Schechter School of Long Island’s curriculum is grounded in the Next Generation NYS Standards. Our units of study are developed using research on child development and evidence-based instructional practices to support all learners.

Reading

At Schechter, we provide a rich, robust, standards-based curriculum that supports all children with what they need to develop as confident readers. Our reading instruction is designed to develop thoughtful, independent, and enthusiastic readers. Our curriculum focuses on both foundational and comprehension skills. In the early grades, students build alphabet recognition, phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and language skills essential for decoding and understanding texts. They engage with books that match their current phonics knowledge, enabling them to apply those skills as they decode words. They also have access to a diverse range of books—captivating stories, nonfiction about the world around them, and beginner-level readers. As students progress, they engage with a wide variety of authentic literature and informational texts to expand knowledge, build academic vocabulary, and develop analytical thinking. Teachers model close reading strategies and guide students to cite evidence, analyze the author’s craft, and compare texts. Our goal is for every child to experience reading as a tool for learning and a source of joy and personal growth.

Writing

Writing is a critical part of each student’s day. Our writing curriculum emphasizes writing as a process, incorporating planning, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. Each grade cycles through units of study that provide a sequence in Informational, Opinion, and Narrative Writing. Skills and concepts introduced in one unit are revisited and strengthened both within and across grade levels. Students learn to write clearly for different audiences and purposes. Throughout their writing journey, students are taught grammar, spelling, and conventions in context, enhancing their ability to clearly communicate in a thoughtful and organized manner. Teachers provide small group instruction, individualized feedback, and facilitate peer review to support student growth. By fostering voice, creativity, and precision, our program equips students to become effective communicators in school and beyond.

Math

The goals of our mathematics program are to foster students’ ability to think, reason and solve problems. Our curriculum emphasizes conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and real-world application. Students explore math through hands-on experiences, visual models, and discussions that promote reasoning and multiple solution strategies. They develop strong number sense in the early grades, laying the groundwork for advanced concepts. As students progress, they learn to apply their computational skills to complex problems and deepen their understanding of mathematical ideas. Topics such as fractions, geometry, algebraic thinking, and data analysis become focus areas in the upper elementary grades. Our approach ensures that students rely on reasoning as opposed to “recipes” and become flexible, independent thinkers. Building true understanding and making connections to everyday mathematics will prepare them for lifelong success as problem solvers.

Social Studies

Social studies prepares students to become informed, engaged, and responsible citizens. Our curriculum includes the study of history, geography, economics, government, and civics. Students explore their communities, New York State, the United States, and the world, learning about diverse cultures and perspectives that shape society. Through inquiry-based learning, students ask questions, analyze primary and secondary sources, and engage in discussions that build critical thinking skills. Our social studies program encourages students to make connections between the past and present and to consider their roles in shaping the future. English Language Arts Standards are woven throughout the social studies curriculum, providing students with additional opportunities to practice and apply essential literacy skills.

Science

Science instruction ignites curiosity and builds a strong foundation in STREAM through hands-on exploration and inquiry-based learning. Our curriculum integrates life, earth, and physical sciences along with engineering practices. Students learn to ask questions, develop hypotheses, conduct experiments, and analyze data. Through real-world investigations, they build understanding of key concepts while studying topics such as ecosystems, energy, weather patterns, forces, and human impact on the environment. Our science program fosters scientific thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, empowering students to explore and understand the natural world with curiosity and responsibility. Students will bring their scientific knowledge and understanding to a true STREAM model. Across the grades, students are invited to research high-interest topics, which provide opportunities to practice and apply their literacy skills with a focus on research. This process deepens their non-fiction skills to synthesize ideas from multiple texts. All students present STREAM projects at our annual Science Expo.   

Computer Science

The ability to code computer programs is a crucial part of literacy in today’s society. Computational thinking helps young people learn to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively. When our K-5 students learn to code, they learn essential strategies for solving problems, designing projects, and communicating ideas.

In addition to a dedicated computer class, technology at Schechter is integrated into the overall program. It is our philosophy that since technology surrounds us, its knowledge and skills are best learned through active participation.

Art

The Elementary Art Program at Schechter School of LI focuses on providing enriching art experiences while learning about art in history, and culture. The program’s goals focus on developing skills with tools and medium, understanding art concepts, and helping students to develop an appreciation of art by exploring its significance in our world.

Music

Music is a way of life at SSLI. The school year is packed with performances by our music ensembles, and every school day sees our halls, auditorium, and music laboratory filled with song.

Our students love music because we teach it through a variety of methods. We offer traditional discussions of rhythm and notation, composers and instrument families. In addition, we emphasize how music can be a vehicle for learning about emotions, Jewish/World history and culture, musical math and much more.

Physical Education

Active bodies equal stimulated minds.

Our physical education program provides a variety of learning experiences by offering age-appropriate activities, as well as teaching children health and wellness topics. We provide students with the knowledge and skills to participate in physical activities that will benefit them for a lifetime.

Jewish Studies

Judaic Studies are a way of life, a celebration of the children’s heritage. Through discussion, critical thinking, creativity, and project-based learning, our young students, learn about the history of our people, our diversity, and the faith that binds us together.

It is a process that comes to life through prayer, Torah study, holiday celebrations, learning about ancient and modern Israel, and Hebrew language. This process encourages each child to form a deep and personal understanding of Judaism, laying the basis for their Jewish identity into adulthood.

Hebrew

For our students, the Hebrew language is more than a second language, it is the story of our peoplehood. This ancient tongue, the language of our sacred texts and the Torah, is revived and spoken by our people around the world and children just like them in Israel.

Speaking more than one language improves memory, problem-solving and critical thinking skills, concentration, ability to multitask, and listening skills.

Our aim in language instruction is for the children to gradually become proficient in Hebrew, building upon the four pillars of language- listening, speaking, reading, writing.

Liturgical Music

Our unique liturgical music program explores the musical origins of our tradition, the role of music in our history and Tefila (prayer).

In class, we explore various Jewish communities around the world and learn their special nusach (style) of chant. Liturgical music classes are directly connected to our Global Jewish Story initiative, which celebrates our diversity and peoplehood.

Students compose their own melodies for Tefilot (prayers), which express their own feelings and hopes. Their melodies become integrated into our class tefilah, alongside the time-honored melodies that have been with us for generations.