HAFTR Lower School builds on the skills obtained at HAFTR Early Childhood, and continues to focus on the development of the whole child. Social and emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and middot are cultivated within our warm and caring, yet challenging learning environment. Recognizing that each child is unique, with individual educational needs, interests, and learning styles, every student is given the opportunity to maximize his/her learning potential with curricula designed to accommodate our community of learners.
Growth Mindset
Part of our Instructional Focus includes the cultivation of a “Growth Mindset” and the teaching of this concept to our students.
Mindset is a simple idea developed by world-renowned Stanford University psychologist Carol Dweck in decades of research on achievement and success—a simple idea that makes all the difference. In a fixed mindset, people believe their basic qualities, like their intelligence or talent, are simply fixed traits. They spend their time documenting their intelligence or talents instead of developing them. They also believe that talent alone creates success—without effort. They’re wrong.
In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment. Virtually all great people have had these qualities.
Instructional Focus
We are committed to developing each student’s capacity for academic and intellectual achievement.
We are committed to developing each student’s capacity to learn both individually and collaboratively.
We are committed to developing each student’s “Growth Mindset.”
We are committed to developing each student’s metacognitive and social-emotional learning capacities: self-awareness, social awareness, decision-making and relationship skills within and beyond the classroom.
We view every HAFTR student as our student.
STEM
At HAFTR Lower School, we take great pride in our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) program. We pride ourselves on not only focusing on hardware-centered programming but rather, an in-depth, project-based curriculum.
In addition to their project-based standard Science curriculum, students work once a week on hands-on lab projects. These advanced STEM labs will teach coding, robotics, 3D modeling, engineering, and entrepreneurship and directly correlate to the Science curriculum and state standards.
This advanced learning will help utilize the model of “failing forward.” Through this educational methodology, students learn that making mistakes is a means to an end. These real-world applications will help them better prepare for a seamless transition into high school and help them begin to understand what the world is beyond the walls of HAFTR.
Headed by our Science and STEM Chair, Gittel Grant, our STEM curriculum positions students to be the leaders of the learning process and prepares them with the skills they will need to be competitive in an ever-changing professional landscape.
Torah Learning
“וְשִׁנַּנְתָּם לְבָנֶיךָ וְדִבַּרְתָּ בָּם” -(דברים ז’:ו’)
Torah learning stands at the forefront of HAFTR’s educational mission, imbuing our students with the transmission of Jewish tradition, Torah values, and knowledge. Through our curriculum, we deepen their understanding of religious texts, and nurture a deep connection to Jewish identity and heritage. Our hands-on approach ensures that Torah learning is relevant and enriching to the lives of our young students while remaining rooted in timeless Jewish teachings.
Hebrew Language
(ויהי כל הארץ שפה אחת ” (בראשיתי”א:א”
We believe that proficiency in Hebrew is integral for understanding our religious texts and fostering communication within the global Jewish community in Israel and all over the world. Exposure begins in Kindergarten with a daily immersive experience in a Hebrew language classroom. Conversational Hebrew as well as letter recognition and formation is introduced. In grades 1 through 5, the iTaLAM program integrates innovative digital tools and multidisciplinary learning, fostering language acquisition while incorporating Jewish concepts and Tzionut.
Israel Education
“אהבת ארץ ישראל מקרבת את הגאולה”
At HAFTR, we are committed to cultivating a strong connection between our students and Medinat Yisrael, recognizing that learning about the past and present helps our students understand the sacred relationship between the Land, the Jewish people and their role in shaping its future.
The Israel curriculum is seamlessly integrated into our educational framework. From prominent Israeli figures to diverse artists, students explore Israel’s history, geography and vibrant culture. Scaffolding what students learn on each grade level, and focusing on current events in Israel, ensures that we instill the necessary components for a well-rounded Israel education.
Our commitment and love for Eretz Yisrael can truly be felt at our Yom HaZikaron Commemoration and Yom HaAtzmaut Family Celebration. Meeting chayalim and learning about the heroes of Tzahal, bring about pride in Israel that our students can identify with.
Mishmar
Mishmar is an optional Torah learning program open to boys and girls in grade 5. Students spend part of their time learning Torah and part of their time involved in recreational activities in the gym. It is a great opportunity for students to learn in an informal atmosphere and to interact with members of the faculty in a less formal manner. Snacks are provided each week.
Anyone interested in sponsoring a mishmar snack, please contact the school office.
The program meets on Thursdays after school from 4:00 – 5:00 pm. It begins in October and ends in the spring, typically culminating in a trip to a major league baseball game. Carpool pickup is required.
