The Program

As educators of high school students, we recognize and appreciate the complexity of adolescence and provide a program that stimulates, challenges, and engages our adolescent students intellectually, esthetically, emotionally, and morally. We prize the availability and accessibility of our faculty members who foster relationships with students that enrich the high school experience.

Across the disciplines, we develop critical thinking skills by identifying cognitive processes and subjecting them to intellectual standards that enrich both the classroom discourse and students’ writing. Talented faculty engages students in dynamic learning in classroom environments that are open, inquiry-based, student-centered, and hospitable to a variety of learning styles. Our academic program is sophisticated, integrated and the product of extensive faculty collaboration. Electives across disciplines afford students unique opportunities to study a topic in greater depth. The incorporation of laptops, electronic whiteboards, and other digital technology enriches the academic program in and out of the classroom.

Student senate affords students leadership responsibilities and a strong voice in all areas that impact the student experience. The Senate represents students in each grade, elects officers, and works with faculty and administration. One of the key areas of Senate work is Tikkun Olam; Hesed education is an integral component of the high school experience.

Our advisory program under the direction of our school psychologists and administrators provides each student with a small cohort of grade-level peers and meets weekly with a faculty advisor. The advisor acts as liaison between school and home and monitors each advisee’s academic, social, and emotional development.

An extensive co-curricular program offers students participation or leadership opportunities in over thirty clubs including performing and fine arts, publications, academic sub-specialties, and crafts. Students may pursue current passions or explore new interests.

English Language and Literature
The English curriculum is designed to instill in Heschel students an ongoing love of literature through deep reading and active discussion of the classics and contemporary literature. Our goal is for students to learn that how they read is as important as what they read.
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Social Studies
In teaching and learning history, a fundamental tension exists between covering facts and developing historical habits of mind. Our program emphasizes analysis and reflection; we guide young people toward interpretation rather than present them with facts. Read more
Mathematics
The understanding and mastery of mathematics is crucial in today’s world, a world in which the exchange of information is increasingly based on problem solving and technology. Students must be challenged to excel in mathematics if they are to grow as learners in all fields of study. Read more
Science
The study of science is at the heart of the human desire to understand the world around us. All children are natural scientists; they are keen observers of events occurring around them and seek to understand how these events come about and how they can predict similar events in the future. Read more
Limudei Qodesh
Limudei Qodesh classes are designed to generate learning experiences that provide students with the skills, knowledge, and most importantly of all, the disposition to continue to interact with Biblical and Rabbinic texts throughout their lives. Students are encouraged to see this ongoing interaction as part of their own, constantly developing and growing identity as Jews. Read more
Hebrew

The program provides students an opportunity to acquire, develop, and expand proficiency in and knowledge of Hebrew language, Jewish literature and thought, and the culture of modern Israel. Read more
World Languages
In 9th grade, Heschel students may choose to study Spanish, French or Latin. Each language may be taken for up to 4 years. Read more
Art
Art at the Heschel High School helps students develop a love of observing their world and perfect skills with which to express their observations. The Art department exposes students to a variety of experiences in the visual arts with an emphasis on an exploration of materials, techniques, ideas, critical analysis, art history and personal expression.
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Music
Music provides a means of expressing deep-rooted feelings in a way that words cannot. Throughout history, music has spoken a universal and essential language to those who make music, study music, even listen casually to music. Read more
Physical Education
The goal of the physical education department is for students to develop habits that assure them productive exercise that leads to maximal physical health and lifelong fitness. Read more

© 2008-2009 The Abraham Joshua Heschel School	Early Childhood/Lower School \| 270 West 89th Street \| New York, NY 10024 \| Ph (212) 595-7087
	Middle School \| 314 West 91st Street \| New York, NY 10024 \| Ph (212) 595-7817
	High School \| 20 West End Avenue \| New York, NY 10023 \| Ph (212) 246-7717