As a member of the Greater Rochester Association of Private Schools, Hillel Community Day School prides itself in delivering excellence in education as measured by the New York State English, Language Arts and Mathematics exam. The data supports the following conclusions:

• 91% of Hillel students tested score above grade level in English and Language Arts. In Math, every student tested scored above grade level. These scores are based on the New York State examinations. 

• In-house testing in the areas of: comprehension, word recognition and vocabulary showed scores at least one year above grade level. 

• What is truly significant and gratifying about the above data is that we do not “cherry pick” our student population. The above average scores reflect students of all ranges including those who receive remedial support. 

The basis of our General Studies curriculum is the McGraw Hill publications. These materials were chosen as there is continuity and integration in all aspects of skill and study. For example all strands of Language Arts are intertwined so that when engaged in a short story from the anthology the students are also exposed to the grammar, spelling, creative expression and critical thinking skills inherent in that passage. 

The McGraw Hill Math Program has three levels of instruction and quite frequently the enrichment strand is employed. Students also work on gathering data, graphing and Excel programming in our unique “pull out” Math program. Classroom teachers in Grades 3-8 are part of the two-teacher model so that individual needs are met. The Math Program is not limited to computation but incorporates problem solving skills in practical situations such as compounding interest by graphing children’s height, recipe adaptations and gravitational pull. 

Our singular approach to Science is to implement a school-wide pullout program taught by Science specialists and integrated with classroom instruction. 

Many schools in the Rochester area teach Social Studies and Language Arts in tandem as does our school so that children can express themselves in a text based area instead of an isolated program. It is a well established principle that there is optimal learning when facts are integrated so that children can connect facts to aid in their problem solving skills. When history and geography are combined, critical/higher level thinking skills are enhanced.

Hillel strives to integrate Judaic and General Studies programming

This year, all students learning about Yitzchak Rabin are creating projects for studying the Lost Tribe of Menashe. Israel is a central component of the integrated curriculum and each grade level has its appropriate curriculum. These guides have been given to both Judaic as well as General Studies teachers. Red Ribbon Week was based in Judaic values and taught throughout the school. Martin Luther King and Yitzchak Rabin were leaders who shared similar philosophies and were martyred for their beliefs. Our students drew analogies between the two leaders. The Modi’in Project links our students with our sister school in Israel. Both schools read The Giving Tree and created a tree that highlighted Mitzvot.

In addition, we offer an array of specials which are outstanding in content and performance:

• The Hochstein Music Program has greatly enhanced our outreach and in-school programming.

• We have a visual/creative arts program where children are encouraged to express themselves with supportive and motivating instruction. 

• The state-of-the-art computer lab at Hillel is available as both a structured class and means of enrichment in the various disciplines. Beginning as young as Kindergarten, students are taught computer skills and navigation, using age-appropriate software. 

• The Hebrew Language program has been intensified through increased instruction in Hebrew as well as expected usage by the students. Our students graduate with a three-year Hebrew Language Regents credit which normally would be given to High School Juniors! Likewise, our students receive High School regents’ credits for Earth Science and Math. It is our goal to have students develop a positive and loving attitude toward the Hebrew language. Students learn to pray together, learn Jewish values and gain a love of Israel. Children will become familiar with Jewish holidays, customs and ceremonies. This is begun in Kindergarten and enhanced both in breadth and depth throughout the program.

Connecting the Elements

In Judaic Studies, the current sixth grade is studying the Talmudic sources relating to Passover while simultaneously studying Egyptian civilization in their secular history class. This is a model for curricular integration that we strive to achieve in all areas. 

Bible and Prophets are taught in the original text and serve as a common link to our past and shares values for the present and future.

Providing An Education That Lasts a Lifetime

Hillel Community Day School takes very seriously the word “COMMUNITY” in its very name. Our students partake in after school activities such as the Boys and Girls Club as well as other Gam Chai Mitzvah projects that help the community and build character and leadership attributes. The school’s philosophy embraces all Jews regardless of affiliation. This is clearly evident in the social relationships of our students. 

Anecdotal evidence indicates that our students, after completing a rigorous dual curriculum with a foreign language component, are able to budget their time, think critically and excel in their post Hillel educational experiences. Our alumni go on to achieve graduate degrees and have been accepted to leading Universities and Colleges and many go on to obtain graduate degrees. We are currently working on a program to track these graduates and their accomplishments.