Education Philosophy

Our dual curriculum provides students with a challenging program in both secular and Judaic studies, yet with the flexibility to meet each child's needs. We teach the “whole child” through curricular integration and unique programming. HHAI offers excellence in general and integrated Judaic education through rich discussion, advanced Humanities texts, STEM problem solving, logic, and engineering opportunities. 

Low teacher-student ratio affords a safe and nurturing environment in which students develop confidence, character and responsibility to themselves and their community. We focus on an individualized curriculum. Not every student learns in the same way or at the same pace. Our skilled educators tailor learning experiences for students to ensure they are appropriately challenged and reach their full academic potential. 

Enrollment in a Jewish day school will impact positively on their entire future. A recent Avi Chai Jewish Day School Study concludes that the future communal involvement and Jewish identification of an individual are directly related to the years of Jewish education they receive. Being in a challenging and nurturing academic environment enhances our student’s growth as people, Jews, and Americans. 

School Performance Report

Giving Tree Early Learning

The Hasten Hebrew Academy Early Childhood Education program has become Giving Tree Early Learning. Our program is now open to the public serving children ages 12 months through Pre-K. To learn more about our early childhood education, visit our website at www.givingtreehhai.org. 

Kindergarten

Our full-day Reggio-inspired kindergarten program offers diverse experiences in general and Judaic studies. Your child will learn how to problem solve, collaborate, and self-regulate. Students grow into confident learners through interactive units based on academic standards and real-world experiences as defined by the students. The Responsive Classroom teaching fosters a sense of community as well as engaging your child’s mind and body for optimal learning.

Language and math skills are developed using Math their Way and Handwriting Without Tears to enable each child to learn at his/her level. We recognize that each child is an individual learner and keep class sizes to an optimal level (10-15 students) to allow for individualized learning trajectories.

Kindergarten students also participate in weekly visits to the Science Lab where they develop an understanding of living things, the weather, force and velocity, and the materials found in our world. Other learning opportunities include formal art and music instruction, Hebrew music and movement, gym, library, and gardening and exploration in the Outdoor Classroom.

Elementary Experience

The Hasten Hebrew Academy elementary school program is the bridge between our early childhood program and our middle school. Grades 1-5 create the foundation for continued success through the middle school and high school years. Students receive an excellent secular and Judaic education. Accredited by the State of Indiana with its Freeway Accreditation, our curriculum meets or exceeds Indiana standards. Our students excel in their standardized test scores and are well prepared to move to middle school.

Jewish Studies

Our elementary school Judaic studies program provides the students with the foundations of living a Jewish life intellectually, behaviorally, and emotionally. We teach to the mind and heart the rich heritage of our religion. The students understand and enjoy learning the language, history, culture, and, most importantly, the unique spiritual quality of Judaism. The love of the Land of Israel is a core element of our curriculum. Students’ study of Israel and Zionism culminates in a grade 8 trip to Israel to see firsthand what they have studied throughout their academic career at our school. Integrated into all lessons and subjects are moral and ethical values by which to live their lives. 

In every grade the students study the Jewish holidays and how to celebrate them. Shabbat is especially important as this weekly event is the cornerstone of Jewish life. Students learn by experiencing these occasions in the classroom. In addition, the students study the Torah portion of the week. In the primary elementary grades, we have Shabbat parties, complete with Kiddush and Shabbat songs. For each holiday, the students have hands-on activities to reinforce the information they learn in the classroom. Our school has its own sukkah for the students to experience this joyous holiday. For Passover, the students create their personal Haggadah and even bake matzah.

Our Hebrew Language program begins in first grade with students learning how to read, write and speak Hebrew using the Tal Am program. Tal Am is a multisensory, language acquisition program. They learn original texts in Bible and prayers. In second grade the students begin the formal study of the Bible. Besides translating the text, the students study the lives of our Biblical heroes and the origins of the Jewish nation. At each grade level another course of study is added to the curriculum. In third grade, the students learn Rashi, the universal commentary of Jewish texts. In fourth grade, the students begin the books of the Prophets. In fifth grade, the students study Mishna, the foundation for the Oral Law.

Technology

Technological immersion is vital for our students. With interactive coding and Google Apps utilization for cross-curriculum collaboration, elementary students build a fluency in technology that not only nurtures their time at HHAI – but they carry these proficiencies into their adulthood. Students expand these skill sets with digital storytelling, creating and programming in Virtual and Augmented Reality, elements of Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and more. For the past six years HHAI students have represented the state of Indiana by sharing their accomplishments at the world’s largest EdTech conference - ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education).

Fine Arts

The well-established visual arts program incorporates art history and art appreciation with the production of student artwork across multiple media. In music instruction, emphasis is placed on both the development of appreciation for music of various periods and the understanding of basic theory and harmony. Students have the opportunity to participate in school productions as well as performances for special events.

Extra-Curricular

After-school classes are offered throughout the school year and vary based on student interest. Activities have included karate, “mad science,” chess club, dramatics, pottery, basketball skill development, fencing, and junior robotics. Fourth and fifth graders are also part of our interscholastic athletic teams including basketball, soccer and volleyball.

Middle School Experience

Middle School is a time when adolescent curiosity is transformed into teenage wonder. It is the final step before moving on to young adulthood. The Hasten Hebrew Academy of Indianapolis offers a total educational program of Jewish and general studies for grades 6-8. The staff strives to provide unique educational opportunities for our students. Features of the program include a wide variety of course offerings, core curricula in basic content areas, small classes, individualized instruction, ability and heterogeneous grouping, enrichment classes, academic advancement, and extra-curricular offerings. Students grow socially and emotionally as they are exposed to new experiences. Most important is the identification and understanding of each child’s unique needs, and the personal attention and monitoring each child receives. Your child will never be “just one of the crowd.”

Jewish Studies

Jewish studies center upon the understanding of major biblical texts and Jewish theme, values and concepts, comprehension of important prayer services, Hebrew language skills, and familiarization with the growth and development of the Jewish people.

Students broaden their skills and understanding in many vital areas of study: Bible, Hebrew Language, Mishna, Law, and History. Based on the philosophy that in-depth understanding can be gained from textual analysis, our students learn from primary and secondary sources in both the Hebrew and English languages. Students are provided with an extensive look at the moral underpinnings of Judaism, and they discuss current events in this light. Concept based units of instruction such as the role of speech in our lives and family dynamics in the Torah are incorporated. 

The Bible and Mishna curriculum emphasizes the study of primary texts. Selections from the Torah, the Prophets, and the oral law are chosen with the intent to stimulate and enhance the cognitive skills of comparing and contrasting, analyzing, and evaluating concepts and opinions. An appreciation of the depth and breadth of our Jewish heritage and commitment to its values is a primary objective of this study. An added benefit is the practice in critical thinking that accompanies these studies. 

The Hebrew language curriculum focuses on the acquisition of advanced grammar skills, attainment of reasonable fluency in modern conversational Hebrew, creative writing, and familiarization with the growth and development of the Land of Israel.

We stress a caring, personalized approach with the students as they begin to integrate their religious heritage in a more adult fashion. Through Shabbatonim (weekend retreats), class trips, and other Jewish enrichment programs, students are provided with the opportunity to experience Judaism in both formal and informal settings.

Technology

Technology is integrated as a tool for communication and problem solving in the core units throughout the middle school years. Webpage design, coding, and refining presentation skills are targets of direct technology instruction. Technology is infused in the middle school experience through the use of Google applications. Apps are provided for creating student-generated projects related to their class assignments. This opportunity is available for our students in Grade 5-8 because of the 1-to1 iPad program. All students receive an iPad when they enter sixth grade. During these two years, the iPad is their textbook, assignment notebook, communication system, course folder, and innovation platform. 

Fine Arts

The well-established visual arts program incorporates art history and art appreciation with the production of student artwork across multiple media. In music instruction, emphasis is placed on both the development of appreciation for music of various periods and on the understanding of basic theory and harmony. Students have the opportunity to participate in school productions and performances for special events.

Class Trips

Class trips are an integral part of the Middle School experience at the Hasten Hebrew Academy. Each class takes a special trip that is appropriate for the age level of the students. 

6th Grade: Students take a Chicago trip that includes visiting the Illinois Holocaust Museum, the Shedd Aquarium and the Museum of Science and Industry. 

7th Grade: Students spend three days and two nights in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia or St. Louis. A variety of educational and cultural activities are included in their itinerary. 

8th Grade Israel Trip: The culmination of our students’ experience at the Hasten Hebrew Academy is the 8th Grade trip to Israel. This two-week trip is full of educational, cultural, and religious experiences. The students get to live what they have been studying.

Electives

HHAI students have a variety of outlets for progression in their interests. Students can choose an additional foreign language like Spanish, French or Russian. Other options include coding, All In On Animals, SEL (Social Emotional Learning), Readers Theater, Israeli art, math, logic enrichment, Mitzvah-Mania, or entrepreneurship.

Extracurricular

Our rich extracurricular programming includes basketball, volleyball, soccer, music, chess, martial arts, dance, yoga, pottery and more. Specialized educators from the community share their personal passions and teach kids in a way that inspires and connects them to the extracurricular activities they have chosen to explore. 

Awards

HHAI is proud to have received many prestigious academic awards and grants at the both the state and national level for curriculum in STEM, Judaics, economics, literature, design thinking and more. 

In 2022, HHAI was the only school team to be invited to participate in the Legacy Heritage Teacher Institute on Design Thinking for a second round.

In 2021, the Indiana Civil Rights Commission awarded HHAI the Never Again Ambassador Award for commitment to Holocaust education and remembrance.

Dawn Bick, K-5 Science teacher, was a finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) in 2021. The PAEMST award is the highest honor bestowed on K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) teachers by the U.S. Government. We are so proud of Mrs. Bick and the amazing impact she has on our students and STEM program at HHAI!

HHAI former Judaics teacher Rabbi Tzuriel Gluck was a recipient of the 2019 Grinspoon Award for Excellence in Jewish Education. Rabbi Gluck was selected from a pool of qualified nominees of local Jewish educators for his excellence in innovative ways of bringing Torah to life through the use of a variety of resources and teaching modalities to enrich his lessons.

In 2018, a team of teachers including Math Teacher Matt Tucker, Judaics Teacher Sarit Linkon, Librarian Tricia Berg and Technology Coordinator Michael Voskoboynik were invited to participate in the Legacy Heritage Teacher Institute on Design Thinking. They received a grant of over $6,000 which resulted in creation of our Holocaust Museum.  

In 2018, former third grade teacher Justine Skillman was a recipient of the Kohelet Prize for excellence in the entrepreneurial economics curriculum unit in the category of Real World Learning. The Kohelet Prize of $36,000 is awarded each year to six educators who demonstrate extraordinary accomplishment in one of six core elements of progressive Jewish education. 

We won the Indiana Elementary Economics Teacher of the Year award twice! In 2017, former 3rd Grade General Studies Teacher Justine Skillman won, and in 2018, our current 3rd Grade General Studies Teacher Natalie Hines received the coveted award. 

Sarah Snider, Middle school humanities teacher,  was awarded the Letters About Literature Indiana Teacher of the Year award from the Indiana Center for the Book and the Library of Congress in 2017.