Kindergarten

In Kindergarten, students are introduced to a world of exploratory play in both General Studies and Judaic Studies. A small class size promotes individual attention and the opportunity to build strong skills in language, literacy, math, science, coding, and most importantly, the ability to build and take part in community.

Students are fully immersed in Hebrew language and they learn and celebrate through song, dance, and small group centers. In the classroom, students participate in regular storytelling and dramatization experiences, building their identity and competency as literacy creators and learners.

Some of our favorite science explorations include our animal habitat study and our water cycle unit.

First Grade

In first grade at Akiva, learning is filled with adventure and spirit. Our students build roller coasters, are introduced to a virtual classroom of peers in Hebrew, learn about the United States of America in their Flat Stanley tour of the country, and have the opportunity to take part in Nashville’s rich Arts culture with trips to the Nashville Symphony and the Nashville Children’s Theater.

Second Grade

Second grade is a year of growth, milestones, and dynamic experiences. From communities to insects to food groups, children learn about the world around them. Through songs, literature, hands-on projects, and minds-on field trips, second graders gain a better understanding of themselves, each other, their Jewish heritage, and their role in the community. Using an integrated learning approach in both General Studies and Judaic Studies, teachers create individualized and balanced learning opportunities for each child.

In the second through fourth grades at Akiva, STEAM is integrated into the Hebrew & Judaic Studies curriculum. Children have opportunities to learn using multiple modalities and begin to identify their strengths and preferences as learners. Learning and Jewish living come to life through experiential education and a project-based approach.

Third Grade

In third grade, students learn through powerful content, encouragement, and self-motivation. Students take pride in authentic leadership roles in a year-long economy unit in which they earn credits and debits. Students learn major economic concepts and apply their growing math skills and conceptual understanding on a daily basis. Third graders respond to literature through high quality creative “P.R.O.B.E.s – Personal Response on Basically Everything.” Students develop organizational and note taking skills through managing individualized daily reading notebooks and goal setting. 

In the second through fourth grades at Akiva, STEAM is integrated into the Hebrew & Judaic Studies curriculum. Children have opportunities to learn using multiple modalities and begin to identify their strengths and preferences as learners. Learning and Jewish living come to life through experiential education and a project-based approach.

Fourth Grade

In fourth grade, students are challenged to think deeply, explore intensely, and express their understanding in both speech and writing.

In mathematics, there is an emphasis on a realistic approach to problem solving, and on solidifying basic skills. Students investigate the human body, matter and energy, and the magic of the universe by pairing learning with rich non-fiction texts, response reports, interactive simulations, interdisciplinary extensions, and home connections. STEAM labs are explored using the engineering design process involving straw rockets, bears in boats, tall tower challenges, and solar ovens.

Fourth graders embark on a journey through regions of our country and government, and become state experts through projects, debates, and cultural fairs.

In the second through fourth grades at Akiva, STEAM is integrated into the Hebrew & Judaic Studies curriculum. Children have opportunities to learn using multiple modalities and begin to identify their strengths and preferences as learners. Learning and Jewish living come to life through experiential education and a project-based approach.