Our philosophy of teaching Ivrit, Hebrew, is based on the proficiency approach. Through this approach, language becomes relevant to the learners. We emphasize the ability to function in Hebrew, to actually be able to use the language playing soccer and board games, having snacks, and in social interactions with staff and other children.  Students should be able to function in an Israeli post office, a grocery store, the airport, the bank, teenagers should be able to chat about television programs, their favorite music, what they like to wear, they should be able to give tours of the school to Israelis and be able to respond to spontaneous questions, and so on.

The classes are divided into small groups based on proficiency and developmental appropriateness. Unit themes are designed to be relevant to their lives, such as school environment, family, home, things we do in the home, holidays and Israel. The students re-explore these themes each year with a variation at a higher proficiency level in all the skill areas: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. All proficiency levels work on the same themes at the same time, creating an environment of cohesiveness.

Hebrew isn’t just a language, it’s a culture.  There’s even spirituality in it—it’s a holy language, and the language of an entire people.  Hebrew teaching at our school is also values education.   

We use the following curricula for resource material: Chalav U’Dvash in PreSchool and Kindergarten, Tal Am in Grades 1-2, Chaverim B’Ivrit in Grades 3-4, and NETA in Grades 5-12.