Academics

Curriculum Overview

At Weizmann Day School, we are committed to maintaining small class sizes and to differentiated teaching strategies that fit individual students' educational and social development. Students learn core skills in an integrated curriculum that includes reading, writing, literature, mathematics, science, computers, social studies, art, music, physical education, Hebrew language, and Judaic studies.

Weizmann Day School is accredited under WASC and the Board of Jewish Education. All of our teaching staff have college degrees and hold credentials in their subject areas, and 75% hold post-graduate degrees. We are very pleased this year to be welcoming a new science and technology specialist to our staff.

Multi-faceted Language Arts

We teach reading and writing skills through intensive phonics instruction, journal and story writing, literature circles, and school plays.

Hands-on Mathematics

Our math curriculum is adapted from the acclaimed University of Chicago "Everyday Math" program to teach core arithmetic, measurement, geometric, and estimation skills side by side with practical hands-on examples.

Comprehensive Science

Science is taught at all grade levels. The in-depth curriculum includes practical experiments and observation challenges from kindergarten on. Each student prepares an individualized science project for our annual school-wide science fair. Specialists from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the California Institute of Technology regularly speak at our school on important science topics. Upper grade students also participate in an outdoor science camp for one week during the year.

Diversified Social Studies

Students learn the history of different peoples through texts, novels, plays, and extensive field trips to historical sites, museums, and special exhibitions. They also participate in cultural exchange activities with students from other schools.

Computer Technology and On-line Resources

We train our students in current computer skills at each grade level through both dedicated computer classes and day-to-day classroom activities that make frequent use of on-line learning skills and resources. On-line access and other technological resources are available in every classroom.

Hebrew and Judaic Studies

Hebrew Language

Starting in kindergarten and continuing at every grade level, students learn modern Hebrew through ulpan-style language immersion techniques that utilize songs, conversation, writing, and games, and individualized instruction for those new to Hebrew. Students progress from spoken vocabulary to basic reading and writing skills in the lower grades and eventually write their own full-length essays and stories in a Hebrew-only environment.

Judaic Studies

Our Judaic Studies program focuses on the cultural, historical, religious and ritual aspects of Judaism in both traditional and modern Jewish contexts to help students gain a deeper appreciation of their identity and beliefs. Character is no less important than academics at Weizmann Day School. Ethical behavior, personal responsibility, moral responsibility, and respect for others are not only important topics of discussion in the Judaic Studies program but are also emphasized and prized in practice throughout the school year.

Performing and Fine Arts

Music and Performing Arts

From kindergarten through sixth grade, students participate in ongoing music workshops, classes in music appreciation, concerts, and plays. Using voice, percussion, recorders and bells, all Weizmann students explore the basics of rhythm, pitch, harmony, musical notation and ensemble performance. The annual Daniel Pearl Music Day Concert, Harvest Festival Concert, Spring Concert, and the upper grade Shakespeare Play are highlights of the program. These and other public performances help each student develop poise and concentration.

Fine Arts

Weizmann Day School is fortunate to have in-depth art instruction from a nationally known artist and sculptor. Students in all grades work in a variety of media including printmaking, mosaic, collage, watercolor, figure drawing, ceramics, calligraphy, and weaving. Our students learn about classical and contemporary art and the "feature artists of the year" through hands-on activities, workshops, and exhibitions. Our students' artwork has garnered a number of awards and is regularly on display at local art centers, bookstores, restaurants, regional art shows, and at the annual Weizmann Day School Art and Science Fair.

Physical Education

Our physical education program seeks to enhance our students' physical, mental, social and emotional growth by teaching the values of teamwork, physical fitness, and life-long health. Individual and group sports activities develop and improve each child's strength, endurance, coordination, and team spirit.

After School Adventures

Our extended care program is one of the school's most beloved features, offering daily crafts, games, and athletic activities as well as a study hall for homework. ASA also provides sign-up activities such as continuous once-a-week courses in gymnastics and soccer as well as parent-led short activities from cooking and scrapbooking to student film school and songwriting. ASA also sponsors Spirit Day activities and contests during school hours--some of our favorites have been Crazy Hair Day, The Great Cartoon Contest, and Pajama Day.