At Austin Jewish Academy, Middle School is a time for discovery — of new ideas, new skills, and new strengths. Whether exploring the natural world at Candlelight Ranch, diving into complex math concepts, or reflecting on Jewish values, AJA students are learning not just from textbooks, but through experiences that build character, curiosity, and confidence.
Building Strength and Spirit in PE and Athletics
In PE, students are strengthening both their bodies and their minds. Through activities that emphasize aerobic fitness, muscular endurance, bone strength, and flexibility, AJA students are developing the habits and techniques needed for lifelong health. From mastering cardiovascular fitness and strength-building exercises to practicing safe and effective stretching, each class combines physical growth with fun, teamwork, and a sense of accomplishment.
Student athletes are also hard at work during their Athletics period, focusing on in-season sports and building the teamwork, perseverance, and school spirit that make AJA’s athletic community so special.
Math in Motion: Real-World Learning
In Pre-Algebra, students have been exploring rates, proportions, and unit rates — even applying their knowledge to real-world situations, like comparing prices in the grocery store! They’ll soon be tackling percents, fractions, and decimals.
Algebra I students have connected math to everyday life, learning how to calculate interest, commission, and tips while exploring similar figures and scale drawings.
Foundations of Algebra students are mastering balancing equations and preparing to apply their skills to decimals, estimation, and scientific notation.
Meanwhile, Advanced Geometry students have taken on the challenge of two-column proofs and are now studying parallel and perpendicular lines, applying algebraic reasoning to geometric relationships.
Scientific Thinking and Creativity
In Life Science, our young scientists have been diving into the structure and function of cells — discovering how each organelle contributes to the larger organism. Inspired by The Martian, students worked in teams to apply the Scientific Method to creative problem-solving challenges set on Mars, presenting their innovative solutions in class.
Engineering students have taken a short break for the holidays but will return ready to design, test, and innovate in the coming weeks — stay tuned!
Exploring History and Storytelling
In Texas History, students have journeyed through the Age of Contact, studying early Spanish and European explorers through engaging reader’s theatre performances and colorful visual notes. By asking big questions like “Was the New World really new?” they’re developing a deeper understanding of how exploration shaped Texas’s cultural landscape.
In ELA, students brought their Candlelight Ranch experiences to life through personal narratives, playlists, and creative projects inspired by their adventures. They are also finishing The Martian, connecting literature and science through themes of courage, innovation, and survival.
Living Jewish Values
In Jewish Studies, 6th and 7th graders celebrated Sukkot by learning about its significance as both a harvest and pilgrimage festival. Students built and decorated the school sukkah with a “mega-long” paper chain — a beautiful example of Hiddur Mitzvah, or beautifying a commandment. Next, they’ll dive into the Jewish Court of All Time (JCAT) simulation, researching historical figures and engaging in lively online debates that connect Jewish ethics to real-world issues.
In Hebrew I and II, students are progressing through new immersive programs — Be’son Ha’ivrit and Bishvil Ha’ivrit — practicing decoding, vocabulary, conversation, and self-expression. Through reading, writing, and dialogue, they’re building confidence in their Hebrew fluency and connecting more deeply to Jewish identity and culture.
