Middle School
![[PJDS Middle School Students]](http://www2.pardesschool.org/images/20061223001.jpg)
The Middle School curriculum integrates secular and Jewish studies to provide a rigorous and meaningful scholastic experience. Students receive top-notch training in the academic core subjects (Language Arts, Social Studies, Math, and Science), Jewish subjects (Judaica and Hebrew), as well as supplementary subjects (physical education, technology, Spanish, and the arts). Their teachers are talented, dedicated, experienced professionals. A learning specialist works with students who require additional academic assistance during the school day.
The faculty provides an exciting, respectful, caring environment in which students learn how to think. Members of the eighth grade class have gone on to become academic and social leaders at many high schools including: Jess Schwartz College Prep, Chapparal, Horizon, IB programs, Phoenix Country Day School, Arcadia and Miliken Community High School in Los Angeles.
Middle School Learning Objectives
- An academic program that combines experiential learning, problem solving and study skills.
- A strong foundation in Jewish values, ethics, history and Hebrew.
- Interdisciplinary explorations designed to foster the development of academic discipline and classroom cooperation.
- A variety of extra-curricular activities including sports, grade level trips, competitions, music and drama
- Opportunity to learn and utilize independent study skills.
- Strong community ties through Tikun-Olam (social action).
Language Arts
The language arts program at PJDS impresses upon each student a love for and mastery of, the English language. Students analyze and write about fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama, both classical and contemporary. A strong emphasis on writing skills encourages both personal and academic writing to a high level. Discussion and oral presentations are integral to the learning process.
Math
The PJDS Math Program is leveled to the students strengths. Students master computational skills involving numerals, fractions, decimals, ratios, and percentages, while developing their number sense through math games and math manipulatives. As they proceed through the middle school, they move on to statistics, probability, matrices, 1- and 2-variable equations, 2- and 3- dimensional geometry, and the xy-coordinate plane. PJDS students enter high school ready to succeed at the highest levels, and those so inclined make it to calculus by senior and sometimes even junior year.
Social Studies
PJDS fifth graders study explorers to the "New World", the 13 colonies, the American Revolution, our Constitution, the Civil War, and western expansion. Sixth graders continue to build skills while studying the ancient history of different regions including Mesopotamia, Israel, Egypt, India, China, Greece, Rome, Arabia, Mexico, and South America. Seventh graders focus on world history, as well as world geography and culture. Eighth graders launch into a detailed exploration of the history and contemporary affairs of the United States from 1900 to the present.
Science
Middle school students benefit from a rigorous science program focusing on general Earth Science, Life Science and Physical Science. Our new science lab offers further instructional opportunities. Students learn to practice scientific methods through hands-on experimentation, both in-class and through award-winning participation in annual science fairs. Pardes graduates are extremely well prepared to succeed in the honors, International Baccalaureate, and Advanced Placement science programs at many of the Valley's finest high schools.
Judaica/Hebrew
Integrated Judaica and Hebrew programs are central to our Jewish values: PJDS students work closely with rabbis, cantors, and other Jewish educators to read and interpret Tanakh, Talmud and other rabbinic literature, and modern Jewish theology. Together they study the Torah portion every week with guest rabbis and cantors, while Pardes students chant the Torah the week of their bar/bat mitzvah. All middle school students take Hebrew every day from experienced and dedicated teachers.
![[PJDS Middle School Students Performing]](http://www2.pardesschool.org/images/20061223005.jpg)
Spanish
Our students develop their skills in conversation, grammar, and literature. Pardes students graduate with a firm foundation upon which their high school Spanish studies can build.
Physical Education
All middle school students participate in P.E. twice a week, and the majority of students also participate in one or more after-school, interscholastic sports. The Pardes campus features ample space for indoor athletics on the hottest days, and a new sports field and basketball court for outdoor athletics during the majority of the year. Our competitive sports teams play other private schools in the Mountain Valley Athletic League. The Pardes Panthers girls' teams compete in volleyball, soccer, basketball, and softball; boys' teams compete in flag football, basketball, soccer, and baseball. Go Panthers!
Technology
The Pardes campus offers students significant space and equipment for computers and technology. The tech lab, housing 27 new computers and accompanying software, is where students learn advanced functions using Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other programs. Students also have access to computers and the Internet in middle school classrooms. Smart boards are in a majority of the middle school classrooms and in the tech lab.
Art and Music
PJDS students study secular and Jewish art with extraordinarily talented and creative art and music teachers. The campus features a dedicated art room which children at all grade levels are able to utilize. Music is also an integral part of our prayer experience, and student instrumentalists and singers also perform in a school ensemble.
Enrichment
PJDS middle school students participate in weekly enrichment classes that add further dimensions to their Pardes experience. The topics have included drama, music, film-making, journalism, Israel studies, sports and technology. The enrichment curriculum is a favorite of Pardes students and helps them further develop their creativity.
Off-site Learning
Pardes students have been privileged to enjoy field trips to a number of Phoenix area locations including the Arizona State Legislature, the Arizona State University School of Music and Art, the Jewish Community Center, the Jewish Historical Society, Jess Schwartz College Prep, the Arizona Science Center, various medical facilities, Pinnacle Peak, and many more. Pardes students also go on overnight trips to Camp Pearlstein (5th grade), Bisbee and Tombstone (6th), Catalina Island (7th), and Washington D.C. (8th).
Advisory Program
Each grade level has advisory groups in which students benefit from the experience and guidance of their teachers. Students begin and end each day with their advisors to ensure that they are up-to-date with their work and schedules. Advisors serve as mentors and advocates and help to make their Pardes student experience gratifying and rewarding.
Our Pardes graduates have been accepted into the following colleges:
- Brown
- Yale
- University of Pennsylvania
- Middlebury
- Princeton
- Brandeis
- Wesleyan
- Washington University
- Berkley School of Music
- Duke
- Pomona
- Arizona State University
- Northern Arizona University
- University of Arizona