instill values of social responsibility and giving
● Student initiatives including Mashkinei Shalom (Recess Peacemakers), Shagrirei Lashon Hatov (Good Speech Ambassadors), and Echpat Lanu (We Care – Grade 5 mentors)
At AHS, we are dedicated to nurturing Jewish leaders who are deeply connected to their heritage, fluent in Hebrew, and engaged in their community. Our innovative, immersive, and experiential approach to Jewish education ensures that students develop a lifelong love for Torah, Israel, and Jewish values.