Gordon Day School
Kindergarten - 6th Grade
Our highly academic general studies curriculum goes beyond the Florida State Standards, offering students in Kindergarten through 6th grade an enriching learning experience. Through an integrated program of secular and Judaic studies, our curriculum combines the very highest standards of academic excellence with the rich traditions of our Jewish heritage.
Students are challenged to reach their learning potential through innovative teaching techniques, small group instruction, accelerated classes and student support. In our general studies program, students build skills and knowledge in math, language arts including Hebrew and Spanish, social studies and history.
Specialists in science, art, music, computers, library and physical education create stimulating, activity-based lessons with challenging, age-appropriate material. It is a time for discovery as the students make lasting friendships and learn about teamwork. Throughout the year, students engage in award-winning special projects, expanding the knowledge they gain in the classroom and integrating it into the greater Miami academic community.
At The Gordon School,
we build strong minds, encourage independent thinking, and inspire creativity.
Hebrew
Our students learn Hebrew through the Tal Am program. Tal Am is an interactive learning experience which utilizes appealing visuals, music, focuses on holidays and the weekly Torah Portion (Parshat Hashavua). The curriculum is seamlessly integrated and the classroom environment is filled with dynamic, stimulating and engaging materials that are explored through the five senses. Students gain literacy skills in a gradual and spiraled process and develop a love of the language.
Athletics
Physical education is an important part of our Day School curriculum. Students have physical education every day as well as recess. Basic calisthenics, conditioning exercises, sportsmanship lessons, team sports and individual skills development are all part of the program. The Gordon Day School has a policy of health and wellness, and physical education is one of the main components. Students participate in activities on our field, basketball court, and in our state-of-the art playground.
Spanish
With Spanish spoken by over 60% of Miami, The Gordon School values giving students this fundamental language skill. Students participate in classroom activities that promote conversation in Spanish. The class supports students across varying levels of Spanish language development and provide students with the tools necessary to promote growth across all domains in Spanish.
STEAM
The Gordon Day School is equipped with smart boards in all classrooms and iPads for each student. Technology is integrated seamlessly into our daily curriculum and I-Ready, robotics, Google classroom are used.
Student learn the basics of engineering and coding with LEGO and Sphero robotics tools. Each year, students in fourth and fifth grade compete in a Robotics Competition with other Jewish Day Schools.
Fine Arts
Our students learn about famous artists and emulate their particular style and technique while creating an original piece of art. Students learn to work with a variety of media as they make an assortment of objects related to Jewish and secular holidays, curricula and entries for competitions including the Fairchild Challenge and the Dade County Youth Fair. Our art specialist works with classroom teachers to integrate art appreciation into the curricula and to coordinate visits to museums. Our campus is proudly decorated with student-generated artwork.
Science
Students learn the fundamentals of earth and space science, physics, and biology by exploring the building blocks of reality. Our students investigate matter, energy, and motion to planets, robotics, environmental science and cells. Through hands-on laboratory exercises, students tangibly engage with scientific concepts in an effort to inspire curiosity and future innovation.
Performing Arts
Students of all ages learn the skills needed to present in front of an audience. A highlight of each school year is the musical theatre production directed by Rabbi Julie Jacobs. Students in grades K-5 spend months rehearsing and always give an award-winning Broadway-style performance. What a wonderful way to learn to feel comfortable before a live audience! Past productions have included Disney’s The AristoCats, Oliver, Fiddler on the Roof and Annie.
Music
Students participate in music class once a week with a music specialist. They enjoy learning songs in both Hebrew and English, writing original songs and preparing musical videos about the holidays. Students also have the option of participating in Beth David’s Youth Choir. Members of the choir perform at synagogue and community concerts throughout the year, during city-wide events such as the community-wide Chanukah candle lighting ceremony with the mayor, during High Holy Days services, at retirement homes and more.
Judaic Studies
In class, each student is on their own formative journey to develop a relationship with Judaism. Through thoughtful exploration of holidays and stories, students learn how to ask questions and seek their own answers. By making the study relevant to the students, students develop a love and understanding of Jewish concepts and values.
Publishing Parties
Students in grades K-5 work for weeks to write, illustrate, and bind their own pieces of creative writing. They then present their publications at an annual Publishing Party for parents, special friends and senior administrators. This process brings writing to life for them, and our teachers incorporate various facets of the curriculum into the creative writing and publishing experience.
The experience of preparing for and presenting original works at an early age enriches our student’s experience in a myriad of ways. They enter the world of literature as authors – not just readers. They become excited and engaged in language arts as a creator, not just a bystander. Our teachers spend hours working one-on-one with each student to bring out his/her unique potential. Students learn the hard work, effort and discipline required to prepare a product that they are proud and excited to present.
School Hours
Monday-Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Early morning care is available starting at 7 a.m. and aftercare is available until 6:00 p.m.