Category: Academic

A Day in the Life of an AJA Fifth Grader
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A Day in the Life of an AJA Fifth Grader

From the classroom to the garden, our fifth graders are growing in every way—academically, emotionally, and as members of a thriving community. Whether they’re crafting art with meaning, planting seeds of change, or imagining a better world through ancient texts, one thing is clear: it’s a great day to be in fifth grade at AJA....

How Austin Jewish Academy Weaves Jewish Studies, Hebrew, and Israel into Everyday Learning
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How Austin Jewish Academy Weaves Jewish Studies, Hebrew, and Israel into Everyday Learning

At Austin Jewish Academy, from the very first day of kindergarten, students are introduced to Jewish holidays, Torah portions, and basic Hebrew vocabulary. As they progress through each grade, the focus expands to include key Jewish prayers, traditions, and values. Students begin learning Hebrew in earnest by first grade and, by second grade, are leading...

Prizmah Report: The Impact of a Jewish Day School Education
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Prizmah Report: The Impact of a Jewish Day School Education

“The research that Prizmah is now publishing on Jewish day school alumni on campus shows in numbers just what a difference attending Jewish day school makes in the lives of young Jewish college students. This data provides us with more concrete evidence of what those of us in the field already know: Compared to peers who...

Bright Minds, Big Discoveries: AJA Middle Schoolers Shine at Annual Science Fair
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Bright Minds, Big Discoveries: AJA Middle Schoolers Shine at Annual Science Fair

Yesterday, our AJA MPR was buzzing with excitement as our middle school students showcased their creativity, critical thinking, and scientific curiosity at the annual AJA Science Fair. Thirteen talented students presented twelve diverse projects that spanned a wide range of scientific fields, demonstrating their passion for learning and discovery. From innovative technologies to environmental solutions,...

Middle Schoolers Debate Reconstruction: 8th Graders Shine in Historical Showdown
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Middle Schoolers Debate Reconstruction: 8th Graders Shine in Historical Showdown

On a recent morning at Austin Jewish Academy, Mrs. Hidalgo’s 8th grade students took center stage for a powerful display of their critical thinking and debating skills, culminating in a series of thought-provoking debates centered around the Reconstruction era. Guided by their study of this transformative period in American history and a lesson in debating...

Middle School Debate Meets the Courtroom: 8th Graders Learn Persuasion from a Pro
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Middle School Debate Meets the Courtroom: 8th Graders Learn Persuasion from a Pro

When Karen Hidalgo’s 8th graders started prepping for their Reconstruction Era debate, they got a crash course in persuasion from a seasoned family law attorney. With over 20 years of courtroom experience and a National Moot Court title under her belt, Hillery Kaplan shared practical tips on crafting strong arguments, presenting evidence, and winning over...