Program

Program Overview

Students gain foundational skills through the Wilson Fundations program, which provides research-based materials and strategies for reading, spelling, and handwriting.

Mathematics
Our mathematics program focuses on creating young mathematicians who are problem solvers, have a solid foundation in number fluency, and can explain and justify their thinking as well as critique the reasoning of others.

Grades K-4
The study of mathematics consists of the rigorous Eureka Math program, also known as Engage NY. Eureka Math is aligned with the New York State Learning Standards, where the mathematical progressions are carefully sequenced into modules. In grades K-4, students study Math through A Story of Units that focuses on place value, fluency with addition and subtraction, fractions, and understanding multiplication and division. The curriculum modules are marked by an in-depth focus on fewer topics. They entail rigorous classroom reasoning, extensive problem sets, and high expectations for mastery. The Mathematical Practices are incorporated within each module.

Students also engage in Story Problems where they make sense of and grapple with word problems. Students are able to explain their thinking, approach, and strategy in solving the problem both through a model and verbally.

Grades 5 through 8
In 5th grade, students learn through the Eureka Math (Engage NY) A Story of Units curriculum. These subjects are taught through the development of fluency with addition and subtraction of fractions, understanding multiplication and division of fractions, and developing an understanding of operations with decimals in preparation for the 6-8 curriculum.

In grades 6-8, students study Math through Eureka Math, A Story of Ratios curriculum. The course of study begins in 6th grade, with students connecting ratios and rates to whole number multiplication and division and using concepts of ratio and rate to solve problems; as well as Pre-Algebra through writing, interpreting, and using expressions and equations. In 7th grade, students further explore and develop an understanding of proportional relationships and continue the development of Pre-Algebra through operations with rational numbers and working with expressions and linear equations. Eighth grade focuses on formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, solving linear equations and systems of linear equations, and grasping the concept of functions.

English Language Arts (ELA)
Our ELA program focuses on developing students who have a love of reading, are analytic readers and writers, and can express themselves creatively and argumentatively through their writing.

Grades K-2 ELA
In Kindergarten through 2nd grade, students study literacy through Wilson Fundations, Readers and Writers Workshop, and guided reading. Students gain foundational skills through the Wilson Fundations program, which provides research-based materials and strategies for reading, spelling, and handwriting. Students work in small groups based on their current skill levels in their guided reading groups.

Starting in 2nd grade, students begin Close Reading for Meaning. The Close Reading for Meaning approach gives students the tools to understand both the literal and deeper meaning of any nonfiction or fiction text, examine craft and structure, and develop evidence-based ideas.

Our remote academy and hybrid students also use Amplify Reading to support their reading foundational skills and comprehension.

Grades 3-8
In grades 3-8 students study literacy through Expeditionary Learning, Close Reading for Meaning, and guided reading. Students work on analytical reading and argumentative writing through Expeditionary Learning, which engages students with compelling, real-world content and builds equitable and inclusive learning opportunities for all students. Students read passages of text, analyze the texts, and respond to critical thinking prompts. The Expeditionary Learning units are interdisciplinary, combining literary, historical content, and current events in robust projects, readings, and writing assignments. Through this interdisciplinary approach standards come alive for students by connecting learning to real-world issues and needs.

The Close Reading for Meaning approach gives students the tools to understand both the literal and deeper meaning of any nonfiction or fiction text, examine craft and structure, and develop evidence-based ideas. Students work in small groups based on their current skill levels in their guided reading groups.

Our remote academy and hybrid students also use Amplify Reading to support their reading foundational skills and comprehension.

How Language is Acquired

Modern Hebrew
Our school is part of a growing movement of linguistically diverse public charter schools, teaching languages as varied as Modern Hebrew, Greek, Mandarin, French, and Arabic. At our school, Modern Hebrew is taught through the Proficiency-based Approach, which is considered the gold standard in foreign language instruction. This approach emphasizes the development of a meaningful communication ability in the language.

Modern Hebrew is usually taught by native speakers, who only speak to their students in Hebrew. In just a short time, students are able to understand Hebrew and respond in simple sentences. As their skills grow, they are introduced to more complex topics and are able to communicate in Hebrew in more sophisticated ways. Students engage in meaningful interactions in the language, developing their speaking and comprehension skills. As they reach a basic level of Hebrew speaking and listening skills they are introduced to reading and writing skills.

Similar to enrichment provided in math and ELA, Hebrew teachers provide enrichment in Hebrew to students based on student data. Additional opportunities for students to engage in Hebrew throughout the day are provided during lunch, recess, morning meetings, and transitions. We also offer some after-school activities in Hebrew, and are exploring a possible pilot program to provide Hebrew lessons to interested parents or guardians (based on a program developed this year by our sister school, Hatikvah International, in New Jersey).

As students learn Modern Hebrew, they also have the opportunity to learn about the culture and history of Israel, which provides a link to other subjects such as social studies, science, and the arts.

Social Studies

Grades K-4
Students in grades K-2 use the Insight Humanities program as part of Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop. Insight Humanities is an inquiry-driven, results-based approach that dramatically improves literacy achievement for all kids. Insight Humanities draws upon highly engaging, culturally relevant content and authentic learning tasks to develop the transferable habits of reading, writing, and thinking called for by both rigorous literacy standards and the National Standards for History.

Students in grades 3-4 use the Expeditionary Learning curriculum which is an interdisciplinary curriculum that addresses both Common Core standards and the NY History standards through an inquiry-based approach.

Grades 5-6
The MyWorld social studies curriculum, published by Pearson and taught across grades 5-6, uses a variety of integrated learning experiences to activate prior knowledge and help students understand “big ideas” as they relate to essential questions. Learning comes alive through storytelling, literacy instruction, and flexible resources. Stories from our world engage students and help develop thoughtful, literate citizens. Lessons apply inquiry processes, provide reading and writing and involve collaboration and communication skills. Blending learning experiences includes an interactive student work-text and digital courseware. The curriculum is aligned with the New York standards for Social Studies and the Common Core.

In 7th and 8th grade students study American History. Teachers use resources from Success Academy’s Middle school History curriculum, The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, and the Facing History and Ourselves program to foster an inquiry-based approach to history. Students evaluate the content of primary and secondary sources, and study the source of historical evidence to consider how the context, audience, purpose, and period influenced individuals and societies through time. In addition, students read critically, drawing upon evidence to construct convincing arguments and then express those arguments clearly both orally and in writing.

Science

Students in grades K-5 use Core Knowledge Science as their core curriculum. is a comprehensive program for elementary science that helps students to

build knowledge cumulatively and coherently while addressing core ideas in life, physical, and earth/space sciences, as well as engineering design;
develop scientific practices that give students’ firsthand experience in scientific inquiry, engineering, and technology; and,
connect scientific learning to concepts across various disciplines, such as mathematics and literacy.

Units in the CKSci program are based on the revised K–5 Science Sequence (2020). The CKSci instructional materials retain and reinforce the proven pedagogy of the Core Knowledge approach. The program provides the student with a firm basis in factual knowledge of the sciences and engineering design. Additionally, this program has been informed by many positive aspects of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Teacher Guides for each unit contain information to quickly reference how the CKSci program is related to the NGSS Performance Expectations.

Grades 6-8
Science Dimensions is the program used for 6-8 science. This program is aligned with the transition of the New York State Science Learning Standards to the Next Generation Science Standards. The Next Generation Science Standards consist of three distinct and equally important dimensions to learning science that build a cohesive understanding of the subject. The three dimensions are:

Practices that describe behaviors that scientists engage in as they investigate and build models and theories about the natural world and the key set of engineering practices that engineers use as they design and build models and systems.
Crosscutting Concepts have application across all domains of science, linking the different domains of the subject. They include patterns, similarity, and diversity; cause and effect; scale, proportion, and quantity; systems and system models; energy and matter; structure and function; stability and change.
Disciplinary Core Ideas focuses on K-12 science curriculum, instruction, and assessments on the most important aspects of science.

Science Dimensions was created with a “digital-first” mentality. This program provides an authentic, grounded approach to increasing student achievement in science and preparing teachers for engineering instruction using technology.

The Modern Hebrew Language

The Arts

To access the full potential of arts education, Harlem Hebrew provides focused instruction on particular art subjects and integration of arts education in the broader curriculum.

For our early grade students, we offer programs in visual art, dance, and music. Hebrew language instruction is integrated into our music and arts education.

Israel Studies

Students participate in hands-on experiences related to the history and geography of Israel throughout the school year. With the network’s partnerships with Israeli organizations, our students enjoy various field trips and special assemblies that help them learn about the country and its culture. For example, Tzofim Caravan, a performing group of Israeli scouts, visits the school every spring; there is a school-wide Israel Day celebration, where staff and students come together to enjoy Israeli food, dance, songs, and other activities related to the culture of Israel.

Physical Education

The physical education program at Harlem Hebrew positively impacts students’ physical health. Additionally, it helps students develop and foster physical and athletic skills while excelling on an individual level and as members of a team. It’s important to us that while they exercise, our students make friends, have fun and improve their self-esteem.

Special Education

Harlem Hebrew seeks to serve all students in the least restrictive learning environment possible. The school uses an inclusion model for educating our students with special needs to ensure regular interaction among all students. Special education students are removed from the classroom only when appropriate services cannot be provided in the regular classroom setting. Our teachers and support staff are mindful to ensure a positive learning and emotional environment for all our students, and to ensure that every student develops a sense of belonging with fellow students, teachers and support staff.

Harlem Curriculum

At Harlem Hebrew, our students’ discovery of the world starts with an exploration of the rich cultural history of their immediate community – the Harlem neighborhood. Through an investigation of Harlem, our students come to understand the profound impact migration has on a neighborhood, a city, and in turn the world. They explore the art, music and literature of the famous Harlem Renaissance, learn about Harlem’s rich and complex history, and develop a fuller understanding of the Harlem of today.