Overview - Special Programs - Kindergarten - Lower School - Middle School - Extracurricular Activities - Library

Middle School
Middle School is a time of self-discovery and confidence building, a time to guide young adults along the path towards independence. In these critical years, AJA strives to provide a safe environment for our students to question and explore. Whether it’s in the science lab or on the soccer fields, our students have the benefit of a dedicated and caring staff who understand the needs of adolescents and are always helping them strive to do their best. While our Middle School curriculum builds upon the foundation of our Lower School, several academic changes occur to align with the developmentally appropriate needs of our older students. In addition to the core subjects, there are several opportunities built into the daily and weekly schedules to enhance and advance our students’ learning experience.
 
Language Arts
The goal of our comprehensive and integrated reading/language arts program is to develop proficient, lifelong readers, writers, thinkers, and learners. In Middle School, the English Language Arts program emphasizes text analysis and thinking skills. Reading, writing, researching and thinking activities are enhanced and complemented as students explore and analyze literature. The "writing process" philosophy guides the writing program. Students learn to write by writing, receiving and giving feedback, revising, and rewriting. Research is a part of the writing program. Speaking and listening skills are essential elements of this program and students are expected to demonstrate these skills during two portfolio presentations when they discuss their learning and progress with a panel of community members. Our teachers create a risk-free environment in which students are comfortable in sharing their unique writing voice and in reflecting sincerely about what they’ve read. Our hope is that all our students feel they are readers and writers, even outside of the school walls.
 
Science
As they unearth the mysteries of the scientific world, students are given a window into themselves and the insight to see where they stand in relationship to the universe. The science program in the middle school is characterized by the integration of earth/space science, life science, and physical science at each grade level, much as these sciences are integrated in the real world. Studies are largely lab-based, emphasizing the scientific processes of investigation and experimentation.
 
Social Studies
The social studies curriculum is based upon consideration of diverse cultures and incorporates Judaic and secular holidays and celebrations. Middle School students study ancient civilizations, world history as well as the history of the United States and current events. Through art, music, drama and projects students build an understanding of the diversity of our world while forming an historical perspective. Developing a deeper understanding of US history enables the students to understand government as well as the structure and process of a democratic nation. One of AJA's primary goals is to help students realize how understanding, knowledge and personal participation can make a difference in building a better and safer world.
 
Math
Our mathematics curriculum is one that encompasses both traditional and investigative models. The primary goal of the math program is to have math make sense from every perspective. Students use manipulative materials, calculators, computer programs and cooperative learning to introduce and reinforce new concepts and skills. This optimizes the mathematical learning experience in approach and content and is designed to develop sound arithmetic skills, strong problem solving ability and an interest and respect for the subject. Beginning in Grade 5 and continuing through 8th grade, students are placed in a math class based on ability level and can receive high school credit for both Algebra and Geometry.
 
Beit Midrash
Our middle school Hebrew and Judaics program is an integrated interactive model which explores modern ethical and religious issues through a combination of ancient and current texts. Each unit combines both the Biblical/Rabbinic perspectives with the ideas and opinions in circulation today. Students in grades 6th-8th come together in Hevruta (pairs) or small groups to analyze and discuss these issues. Led by a team of Hebrew and Judaic faculty members, our Beit Midrash is also augmented by local clergy and community members who provide additional insights into the various materials and subjects being taught. Hebrew is used throughout the Beit Midrash in both articles and conversations. Students who participate in our Hebrew program can qualify for up to four high school language credits.
 
Fine Arts
Recognizing that engaging in all aspects of the arts allows students the opportunity to express and better understand themselves, our fine arts sequence includes studies in drama, music and art in an integrated format. In fine arts students participate in dramatic performance, create visual art, and make music in various forms including an accapella choir.
 
Physical Education
Our physical education curriculum is centered on a comprehensive program of health related fitness designed to engage students in both the physical and educational components of physical education, as well as to provide each individual with the means of recognizing and maximizing their own personal fitness level. Educationally, the program aspires to both teach and inspire the students to take an active interest in their own health and well being. In so far as sports and game play are an integral part of the physical education curriculum, the teaching of and appreciation of sportsmanship and fair play is paramount. AJA is a member of a private school sports league and middle school students are eligible to play competitive volleyball, basketball, soccer, and track and field.
 
Technology
AJA students use computers as a learning tool within the overall curriculum. AJA utilizes Dell computers with networking capabilities that allow classes to share resources. We have both a computer lab and a COW (Cart on Wheels) equipped with 22 laptop computers.
 
Advisory
At the middle school level, our students move from a homeroom model to an academic advisory system. Each student has a set time at least once a week to check in with their advisor, in addition they may engage their advisors during morning announcements and at dismissal. All of our advisors are core teachers, who see their advisees for a minimum of one academic class per day.
 
Academic Lab
With an increased number of classes and teachers, AJA middle school students have the advantage of learning from each of our resident experts. In order to give our students the maximum amount of support in each subject, all of our faculty members are accessible during the same hour once a week to meet with individuals or small groups of students to answer questions or provide additional instruction.
 
Mini-Units
Mini-Units are just that: short seminars on a variety of topics. Once a week, each of our grades spends time looking at curricular areas that enrich our core program. Examples of these units are: Celebrating Diversity, Drug and Alcohol Awareness, Holocaust Education and Social Justice, Comparative Religion, and Leadership Skills. All of these units are taught by local experts and provide our students with the opportunity to connect with the greater Austin community.
 
Speaker’s Bureau
Exposing our students to interesting people and topics is a great way to expand their goals and dreams. This once a week learning lunch program invites Austin’s most creative and accomplished into the classroom for an informal discussion of possible hobbies and careers for our future adults. Some of our guest speakers include local chefs/restaurant owners, museum curators, professors, writers, and artists.
 
Va’ad Chesed
The Va’ad Chesed, or student government, is lead by a group of dedicated Middle School students with representatives from our 3rd-5th grades. This unique group focuses not only on social activities and fun, but also on ways our school can make a difference in helping the world.
 
Library
Our goal is to help students of all levels to learn to become independent library users, to develop sound research skills and to develop a life-long love of literature and learning. Our library includes an extensive selection of both Judaic and Hebrew books and DVDs that are available to our students and families. Middle school students also learn to use the Austin public libraries and the library at the University of Texas.