Academics

Middle School

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When you think about the things your pre-teen needs to succeed what comes to mind?

An engaging curriculum that keeps them excited about learning. A supportive community where they are seen, heard, and valued. A strong identity, rooted in their connection to themselves, their peers, and tradition. 

If these are the things that mean the most to your family, we look forward to sharing more about our middle school program. The Kaufman Valdes Middle School at Pardes Jewish Day School exists to help students maximize this important season of growth and change. From sixth through eighth grade, students take on more challenging academics, navigate rapid social and emotional growth, learn how to lead, and pursue their passions through extracurricular activities.

At the end of eighth grade, they are more than prepared to thrive in high school, thanks to our:
  • Close-Knit Community
  • Safe Environment
  • Engaging Academics
  • High School Preparation
  • Dedicated Teachers

A Close-Knit Community

When you think about all the ways your pre-teen will grow in middle school, emotional maturity may be at the forefront of your attention. This is why a supportive environment is essential — one where your student will feel a sense of belonging and know they are surrounded by people who care. Here are a few ways we proactively build community at Pardes:

List of 3 items.

  • Responsive Advisory

    A continuation of the Responsive Classroom model found in Lower School, social-emotional learning is integrated into our curriculum, which allows middle school students to work on skills such as communication, collaboration, and flexibility daily. As they listen and incorporate their peers’ ideas, manage differing work styles, navigate disagreements, and depend on each other for a collective outcome, they become equipped to thrive in high school, college, and career.

  • Middot (Values)

    We emphasize respect (chesed) for self and others. We focus on cultivating values and traits that help students navigate the world with integrity and empathy—truth, respect, kindness, and justice. As students strengthen their own core values, they begin to understand different perspectives and treat all people with dignity. When eighth graders leave our campus, we know that they will be confident advocates for themselves and those they meet on their life journey. They are focused on the difference they can make in the world.

  • Meaningful Relationships

    Whether through teacher mentorship, our advisory program, or our buddy program, students will be poured into by caring adults and peers, as well as have the opportunity to invest in our younger students. Campus wide traditions strengthen connections across grade levels and create a strong community.

A Sense of Security for Learning & Growth

It may seem like all your pre-teen wants is greater independence, but we know that a sense of safety and security is just as important for middle schoolers. As the oldest age group on our campus, students in grades 6-8 serve as role models and leaders to our lower school students. They have their own section of campus, but remain very much involved with our campus wide events and celebrations. 

We value your child’s physical and emotional well-being. Campus police officers, surveillance cameras, locking doors, and well-thought-out barriers provide peace of mind for parents and students alike. The school counselors, a school nurse, advisors, and dedicated teachers walk students through any challenge they may face.

Engaging Academics

List of 4 items.

  • English Language Arts

    Our ELA curriculum, Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA), engages students in deep reading, thoughtful discussion, and purposeful writing. Through rich, diverse texts and interactive digital tools, students build knowledge across subjects while developing critical thinking and communication skills. Daily writing, project-based learning, and close reading prepare students for high school and beyond.

  • Math

    At Pardes, our math curriculum is designed to develop confident, analytical thinkers through a progression of increasingly complex concepts. Students are placed in courses based on teacher recommendation, previous performance, and placement assessments to ensure the right level of challenge and support.
    • Math 1 & Math 2
      These foundational courses build core skills in number operations, rational numbers, proportional reasoning, geometry, and introductory algebra. Students explore mathematical relationships, apply problem-solving strategies, and communicate their thinking using models, equations, and graphs.
    • Pre-Algebra
      Pre-Algebra solidifies students’ grasp of fundamental concepts and prepares them for higher-level math. Students study integers, algebraic expressions, linear functions, proportions, and statistics while sharpening reasoning and critical thinking skills.
    • Algebra
      Algebra introduces students to formal algebraic thinking, helping them master linear equations, inequalities, polynomials, factoring, systems of equations, and quadratic and exponential functions. Emphasis is placed on real-world applications and mathematical modeling.
    • Geometry (Honors Course)
      This course explores both Euclidean and coordinate geometry. Students study properties of shapes, congruence, similarity, trigonometry, transformations, and proofs. They also investigate surface area, volume, and the application of geometry in problem-solving.
    Across all levels, our math program fosters deep understanding, logical reasoning, and the ability to apply concepts across disciplines and in everyday life.

  • Social Studies

    At Pardes, our Middle School Social Studies program builds historical knowledge, critical thinking, and a strong sense of identity. Students explore history through multiple lenses, including Jewish history, world civilizations, and American history, while developing essential academic skills.
    • 6th Grade focuses on Ancient Israel through the Jewish Enlightenment, alongside Mesoamerican, African, Islamic, and Roman civilizations. Students learn to think like historians, practicing skills such as note-taking, critical reading, and thesis-based writing.
    • 7th Grade examines the indigenous peoples of the Americas, the impact of colonization, the foundations of U.S. government, and the complexities of slavery and westward expansion, concluding with Latinx history in the 20th century. Students build historical thinking skills through analysis, sourcing, and contextualization.
    • 8th Grade explores major events from the Civil War through the Cold War, including World Wars and the Holocaust. Students deepen their writing and research skills and complete a year-end Capstone Project that strengthens their analytical, public speaking, and academic writing abilities.
    Through inquiry-based learning and meaningful discussions, students leave our program empowered with a nuanced understanding of history and its relevance today.

  • Science Program

    At Pardes, our Middle School Science program follows the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to foster scientific curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Students engage in hands-on inquiry, collaborative learning, and real-world application as they explore the natural world across three major disciplines: Earth, Life, and Physical Sciences.
    • 6th Grade – Earth Science
      Students investigate the structure and systems of our planet, including plate tectonics, weather and climate, natural resources, and space. Through project-based learning and a cross-curricular initiative called Agents of Change, students identify and address real issues in their communities using science as a tool for impact.
    • 7th Grade – Life Science
      This year focuses on the study of living organisms and ecosystems. Students explore biological structures and processes, genetics, adaptations, and the relationships that sustain life on Earth. They apply scientific inquiry to understand how life grows, changes, and survives.
    • 8th Grade – Physical Science
      Students delve into chemistry and physics, studying the properties of matter, chemical reactions, motion, energy, waves, and electromagnetic phenomena. Emphasis is placed on experimentation, scientific modeling, and understanding the physical principles that govern the world around us.
    Across all grades, students are encouraged to question, explore, and apply their learning to real-life situations, developing not only content knowledge, but also the skills of future scientists and problem-solvers.

Key highlights include:

  • Build confident, analytical readers and writers.
  • Help students develop a deep understanding of content through rich, knowledge-building texts.
  • Prepare students for high school ELA and beyond with a strong foundation in critical thinking, evidence use, and communication.
Middle schoolers at Pardes take on more challenging academics as our Project-Based Learning approach keeps them active and engaged. This is a time when students often determine their favorite subjects, discover their unique talents, and express causes that they are passionate about. Their learning environment should encourage them to do much more than memorizing facts and passing tests — they should be developing transferable skills that they can use to change the world.

List of 2 items.

  • Critical Thinking Development

    Through hands-on learning, opportunities to problem-solve, and collaborative projects, students gain the critical thinking skills needed for life.

  • Developmentally-appropriate lessons

    We understand how the mind of a middle schooler works. Highly interactive lessons, autonomy in the classroom, brain breaks, and more ensure pre-teens are set up to thrive and can continue loving school.

Leadership Opportunities

Leadership starts with instilling a growth mindset in the classroom and skills are developed through a variety of clubs and activities. We encourage students to lead in areas that matter most to them, knowing that their contributions are unique and valuable. Parents love attending our student-led conferences when they are able to see their student’s areas of growth, strengths, and achieved goals. A few popular leadership opportunities include:
  • Student Council 
  • Student Ambassadors
  • Chief Science Officers
  • Buddy Program for mentoring younger Pardes students

Values Development

As middle school students develop their identity, they need a strong sense of belonging and a clear understanding of their heritage. By continuing to learn about Jewish thought, culture, and ritual, we help our students deepen their personal connection to Judaism and express it in ways that are meaningful to them. We understand that each of our families has a different level of observance, and emphasize the importance of respect and kindness.

Extracurricular Activities

Your student will be able to engage creatively in our school musical, compete in athletics, and join clubs that pique their interest. We also help our students connect with the greater community and apply their Jewish values through Tikkun Olam projects. When students complete our middle school program, they are confident in trying new things and ready to continue pursuing their talents.

Contact

Fax: 480-991-9405

About

Pardes Jewish Day School is a welcoming community Jewish day school committed to exceptional secular and Jewish education with a focus on academics and character development.
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