kindergarten
Developing Knowledge, Character, & a Love For Torah
Our joyful, supportive kindergarten program lays the foundation for a lifetime of integrated learning, encompassing Judaic studies, general studies, and social-emotional growth. Chagim, Torah stories, tefillot, Ivrit, and middot are seamlessly blended with the exploration of literacy, math, music, art, and physical activities.
Building Independence & a Love for Learning
Our developmental approach encourages kindergarteners to explore the world around them, ask questions, and discover new ideas. As they strengthen early literacy and math skills, students engage in interactive lessons that promote independence, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Hands-on learning is central to the kindergarten experience. In learning centers, students actively explore new concepts while teachers provide small-group, differentiated instruction to support individual growth.
A hallmark of Hillel Torah’s kindergarten program is our integrated approach, seamlessly weaving Judaic and general studies throughout the day for a meaningful, connected, and joyful Jewish learning experience.
Kindergarten Curriculum: An Integrated Approach
In kindergarten, children build on foundational learning through a dynamic, hands-on curriculum that nurtures curiosity, independence, and critical thinking. Our integrated approach weaves together early literacy, math, Hebrew language, Torah values and chagim, and social-emotional development, ensuring a well-rounded, engaging educational experience.
Each classroom has two nurturing teachers who guide students in building key skills such as: following multistep directions, actively participating in conversations, identifying letters and sounds, reading simple texts, writing with inventive spelling, identifying numbers, and counting by ones, fives, and tens. Weekly specials in art, music, library, gym, and STEM support fine and gross motor development and creative expression.
Early Literacy & Math
Kindergarteners thrive in a literacy-rich environment that builds a strong foundation for reading and writing. With a focus on letter recognition, phonics, and foundational reading strategies, guided reading groups offer individualized instruction, meeting each child at their level and supporting their progress toward fluency and comprehension.
In math, students build number sense and problem-solving skills through hands-on activities, games, and manipulatives. They explore shapes, patterns, measurement, place value, and foundational addition and subtraction skills through interactive, engaging lessons.
Jewish Learning & Hebrew Language
Our kindergartners experience joyful, immersive Jewish learning that builds a strong foundation in both identity and language. Our Ivrit curriculum introduces the Alef Bet, preparing students for Ivrit b’Ivrit instruction in later grades. Students develop a deep love for Torah, mitzvot, and Medinat Yisrael through:
- Daily tefillot and brachot
- Interactive Parshat HaShavua projects
- Celebrating Shabbat and chagim
- Practicing chesed and mitzvot
- Cultivating a love for Am Yisrael and Medinat Yisrael
Through meaningful lessons and experiences, our kindergarten students grow in Hebrew fluency and build a strong, lasting Jewish identity.
Social-Emotional Development
Kindergarten is a time of tremendous social and emotional growth for children. Our warm, dedicated early childhood educators support each child’s journey from preschool to grade school, meeting their individual needs with care and understanding. Using the Responsive Classroom approach, each day begins with a morning meeting to build community and strengthen social-emotional skills. The We Thinkers curriculum is integrated throughout the week to help students develop essential life skills and social competencies.
Through play and structured activities, students gain confidence and learn to:
- Adjust to new situations
- Demonstrate self-confidence and independence
- Solve problems and work collaboratively
- Share, take turns, and display self-control
- Listen respectfully and engage in meaningful interactions
By integrating academics, Torah values, and social-emotional learning, our kindergarten program nurtures the whole child and lays the foundation for success in the years ahead.
Kindergarten Hours
Monday-Thursday: 8:20 am – 3:50 pm
Friday: 8:20 am-1:30 pm (3:50 pm after Pesach break)
Early drop-off is available daily beginning at 7:30 am
Eligibility
Must be 5 years old by October 31, 2025