Introduction
At Hillel Academy, each child is treated individually, her or his education tailored to the specific strengths, talents and needs of that student. The curriculum aims to realize the potential of each child at every stage of development. From kindergarten through fifth grade, the curriculum is designed to provide a stimulating and enriching environment that is both academically rigorous and personally fulfilling. Hillel Academy is committed to multi-age education, which attends to the needs of each student at his or her own level. The multi-age curriculum enables teachers to deliver a more creative, integrated and flexible education, and helps foster a close-knit community of children and teachers. Each classroom is equipped with computers including wireless internet technology.
Curriculum
Pre-Kindergarten (Ganeinu)
Pre-Kindergarten (Ganeinu)
Ganeinu is a class for 3-4 year olds that introduces our youngest students to fun, social learning. Some of our special activities include learning about Jewish holidays and Shabbat. Students will also learn the basics of the English and Hebrew alphabets, colors, shapes, and more. In Ganeinu students enjoy music, dance, and painting, as well as field trips and some extra surprises!
Kindergarten
Pre-Kindergarten (Ganeinu)
Building on the solid foundation of kindergarten, elementary school students pursue their studies in reading, math, social studies, science, art, music, gym, Hebrew language and Judaic Studies. The kindergarten class participates in school field trip activities such as apple picking, zoo visits, and local arts performances. The children take part in school events and celebrations such as the annual Chanukah concert and the science fair. Kindergarten provides the children with the skills they need to succeed socially and academically in later grades.
Elementary School
Building on the solid foundation of kindergarten, elementary school students pursue their studies in Hebrew language, Judaic Studies, reading, math, social studies, science, art, music, and gym. The emphasis remains on the needs of the individual student, on creativity and flexibility. In the elementary years, the student marks developmental milestones through such events as the siddur party, Chumash party, and the introduction to the multi-age programming.
Service Learning
Extra-Curricular Activities
Hillel Academy fosters holistic student development through service learning, connecting academics with community engagement. Students design and execute projects that enhance their studies while providing valuable public service. Through these experiences, they reflect on their role in society and grow as responsible, productive community members.
Jewish Education
Extra-Curricular Activities
Extra-Curricular Activities
Hillel Academy is the only Jewish day school in the Southern Tier of New York. We are unique as a day school in a number of ways, including our commitment to teaching each student in a multi-age learning environment.
We are also unique as a pluralistic school: As a true community school Hillel Academy brings together children from all corners of Broome County’s Jewish community—Conservative, Orthodox, Reform and unaffiliated—in a warm, nurturing environment. Hillel Academy fosters a community spirit based on mutual acceptance, and recognizes, respects and values diversity.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Extra-Curricular Activities
Extra-Curricular Activities
Hillel Academy aims to provide a well-rounded and fulfilling experience for all its students, including a range of extra-curricular activities. These include the school play, which has a long tradition, and which offers opportunities for children from second to fifth grades. Currently students are participating in the chess club where they have an opportunity to learn under the guidance of nationally ranked chess experts.