Upper School (fifth through eighth grade)
As students enter upper school, their journey becomes more focused, more rigorous and more empowering. They feel a sense of urgency to be given more voice and choice, as well as authentic opportunities to make a difference in the school and in the community. These critical needs are met through the outstanding teachers, curriculum and philosophy of the MJDS upper school years.
Small classes and highly trained academic specialists in language arts, social studies, math, science, Hebrew and Jewish Studies give MJDS students more opportunities to lead and to inspire others.
Upper school students live the Jewish values of purpose and repairing the world. Hebrew, Jewish studies and prayer are approached with the guiding questions of “Why and What if?” The relationship between Jewish Studies, Science and Social Studies allows students to connect their Jewish values and ethical issues in those areas of study.
At MJDS, we give students and parents a deeper understanding that for us, FAIL is a “first attempt in learning.” It is key to our value of creating an ethic of excellence that MJDS graduates take with them into the world.
The end of eighth grade provides students multiple opportunities to demonstrate the success of their learning journey as they transition to various high schools. Area high schools routinely report that MJDS students are well-prepared for the transition, are confident in their ability to learn and participate in classes and sharing their leadership abilities beginning in freshman year.
The entire MJDS experience culminates with an annual trip abroad, when students spend 12 days touring and experiencing Jewish culture in a foreign country.
Choice is provided through the ETC (Exploring the Core) program and Omanut (Music and Arts program) enrichment classes. These exploratory courses run four days a week, and children get to expand their interests through a myriad of choices including:
- guitar
- a musical play
- abnormal psychology
- building a Rube Goldberg machine
- robotics
- abstract painting
- calligraphy
- Hebrew radio broadcasting
- and more!