Elementary Gr K-5
At JAIS, learning transcends the curriculum and links are made that make meaningful knowledge for our Kindergarten through Grade 5 students. We empower students with core curriculum skills to help them on this journey with mathematics, reading, language arts, social studies, and science. We enable further growth and free expression through other areas of learning such as visual and performing arts, environmental science, physical education, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math).
The program of studies in the JAIS elementary school is designed to equip every child with the basic learning skills s/he will need to be a responsible and contributing member of the school community. Mathematics, reading, language arts, social studies, and science are the foundations of the school’s academic program. In addition, formal and informal opportunities are provided for children to express themselves creatively through art, music, and physical education, with attention given to appropriate integration of the various subject areas. Technology and Media Literacy are embedded throughout the K-5 curriculum. Spanish is offered along with Arabic and Hebrew. Every effort is made to identify and meet individual needs and interests of students. As all children differ in their learning styles, teachers utilize a variety of teaching strategies and methods.
The curriculum framework uses a combination of the US Common Core Standards and American Education Reaches Out (AERO) standards to guide our assessment and instructional practices. AERO standards were designed through a project supported by the U.S. State Department’s Office of Overseas Schools (A/OPR/OS) and the Overseas Schools Advisory Council to assist schools in developing and implementing standards-based curricula. Because learning is a continuum, these standards identify particular academic and dispositional behaviors appropriate to grade level and grade level bands.
Grades K-5 are essentially self-contained classes with one teacher responsible for each group of students. Special services are offered to support students with learning disabilities and counseling services. Formal instruction for students of English for English Language Learners (ELL) begins in Kindergarten. A program of activities at all levels is provided to enrich each student’s school experiences. In addition to the after-school activities program, all classes go on field trips and participate in other special activities: holiday celebrations, sports events, concerts, and many other individual class and school-wide events. The elementary staff pursues close and frequent communication with parents through regular report cards, parent-teacher conferences, and communication through Seesaw and email. Parents are encouraged to contact the teachers whenever any question arises.