MISSION STATEMENT
The Chabad Esformes Hebrew Academy seeks to create a learning environment that allows students to excel academically, psychologically, socially, and physically. We believe that all students can learn, and most can excel. We instill a thirst for knowledge in our students, provide continued staff development, take tremendous measures to include parents in their children’s educational advancement, and include the community in creating and maintaining a successful institution of learning.
At Chabad Esformes Hebrew Academy, we learn, we are respectful, we are responsible, we are safe because…WE > ME.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Our environment mirrors a city in which there is a central plaza that is representative of the traditional Italian town square. In the plaza, students can mingle. There are no hallways to interrupt continuity so that the children can observe the cooks or whoever else might pass by. There is freedom of movement between areas, including outside so that children can see all activities unfolding.
Teachers engage in great family engagement as they provide parents with notes and photographs of the day and invite them to linger on the couches that provide kids’-eye views. Children are seen as the “fourth teachers” themselves, born with the ability to be learned from, listened to, and be respected. The teacher’s role is of listening and guidance. The program benefits the students’ creativity as it provides all of the outlets necessary for self-guidance and self-expression.
EXPECTATIONS
Research has shown there are nine characteristics that are found most often in high-performing schools. The entire staff at Esformes Hebrew Academy is committed to stay focused and improve in these areas. The nine characteristics of effective schools include:
Clear and shared focus
High standards and expectations for all students
Effective school leadership
High levels of collaboration and communication
Curriculum, instruction, and assessment aligned with state standards
Frequent monitoring of learning and teaching
Focused professional development
A supportive learning environment
High levels of family and community involvement