Elementary Division

The Ateres Bais Yaakov Elementary program offers a rigorous dual curriculum. Both in Limudei Kodesh and in General Studies, the development of academic skills is facilitated using a student-centered approach. With hands-on instruction and a learning experience that is relevant and engaging, students thrive as they progress from first through sixth grade.

In the Limudei Kodesh department, the focus on nurturing students’ personal relationship with Hashem b’Simcha is at the forefront of all instruction. Tefilah and Torah are taught and practiced with warmth and positivity, through songs and meaningful and relevant lessons.

Skills are reinforced and developed, building from Kriya fluency to Chumash and Navi skills, Rashi reading and, in the upper elementary division, an understanding of other meforshim and how they address questions in the text. In Yahadus, students are immersed in learning about the Yamim Tovim, integrating the importance of each Chag and preparing students though the study of halachos, stories and crafts as they ready themselves for the upcoming chag. The Safa curriculum emphasizes conversational Hebrew as well as dikduk, providing students with the foundations of the language.

The general studies department is structured around the New York State Standards and Core curriculum. Reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies are developed throughout the grades meeting the state benchmarks. Differentiated instruction is key as our teachers masterfully engage the different styles of learners, providing a range of varied avenues so that each student can access information, deepen her understanding, and experience success within the framework of the classroom. Through thematic learning and cross-curricular units, students integrate different subjects and express their creativity in the course of project-based learning which is an integral part of the school experience.

An important emphasis in our elementary is the integration of social and emotional learning. Through direct instruction in the framework of Middos development workshops, embedded in the curriculum, and through individual interactions, our devoted teachers are mindful of the whole child and the critical role that emotional learning plays in the growth of our students.

Our fantastic programming includes weekly Art and Physical Education classes, monthly Rosh Chodesh programs, an annual Brachos Bee, as well as a variety of assemblies, guest presentations, trips, grade specific events, and more. The underlying message in our programming echoes the feeling that permeates our entire school; it is to convey a sense of belonging to the Ateres family, of joy in our Avodas Hashem, and the opportunity for each student to shine in her own unique way.