Academic Excellence
Reading , writing, mathematics, science, geography and social studies are the mainstay of our modern general academic program. Our curriculum uses the most modern tools available. For students in the upper grades, Spanish as a third language is offered as an elective. We also maintain a dedicated computer lab, and each child receives individualized instruction on computer programs and sources, such as PowerPoint and the Internet. With a two-to-one student-computer ratio, students have ready access to these essential tools.
Our program takes advantage of our class size to augment each child's experience through individualized attention. The focus on maintaining a minimal student to teacher ratio provides a nurturing atmosphere to meet individual students' needs. As studies show, small class size is conducive to developing creativity, self-confidence, social skills and a life-long love of learning.
Akiva's program has gained accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the most prestigious agency in our region. Our students have successfully competed in academic and art contests such as the American Mathematics Contest, National Geography Bee, and the Nashville Trash Art Contest. Akiva provides the opportunity for students to participate in the school's literature magazine and in the publication of the Akiva School yearbook. Akiva Community Day School students have proceeded to attend Nashville's most selective private high schools as well as magnet schools.
We also believe that children should exercise their bodies as well as their minds and their souls. Our students participate in community-wide track meets and soccer matches through the school's team, The Akiva Lions. All our students are encouraged to participate in team sports. Our goal is to build students' confidence through participation - and anyone who participates succeeds.
Judaic Studies
Our Judaic studies program encompasses Hebrew language, Jewish history, Jewish laws and customs, holiday observances, prayer, values and ethics. Additionally, students learn about modern-day Israel , current events, and issues facing the Jewish people today. While not all children come to us as kindergarten students, our individualized program allows students at any knowledge level to be integrated into the classroom.
All students learn conversational Hebrew as a second language, with instruction beginning in kindergarten, using the established Tel Sela (Hebrew Language Arts) and Tel Am (Jewish Heritage) programs developed by leading Jewish educators and used in day schools nationwide. Similarly, all students study the weekly Torah portion. Upper grade students also study Talmud, the basis for all civil law.
Rabbis from all Nashville synagogues are involved in our Judaic studies program. They are invited to both teach in our classes and lead the students in prayer using the prayer book of their choice.
Through this rich program, we augment the family's role in developing the child's personal Jewish identity and love for the Jewish people and the land of Israel . In this manner, our unique culture and traditions can be passed to future generations. It is our mission that our graduates live a meaningful Jewish life in the modern world.
Integrated Curriculum
An integrated curriculum promotes students' understanding of how all subjects that are taught are connected in one way or another. Our educators consciously design units that bring students' attention to the relationships between disciplines, as well as between our general academic and Judaic studies programs.
