Middle School Programs

Learning Objectives

• Access to an outstanding academic program that combines experiential learning, problem-solving and study skills as well as knowledge
• A strong foundation in Jewish values, ethics, history and Hebrew
• Interdisciplinary explorations designed to foster the development of academic discipline and classroom cooperation
• A variety of extra-curricular activities including sports, grade-level trips, competitions, music and drama
• The learning and utilization of independent study skills through work in school and at home
• Strong community ties through Tikkun Olam (social action projects)
• The building of self-confidence as a learner, leading to both middle school and future success

Language Arts

The Language Arts program at PJDS is both skill-centered and creative, designed to develop, in each student, both mastery of and a love for the English language. Students read, appreciate and write about fiction, non-fiction, poetry and drama. A strong emphasis on writing skills develops creative, personal and academic writing to a high level, ensuring a confident transition to high school after grade 8. Discussion, oral presentation, group work, technology and project work are integral to the Language Arts learning process at PJDS.

Math

Placement in the PJDS middle school math program is carefully tailored to students’ strengths. Upon entrance into grade 5, students embark on a four-year program of mathematical development, moving seamlessly and logically from their 5th grade entry class to Algebra 1 or Geometry in grade 8. PJDS students enter high school ready to exceed at the highest levels in math, including the potential for AP classes in junior or senior year.

Social Studies

PJDS 5th graders study explorers to the “New World,” the 13 colonies, the American Revolution, our Constitution, the Civil War and Western expansion. In 6th grade, students continue to build skills of historical inquiry while studying the history of ancient regions such as Mesopotamia, Israel, Greece, Egypt, India, Rome and South America. Medieval World History in grade 7 presents a perfect foundation from which to move into modern American history and contemporary world affairs in grade 8. A balance of between knowledge, reasoning, interpretation and inquiry underpins our middle school Social Studies program, ensuring excellent preparation for World History in freshman year.

Science

Middle school students benefit from a rigorous program focusing on Earth Science, Life Science and Physical Science. In our fully equipped science lab, students practice scientific method through hands-on experimentation and analysis, also mastering the recording and presenting of information through structured labs. A strong emphasis on scientific investigation and skills amply prepares our students for individual science disciplines in high school.

Hebrew

Modern Hebrew is taught as a dynamic living language, using the program Chaverim B’Ivrit, a full color, field-tested resource based on the most up-to-date research on language acquisition in children. Lessons revolve around themes such as family, friendship, traveling, food and music. Each theme is presented from three perspectives: Jewish, modern Israeli culture and general world knowledge. In addition, our outstanding Hebrew teachers create lessons, which highlight Jewish holidays, and focus on the particular needs and interests of the class.

Jewish Studies

Students learn to become careful readers of the rich text found in the TaNaKH (Bible). The material is presented in creative and thought-provoking ways, encouraging students to question, challenge and learn, using debate and critical writing. Students examine the teachings of great commentators such as Rashi and Rambam. Students are assigned creative midrashim (interpretations of the Torah text) and discuss today’s social issues. Here they demonstrate that they understand how Torah is relevant today. Students in 7th & 8th grades create and discover their Jewish identities through in-depth textual analysis of sources ranging from the classical to the modern. They study their collective history in terms of the individual’s place in Creation, beliefs in Revelation and conception of Redemption. This thorough examination supports students as they define who they are as Jews in the present.

Spanish

Beginning in grade 5, students develop skills in conversation, grammar and literature, using age-appropriate and well-resourced programs across the grades. Our program builds confidence and skills in both speaking and writing. Many students immediately pass into Spanish 2 in freshman year of high school.

Specialty Programs

Physical Education

All middle school students participate in our strong P.E. program twice a week. In addition, the majority of our students participate in after-school interscholastic sports. The PJDS campus features a new sports field and basketball court, as well as space for indoor athletics on the hottest days! Our competitive sports teams play other private schools in the Mountain Valley Athletic League. The Pardes Panthers girls’ teams compete in volleyball, soccer, basketball, and softball; boys’ teams compete in flag football, basketball, soccer, and baseball. Go Panthers!

Technology

The PJDS campus offers students significant space and equipment for computers and technology. The tech. lab, housing 27 computers and accompanying software, is where students will develop a sound knowledge of technology concepts, systems and operations. Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources. They also practice ‘digital citizenship’ by learning about cultural and societal issues related to technology. An emphasis on using technology across the curriculum ensures students have access to learning technology skills in many different academic situations.

Art, Music and Enrichment

PJDS students participate in weekly enrichment classes that add further dimensions to their education and growing skills. Extraordinarily talented teachers guide students in Art and Music. Enrichment classes have included Choir, Drama, Law, Band, Chinese and Psychology, and may change from year to year. Every two years, a middle school play is produced, involving more than 50 students and many faculty members, providing opportunities for experience both on stage and in technical areas ranging from lighting to stage management.

Off-Site Learning

PJDS students are privileged to enjoy field trips to a number of Arizona locations, including the Arizona State Legislature, Art Museums, the Jewish Community Center, and the Arizona Science Center. In addition, trips to Camp Pearlstein, Bisbee and Tombstone, Catalina Island and Washington, DC, provide opportunities to share experiences, learn, enjoy overnight trips and, in the case of Washington, spend a whole week in our nation’s capital. All trips are accompanied by experienced and knowledgeable chaperones.

Advisory Program

Each grade has homeroom groups where students can benefit from the guidance of their teachers. Students begin and end each day with their advisors, to ensure that they are organized and current with their work and schedules. Advisors serve as mentors and advocates, helping to ensure that students’ experiences at PJDS are gratifying and rewarding.

Our Pardes graduates have been accepted into the following high schools and colleges:

High schools - Jess Schwartz Jewish Community Day School, Chaparral, Horizon, Tesseract, Desert Mountain IB Program, Brophy, Phoenix Country Day School, and Arizona School for the Arts.

Colleges - Brown, Yale, University of Pennsylvania, Princeton, Brandeis, Stanford, Arizona State University, Middlebury, Pomona, Emory, California Institute of the Arts, Washington University, Wesleyan, Berklee College of Music, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Arizona.