Structure and Goals of the Dual Curriculum: 
The program at NEMJDS is structured to create a “General Studies” curriculum which matches a traditional independent school program, alongside a “Judaics” curriculum which combines Hebrew language instruction and instruction about Jewish history, values, and traditions.  General Studies includes formal study at every grade level of Language Arts and Reading, Math, Social Studies, and Science. Judaics includes time devoted each year to reading and writing modern and Biblical Hebrew, mastery of modern and traditional Jewish texts, and knowledge of all aspects of Jewish history and culture.

At each grade level, specials such as Gym, Art, Music, Library, and Computer are taught in a manner appropriate to the age of the students.   To complement the dual nature of our curriculum, efforts are made:

1) to integrate General Studies and Judaics so that each area reinforces the other;
2) to emphasize identification with the United States and democratic values, along with identification with the state of Israel and Jewish values; and
3) to celebrate American traditions fully while also emphasizing traditions in the Jewish culture. 

The goal of the dual curriculum is to produce knowledgeable citizens of the United States who have a strong sense of religious identity, and who are well rounded in their artistic, athletic, and interpersonal development. In addition, this spirited program is intended to create a sense of commitment to community, positive self-esteem, and respect for diversity.

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 General Studies Core Curriculum: The Language Arts curriculum is literacy based.  Early grades incorporate phonics and phonemic awareness. Students are taught grammar, writing, spelling, vocabulary, listening and comprehension skills, and fluency. 

The math curriculum follows state guidelines.  Math is integrated into other areas such as art, science, and social studies/history.  Life skills are incorporated through individual classes, including our school bank, store, and tzedakah projects. Basic math facts and problem solving are emphasized at all ages.

Through our social studies and Judaic programs we provide opportunities to learn about diversity within our own community and that of our larger world.  In accordance with Best Practices, Social Studies materials are supplemented with additional resources, such as field trips, speakers, newspapers, magazines, student projects, technology and knowledge of the world around us.  Because of our affiliation with the Birmingham Jewish Federation and local synagogues, we also welcome international visitors to our school regularly to speak with students and share about cultural and geographic diversity.

The current science curriculum was adopted to promote inquiry-based activities. Each grade covers four modules per year in the general areas of “Life and Earth Sciences” and “Physical Science and Technology”. This curriculum provides opportunities to learn age appropriate concepts in the context of “real science”. It also provides opportunities for collaborative learning. The inquiry based activities are supplemented in grades 3, 4, and 5 by a textbook.

Opportunities for science integration at NEMJDS include journal & portfolio writing, math activities and graphing, Arts and Sciences Presentation Day, and Web quests that are relevant to both the curriculum and current events and have included a Judaics component.  In Science, the developmental needs of our students are met by the “Focus, Explore, Reflect and Apply” learning cycle. This cycle allows the spiraling that develops concepts and skills across grade levels. 

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Judaic Program: 

The Judaics program at NEMJDS weaves together Hebrew language instruction with Jewish history, values, and traditions.  Judaics includes time devoted each year to reading and writing modern and Biblical Hebrew, mastery of modern and traditional Jewish texts, and knowledge of all aspects of Jewish history and culture.  Judaics classes integrate core writing and analysis skills, reinforcing General Studies goals as well.  An emphasis is placed particularly on Jewish values of Tikkun Olam and Derech Eretz—mending the world and finding the path of goodness.

Since 2000, the Hebrew curriculum has been rewritten to provide a more comprehensive experience for our students.  school’s materials to enhance the program, incorporating best practices.  A greater emphasis has been placed on spoken Hebrew language, which is steadily becoming better integrated into our school environment. In 2005-2006, the school adopted the TAL-AM program for grades one through three.  TAL-AM emphasizes active, multi-sensory language instruction and immersion. It is our expectation that TAL-AM will bring our students to a higher level of Hebrew fluency and Judaic understanding. Grades four and above focus on reading comprehension, grammatical skills and writing and oral communication skills through their Hebrew and Judaic classes. The Judaics experience at NEMJDS is culminated in the 5th and 6th grades with a Jewish Environmental off campus experience, and a 7th/8th grade trip to Israel every other year.

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Specials/Enrichment Classes:
Art is scheduled weekly for all Kindergarten through fifth grade students, and a weekly elective is offered for Upper School students. Classes center on the instruction of the fundamentals of art through a variety of art media.  Each grade is provided with instruction, vocabulary, and art resources according to their developmental level.

Emphasis on fitness and health has become the focus of the physical education program since 2001.  P.E. is scheduled twice a week for Kindergarten through fifth grade students and daily (30 minute periods) for Upper School students.  A variety of games, activities and sports skills are introduced to provide students with a wide range of opportunities for learning to live a healthy lifestyle. Students in Kindergarten through third grades are encouraged to develop their physical skills in an active, cooperative manner.  Grades four through eight are introduced to more competitive activities and sports with emphasis on cooperation and sportsmanship.  Fitness is an integral part of the P.E. classes and has helped to improve overall scores on the Presidential Challenge Fitness Test. 

Kindergarten through fifth grade students attend formal library classes which focus on reading skills and research skills.

The music program varies according to grade level. Students in Kindergarten and grade one participate in a General Music/Singing class once a week. Students in grades two and three learn to play the violin, read music and play cooperatively in unison. Students in grades four and five have the option of continuing with Advanced Violin or studying the recorder and drums. 

Drama is the newest Specials/Enrichment class, incorporated into the program during 2005-2006.  Students develop theater skills, memorization, group and individual respect for one’s abilities, oral and choral speaking, projection, enunciation and pronunciation.  Movement and dance skills are elements of the drama program that help students develop body awareness.  Students in Kindergarten through fifth grades attend Drama once a week.  Students in the Upper School have the opportunity to choose a Drama elective.

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