The Balance of a Good Education in a Post-Pandemic World

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on education, leading many schools to adopt online learning methods. While the shift to virtual classrooms was necessary at the time, it became clear that many students missed out on crucial instruction and experienced emotional challenges. To effectively address these shortcomings, it became evident that academic instruction is not enough! It is imperative that schools provide small classes, appropriate small-group instruction, and offer support for character development.

At Pardes Day School, we recognize that academic instruction alone is not sufficient to address the needs of students in the post-pandemic world. We strive to balance rigorous academic programs with a strong character development program. Our approach integrates learning values and traits associated with successful and well-adjusted individuals, as well as fostering essential qualities such as GRIT (Growth, Resilience, Initiative, and Tenacity), gratitude, and hope.

KEY VALUES FOR STUDENTS

Key values play a pivotal role in building strong character and allowing students to have success in their community. Self-control of the mind and body, empathy, and curiosity are three crucial traits for students in preparation for the challenges they will face in this ever-changing world. These values will be paramount to thrive in both their personal and professional lives.

SMALL CLASS SIZES AND SMALL-GROUP INSTRUCTION

Our 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio demonstrates our commitment to both academic excellence and character development. Personalized attention and support for each student is more easily attainable with smaller class sizes. It provides for more meaningful interactions between students and teachers, creating an environment where students feel valued and understood.

In addition to our small class sizes, we offer specialized small-group instruction in core subjects such as reading, mathematics, and Hebrew. Our learning support specialist team is dedicated to addressing the diverse needs of our students, whether they require intervention or they are in need of a more challenging curriculum through gifted education. This personalized support helps bridge gaps in learning and challenges students to reach their full potential.

PROJECT-BASED LEARNING

Our Project-Based Learning (PBL) approach is a key component of our curriculum at Pardes. PBL engages students in solving real-world problems, encouraging them to apply their knowledge and skills in practical, meaningful ways. This method not only enhances academic learning but also promotes critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. By giving students a voice and choice in how they demonstrate their understanding, PBL fosters a sense of ownership and motivation in their learning journey.

GRIT AND HOPE

At Pardes Day School, we balance academics with character development through the learning of values, specific traits of successful, well-adjusted people and by focusing on building GRIT and hope. GRIT, which stands for Growth, Resilience, Initiative, and Tenacitly, is a set of qualities that helps individuals persevere through challenges and setbacks. 

• Growth refers to the life-long process of learning and self-improvement. We encourage students to view challenges as opportunities for growth, promoting a mindset that embraces learning from experiences rather than avoiding difficult problems or obstacles.
• Resilience is the ability to see one’s way through adversity. By teaching students to adapt to situations and recover from setbacks, we instill a strong foundation that they can rely on to overcome future challenges.
• Initiative involves taking initiative to reach one’s desired goals. We foster students’ abilities to identify opportunities, set goals, and take actions to achieve those goals.
• Tenacity is about employing determination and persistence in the face of obstacles. We encourage our students to stay focused and committed to their goals, especially when they are faced with difficulties.

In addition to GRIT, we emphasize the importance of hope. This fosters a positive outlook on the road ahead and the belief in themselves to accomplish whatever it is they set out to do.

Our approach at Pardes Day School is designed to prepare our K-8 students not only for academic success but also for the challenges and opportunities that lie before them. We want our students to be equipped with the skills and attributes necessary to solve problems that do not yet exist and not only contribute positively to their communities, but become leaders.

Click here to read an article about how One-third of K-12 students are behind.