We offer students from kindergarten through high school engaging and innovative learning experiences to connect them to our rich Jewish tradition and our caring and lively community. We endeavor to provide an education that exceeds expectations and becomes a cornerstone for lifelong curiosity and involvement in Jewish learning.

Learning Hebrew (K-7)

In the Fall of 2010 we introduced a new Hebrew curriculum. MITKADEM Hebrew for Youth is an innovative, self paced Hebrew prayer and ritual program designed to empower every student to learn Hebrew.

Through Mitkadem students learn to read Hebrew and enjoy a sense of accomplishment as they progress through a series of well-organized, stimulating, and self-paced ramot (levels). Once students have learned to read Hebrew (Ramah 1 and 2) they learn about individual prayers and build a prayer vocabulary so that they can participate in worship with understanding and competence.

Learning about Living a Jewish Life (K-7)

In the Fall of 2010 we introduced the CHAI curriculum. The CHAI curriculum is based on the values of Torah, avodah (prayer and ritual), and g'milut chasadim (acts of loving kindness), and is designed to facilitate lifelong Jewish learning.

Each year the students learn about these three values on an age appropriate level: coming to a deeper understanding of these core Jewish values and how they can be applied to their own lives. Through music, art, drama, and special programs, students develop a feel for the rhythm of the Jewish year and our enduring traditions.

Building Community

Our congregation values community and inclusion. We want members to have a deep sense of connection and belonging to the Eitz Chaim community therefore building community is an integral part of our school. Every Sunday we begin the morning with Community Time. Parents, teachers, student teachers and students all come together to sing, pray, learn Torah and hear about what each other is learning.

Student Teachers (Ozrim)

Our teenagers play a vital role in the Eitz Chayim community. Our eighth through twelfth grade students are invited to be student teachers in our school. While earning a small stipend, they build the skills and practices of good teachers and provide a valuable service to the school. The experience offers educational and social benefits to the teens while knitting them closer to each other and to our broader community.

Family Education and Holiday Celebrations

Family workshops are a part of our school curriculum. Each class has one or two family study days where parents and children learn together. Families also come together at Eitz Chayim for fun and meaningful holiday celebrations year round. The entire community participates in celebrations geared to enhance the school program and connect students and parents to our community.

Class Schedule

Sundays: Kindergarten through High School meets from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Wednesdays: Third through seventh grades meet from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Visiting

Parents and children are welcome to participate in a class and to meet with our Director of Education. Please contact our Director Laurie Shapiro directly to plan a visit to the Eitz Chayim School.