Jr. Academy
6th-7th Grade Education @TINYC
Middle school is a time to explore big questions, build deeper connections, and start shaping your own Jewish story. Our program puts 6th and 7th graders in the driver’s seat of their Jewish learning. They shape their experience while stepping into active roles in our community. Over a two-year rotation, they take a deep dive into Jewish history—one year exploring the stories, lessons, and courage of the Holocaust, the next immersing in the history, culture, and complexity of Israel.
Core Program
Our Middle School curriculum is all about Jewish History, explored through interactive discussions, projects and experiences that feel relevant to students’ lives today.
- Year 1: Holocaust education, using the renowned Facing History and Ourselves curriculum, which challenges students to wrestle with moral choices, human behavior and the lessons we carry forward.
- Year 2: An in-depth look at Israel’s history, culture and complexity, giving students the tools to engage with both its ancient roots and modern realities.
Grade 6
- In-person learning: Wednesdays, 5:00-7:00pm,
- Hebrew tutoring: Weekly 20-minute one-one-one Zoom sessions at a recurring time set in early fall.
Grade 7
- In-person learning – Wednesdays, 6:00-7:00pm,
- Hebrew tutoring is not included as students are meeting regularly with Cantor Altshul for B’nai Mitzvah prep. Optional sessions are available for a nominal cost for those who may need extra support.
Hebrew Learning
6th Graders will attend a Hebrew class from 5 – 5:45pm to continue their work on reading, chanting, and understanding the prayers we read during the Shabbat service, many of which they will lead on the occasion of their B’nai Mitzvah.
6th Graders will also have weekly 20-minute one-on-one intensive Hebrew tutoring sessions on Zoom. Timing will depend on your and their schedule but will remain the same week to week.
For many teens, 7th Grade marks the beginning of B’nai Mitzvah meetings with Cantor Altshul. Because of this, Hebrew is not a formalized part of the 7th Grade year. 7th Graders may attend an optional 20-minute Hebrew tutoring session on Zoom (at additional cost).
7th Grade Day Out
7th graders will have the opportunity for a day-long field trip in the fall to explore their Jewish history in NYC. This is an incredible opportunity to see history come to life and to continue to build connections with your classmates.
There is an additional fee for participating in this program, though it is heavily subsidized by the Temple.
7th Grade Madrichim Program
Our Madrichim program is an opportunity for 7th – 12th graders to take on a leadership role in the Religious School. Participants will take part in training workshops – specifically geared towards their roles in the school, work in classrooms and earn community service hours.
This program is only open to students who are enrolled in the Religious School. Email Sarah Zola for more information!