tucsonhebrew academy

POZEZ EDUCATIONAL CAMPUS

TUCSON HEBREW ACADEMY

3888 EAST RIVER ROAD

TUCSON, ARIZONA 85718

520.529.3888 TEL

520.529.0646 FAX

WWW.THAAZ.ORG

The Tucson Hebrew Academy admits students of any race, color and national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color andnational or ethnic origins in the administration of its educational policies, admissions, or financial aid policies, loan programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs.

CREATIVE: CHENEY & COMPANY PHOTOGRAPHY: ROGER HAWKINS AND SCHOOL ARCHIVE

The learning process at Tucson Hebrew Academy is charged

with the energy of discovery. The Academy is a

place of hands-on, interactive learning, where the classroom is

organized around students actively engaged. We view children as

having curious minds to respect and develop. Our students often

collaborate in small groups on projects, empowered as learners

and thinkers. Teachers encourage them by acting as coaches and

guides. Faculty members move among hubs of children, purpose-

fully discussing an assignment or cooperatively problem-solving.

The atmosphere in the classroom encourages self-assured self-

expression and develops respect for diverse points

of view. Teachers often use the Socratic method. As students

become fully engaged learners, they come to enjoy testing their

minds against the new challenges of the academic program.

The Academy creates a total learning environment.

Exploration and discovery, assimilation of knowledge, the search

for meaning in every subject, and mastery of skills characterize the

educational experience. A low student/teacher ratio allows faculty

members to manage this style of instruction, based on the most

up-to-date cognitive research.

EXPLORATION & DISCOVERY IN A

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CURIOUS—UNINHIBITED SELF-EXPRESSION

TUCSON HEBREW ACADEMY IS

AN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL FOR

CHILDREN FROM KINDERGARTEN

THROUGH EIGHTH GRADE.

a place of

high intellectual achievement

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our unique approach:

academic curriculuman interdisciplinary & integrated course of study

judaic studies inform every disci-

pline as well, helping students understand the rele-

vance of their heritage to themselves and the world.

Both Lower and Middle School curricula feature sequen-

tial and interdisciplinary studies inextricably tying

together all subjects into a coherent whole. We surround

our students with the widest range of materials to

engage their curiosity and whet their appetites for learn-

ing. Computers with CD-ROM and Internet connections

are available in the computer center, library and in

classrooms. Through these resources, plus individually

tailored programs of study, our students

discover learning as a way of life.

Children learn best when the process is stimulating and

relevant. At Tucson Hebrew Academy, we strive to create

relevance by teaching within a framework that empha-

sizes connections. Our students gain a comprehensive

understanding of the nature of knowledge by breaking

down the walls that normally separate disciplines.

Rather than teaching subjects in isolation, we provide

interdisciplinary learning. By interweaving a variety of

subjects, our students gain a greater depth of knowl-

edge. In our Ni Hao (“HELLO”) China Program with the

Tucson Chinese Cultural Center, for example, fourth-

graders learn about that nation’s literature and poetry in

English, its rich culture and past in history, its monetary

system in math and its environment in science. Visual

arts, music and geography are also key components of

this unified course.

NURTURING CREATIVITY—ENCOURAGING EXPLORATION

“One of the things we love about THA is the strong senseof community on campus. The kids feel so at home andcomfortable here; it’s a special feeling that you don’t getin public school. It’s hard to describe in words, but easyto feel when you’re a part of it.”—jeff & sara artzi

DISCOVERY—A PROCESS STIMULATING & RELEVANT

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a vision of excellence

our program of studyTECHNOLOGY

Computer technology is incorporated into the

Academy’s entire core curriculum for kindergarten

through eighth-grade. For example, kindergarten

and first-grade students participate in a unique

robotics program that teaches the fundamen-

tals of the programming language. As the students

move into the higher grades, they become computer

literate. By sixth-grade, all students are proficient in

Word, Excel and Publisher and have a strong under-

standing of how to effectively use the Internet as a

research tool to write papers for English, science and

other subjects. Technology in computer graphics, such

as Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign, are offered

to Middle School students as part of Yearbook Enrich-

ment. The Academy offers all students a network

environment that allows access to shared

resources, information via the Internet, on-line encyclo-

pedias, libraries and other educational websites.

intersect and relate to each other so that our students

gain a greater understanding of how their world works.

Children learn the basic cornerstones of mathematics

and develop mathematical comprehension, striking a

balance between learning facts and the appreciation of

mathematical concepts.

SCIENCE

In science, students far exceed didactic learning. They

act as mathematicians, scientists and technology experts

as they wrestle with the actual

problems facing our world, such as dangers to the

environment, global overpopulation, disease control and

genetic engineering. The program engages students

through real-life applications of obtaining and analyzing

data. Students use a combination of mathematics,

science and technology to address Earth’s challenges,

emulating the work of experts in these fields.

Tucson Hebrew Academy is a research-based school.

Our program is driven by the latest pedagogical research

on how children learn most effectively. In every grade,

the academy emphasizes teaching

excellence, not simply the presentation of infor-

mation. We strive to capitalize on each child’s unique

way of learning and thinking. While our students follow a

directed course of study, teachers constantly challenge

each individual to exceed the assigned work by exploring

and thinking independently. Thus, the educational expe-

rience stretches the intellect, creating adventuresome

learners. Tucson Hebrew Academy strives for the highest

standards in mathematics, science and technology.

MATHEMATICS

At the Academy, thinking mathematically becomes as

natural as thinking with language. We demonstrate how

the subjects of mathematics, science and technology

“Our children received the Jewish education that we wereunable to give them. In addition,they gained an outstanding secular education that could only be taught in small class-rooms from caring and commit-ted teachers. They have beencompletely prepared for their high school and college years.”—janis & danny gasch

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the basic skills of both expository and creative writing

are the emphasis. Our research-based curriculum

ensures that each student reads, spells and learns

correct use of English grammar, developing strong

abilities in oral expression and vocabulary.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

As a Jewish institution, Tucson Hebrew Academy

teaches each student to embrace his or her individual

obligation to improve the world. We integrate the con-

cept of tikkun olam (responsibility for repairing

the world) throughout the curriculum. Our Community

Service Program makes it possible for each student to

contribute time and effort meaningfully to the welfare of

others. In middle grades, the Academy requires students

to perform public service each year. Stu-

dents choose from a myriad of opportunities, through-

out the Tucson metropolitan area. Whether working with

the aged, serving in a food pantry or cleaning Sabino

Canyon, our students learn the importance of service to

the community. Younger students take part in age-

appropriate service activities. making a differ-

ence in the lives of others gives our

students the enthusiasm to seek this kind of satisfaction

throughout their lives.

HISTORY/SOCIAL STUDIES

History and social studies emphasize the interdepen-

dent nature of humanity. As we enter a new millennium

in a world shrinking through cyber-communications and

ease of travel, it is critical that students know about peo-

ple in other places and learn to draw upon the experi-

ence of people from previous times. This understanding

will enable them to compete and suc-

ceed in the multicultural “world

village” of their adult years. Lower School students

move from learning first about their own culture to

learning about other societies, both in the contemporary

and historical contexts.

A four-year sequence in the Middle School covers West-

ern Civilization from ancient times forward, culminating

with our eighth-grade American Studies Program.

READING, WRITING AND LITERATURE

The study of literature complements history and

social studies. In seventh-grade, for instance, reading

coordinates with the year-long focus on modern Euro-

pean history incorporating such great masterpieces

as Cyrano de Bergerac, Oliver Twist, The Count of Monte

Cristo, Animal Farm and The Diary of Anne Frank.

A four-year sequence, starting in fifth-grade, cultivates

serious research and writing skills utilizing the nation-

ally-recognized Basic Writing Skills program. In Lower

School, the Academy has introduced the Junior Great

Books Program. Emphasizing the Socratic method, this

program develops in-depth reading compre-

hension, critical thinking and inter-

pretive discussion skills. Poetry and

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OUR PROGRAM IS DRIVEN BY THE LATEST PEDAGOGICAL RESEARCH

“THA’s small class size enables the teachers to really get toknow their students—and the kids to really know their teach-ers. This allows for a more individualized, content driven curriculum which promotes positive interaction and enhancesthe learning process. And, as our recent THA graduate adds,"THA rocks!"—dot kret

TIKKUN OLAM: RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPAIRING THE WORLD

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ATHLETICS/PHYSICAL FITNESS

Our physical fitness program is designed to keep stu-

dents healthy and energetic. Tucson Hebrew Academy is

a member of the president’s council on

physical fitness and sports. This pro-

gram tests children’s flexibility, endurance and strength.

Students participate in a battery of challenging tests,

including pull-ups or push-ups, sit-ups, a quarter-mile or

mile run, a shuttle-run to test quickness and agility, and

a “v-sit” reach to measure flexibility.

As we have grown increasingly aware of the importance

of physical activity for our children, THA has responded

by offering a challenge and competitive

interscholastic and intramural

athletics program, promoting fitness, team-

work, sportsmanship and, of course, sheer fun. Our

programs include basketball, soccer, track and field,

and volleyball.

FINE ARTS

Our commitment to the fine arts is apparent as you

walk through the Academy. children’s art-

work covers the walls, and their

singing voices exude the spirit of

the academy. Visual arts, music and drama are

woven throughout the curriculum. Artists are considered

part of their cultural milieu. For instance, when studying

Shakespeare, students learn the music, art and dramatic

techniques of his time. Our drama ensemble produces

theatrical events throughout the year. School children

participate in grade-level performances that reflect the

secular and Judaic studies programs.

In music, students become familiar with composers

and music from around the world and throughout time.

Beginning in kindergarten, students make music and

use rhythm instruments from various cultures. Our

choir is invited to perform in the community. The stu-

dent band gives our young musicians the opportunity to

hone their skills in an ensemble setting. As a comple-

ment to their classroom studies, our students take fine

arts field trips to various local galleries, museums, con-

certs, opera and theater productions and symphony

dress rehearsals.

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VISUAL ARTS, MUSIC AND DRAMA ARE WOVEN THROUGHOUT THE CURRICULUM

“My older son discovered his passion for art with his Middleschool art teacher. He is now an assistant art director in Holly-wood.”—martha sampson,mother of bryan langer ’94

ADVENTURESOME AND CONFIDENT

Q: HOW DO I APPLY TO THA?

A: YOU MAY CALL THE ADMISSIONS

OFFICE AT (520) 529-3888 X104 OR

E-MAIL RSEBOLD@THAAZ.ORG TO

HAVE A BROCHURE/APPLICATION

MAILED TO YOU.

Q: IS THA ACCREDITED? A: THA IS

ACCREDITED BY THE NORTH CENTRAL

ASSOC. COMMISSION ON ACCREDITA-

TION & SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT. THA

IS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL

ASSOC. OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS.

Q: DOES THE ACADEMY HAVE

ATHLETIC TEAMS? A: THERE ARE

MANY INTERSCHOLASTIC TEAMS

FOR BOTH MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS’

AND GIRLS’ SPORTS THROUGHOUT

THE YEAR.

Q: WHAT DOES THA LOOK FOR IN

AN APPLICANT? A: THE ACADEMY

LOOKS FOR APPLICANTS WHO ARE

WELL ROUNDED, CURIOUS AND

CAN BENEFIT FROM A RIGOROUS

ACADEMIC PROGRAM.

Q: WHY SEND MY CHILD TO THA?

A: THA OFFERS A CLASSIC INDEPEN-

DENT SCHOOL EXPERIENCE PROVID-

ING ITS STUDENTS WITH SKILLS TO

THINK CRITICALLY, WRITE EFFECTIVELY

AND PROBLEM SOLVE CREATIVELY.

Q: IS FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE?

A: UNDERSTANDING THAT NOT EVERY

FAMILY CAN AFFORD FULL TUITION,

THA PROVIDES FINANCIAL ASSIS-

TANCE TO FAMILIES ON THE BASIS OF

DEMONSTRATED FINANCIAL NEED.

Q: WHAT IS THE TYPICAL CLASS SIZE?

A: GRADES 1–4 RANGE FROM 12–18

STUDENTS. GRADES 5–8 VARY FROM

12–22 STUDENTS.

Q: HOW LONG IS THE SCHOOL DAY?

A: SCHOOL BEGINS AT 8:00 A.M.

AND ENDS AT 3:30 P.M., MONDAY

THROUGH FRIDAY.

Q: WHAT IS THE CUT-OFF AGE

FOR KINDERGARTEN ADMISSION?

A: A CHILD MUST BE FIVE YEARS

OLD BY SEPTEMBER 1 OF THE YEAR

OF KINDERGARTEN ADMISSION.

Q: HOW DO I ARRANGE FOR A VISIT

TO THE SCHOOL? A: A VISIT TO THE

SCHOOL FOR BOTH PARENTS AND

CHILD IS A REQUIRED PART OF THE

APPLICATION PROCESS. CALL THE

SCHOOL OFFICE (520) 529-3888.

Q: HOW ARE GENERAL AND JUDAIC

STUDIES TAUGHT? A: THA’S CURRICU-

LUM PROVIDES A UNIQUE MULTICUL-

TURAL INTERDISCIPLINARY PROGRAM

WITHIN A MORAL AND ETHICAL

FRAMEWORK.

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COMPARATIVE JUDAISM

As a community day school our unique experiential

prayer program sensitizes children to the major move-

ments in Judaism. Students learn the philosophy,

history and ritual of each movement in Judaism, which

they apply during prayer services. A comparative

Judaism/Tefillah program for grades six through eight

introduces children to the richness and complexity

of Tefillah throughout the Jewish community. They study

the Orthodox, Conservative and Reform experiences.

Our students develop an appreciation and

understanding of the many ways

Judaism is celebrated. K’lal Yisrael

becomes a real part of their life, philosophy, history

and practice.

HEBREW LANGUAGE

Our approach is to teach modern Hebrew as a living

language. Starting in kindergarten, students begin to

acquire the language through listening and respond-

ing—they learn to think in Hebrew, not

merely to translate. This provides them

with the essential building blocks of language, allowing

them to communicate both quickly and effectively.

Our students are encouraged to take linguistic risks,

allowing them to acquire language skills more rapidly.

Instructors use real-life language experiences so that

Jewish culture is central to the study of language. We

couple the aural/oral approach with a strong foundation

in reading, writing, spelling and the composition of

thoughtful, cogent essays.

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a living heritage

the judaic studies program

Judaic studies at the Academy are unique in the

Southwest and in the nation. Judaic studies are inter-

woven with secular studies. This approach enables our

students to acquire a heightened consciousness of

Jewish heritage, tradition, culture, ethics and values as

relevant to their lives. They study the Bible, Jewish holi-

days and traditions dynamically through games, play,

dance and songs. This highly innovative

curriculum demonstrates to our students that

Jewish ethics and history are related in significant

ways to world history, science, mathematics, literature

and the arts.

JUDAIC STUDIES ARE INTERWOVEN WITH

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“Both of our daughters are growingup to be sensitive, caring and empa-thetic young people who have adeep sense of commitment to theirJewish heritage and an understand-ing of their Jewish roots. We couldhave asked for nothing more impor-tant for our girls, and feel that bysending them to THA, we were ableto do for them what no other schoolcould have done.”—dr. lionel &karen faitelson

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the lower school

kindergarten–grade four

Our writing curriculum emphasizes expository and

creative writing skills, which enable our students to

develop the ability to communicate clearly, concisely

and effectively.

Fourth-graders and kindergartners participate in an

in-depth, first-of-its-kind Ni Hao (“HELLO”) China pro-

gram with the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center. Fourth-

graders study the country and culture of China and

the inner workings of a Cultural Center. They learn to

become business managers, curators, grant writers

and other specialists of a gallery as well as incipient

“experts” on China. They create their own Cultural

Center, which is open to the public at the Academy.

Kindergartners spend six weeks in their unique

collaboration between our Academy and the Cultural

Center, learning about Chinese family and cultural life.

The Lower School provides a safe, nurturing

environment, one that encourages each child to

reach his or her academic and creative potential. We

have made a special commitment to our youngest learn-

ers. Our kindergarten, first- and second-grade classes

each have a teacher and a paraprofessional to work with

the students. We recognize the developmental differ-

ences in young children and reach each child at his or

her own maturational stage. Our low student/teacher

ratio permits us to guide children purposefully and

gently to the next academic, social and emotional level.

Individual and small group instruction in reading is

based on the latest educational research available, and

provides an optimum environment for

the success of our emergent readers.

Throughout the Lower School, we emphasize critical

thinking along with basic skills. The Junior Great Books

Program introduces our students to the finest of chil-

dren’s literature. It focuses on interpretive reading, writ-

ing and discussion through the Socratic method.

WE RECOGNIZE DEVELOPMENTAL DIFFERENCES

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"Our daughter has attended THA for the past two years. She's happy, confident, and is receiving a great education.But, most importantly, THA provides her with values and a cornerstone of her moral foundation."—rebecca foley

WE EMPHASIZE COMMUNICATING CLEARLY, CONCISELY AND EFFECTIVELY

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service to the community is an essential

component of our philosophy. leadership

opportunities are encouraged through the Student

Council. Extracurricular activities are also an integral

part of the Academy’s total learning experience.

Students participate in the publication of a school

newspaper and yearbook, theatrical productions, as

well as interscholastic and intramural athletics.

Through an academically rigorous

program, students in grades five through eight

learn to master the skills that serve them in high school

and beyond. They learn comprehensively. A four-year

sequence covers Western civilization from ancient

Sumeria, Israel, Egypt, Greece and Rome to modern

times. A school-wide expository-writing sequence builds

critical research and writing skills that enable students

to organize and present coherent, articulate essays and

research papers.

Blended throughout the curriculum are studies in

music, art, drama and creative writing as well as Judaic

studies. Students acquire a mastery of modern Hebrew

language and history. For example, when studying

ancient Egyptian civilization in social studies, students

paint hieroglyphics in art class and learn ancient Hebrew

songs in Judaic studies to create a deeper understand-

ing of historical contexts.

The Middle School curriculum encourages students

to appreciate the classical arts, providing them field

trips to operas, museums and phil-

harmonic concerts. Children learn to appreci-

ate the beauty of Shakespeare’s language and poetry.

A four-year Shakespearean sequence exposes students

to Julius Caesar, Romeo and Juliet, The Merchant of

Venice and Othello. Students also participate in a

Shakespeare Festival at the Academy.

the middle school

grades five–eight

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AND PHILHARMONIC CONCERTS

“Rachel has thrived bothacademically and sociallyat THA. The small class sizegives her a greater opportu-nity to express her opinionsin class, and she does sowith great confidence. Theteachers are extremely car-ing and supportive, and areable to give each studentthe attention that theyneed. When Rachel has dif-ficulty with a concept, theynotice it, and work with heruntil she gets it. I knowthat she is in good hands at THA.”—nanci levy

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EXPLORING THE WORLD FROM

1918

a caring faculty

teachers as guides & friends

The Academy holds its faculty to the highest standards

of training and performance. We recruit our

faculty from across the united

states and other countries to find

the best teachers for our students. We nourish our

faculty’s intellectual, social and professional growth

through our Faculty Excellence Funds that enable staff

to attend classes, seminars and workshops and obtain

advanced degrees.

While the energy of learning is at the core of Tucson

Hebrew Academy, it is our faculty that is the fundamen-

tal cornerstone of the Academy experience.

Our teachers act as mentors, guides and

friends to students. They instruct and motivate,

allowing students to sharpen their skills and gain confi-

dence by performing on their own. As a result, students

learn by doing: solving problems, reasoning, communi-

cating and making leaps of creativity. Dedicated and

accessible well beyond the classroom, teachers make

use of all “teachable moments,” even those that may

casually arise in the corridors, at lunch, before or after

school or on the playing fields, to convey information

or teach values.

Students and parents can communicate

with teachers easily. Every faculty member

has voicemail and email. All faculty members work

together as a team. The Academy takes the unusual step

of giving teachers time to collaborate daily on content,

methods and pedagogy. Teachers for each grade meet to

discuss class projects and curriculum, coordinate long-

and short-term assignments and evaluate individual stu-

dent’s progress. They meet regularly within departments

and across disciplines and grade levels to share their

academic expertise, enabling them to integrate material

sequentially across the curriculum.DEDICATED AND ACCESSIBLE

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“Each day Darien and Nolan attend THA, they are given the gift of knowing they are loved, respectedand accepted for who they are. They have gained a great amount of confidence and self-esteem know-ing they are safe to be themselves.In return, Darien and Nolan areable to give back to THA and theirteachers by working and learning at their greatest potential. THA hasalso given them a tremendous sense of connection to their Jewishheritage and to the Jewish commu-nity.”—gwen ferrill

THA programs

beyond the classroom

FACILITIES

Located in contemporary buildings on the campus of

the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona, Tucson

Hebrew Academy provides comfortable modern class-

rooms, an up-to-date computer center, a library, a music

room, fully appointed science laboratories, and a Glatt

kosher cafeteria. Also at our disposal are the outstand-

ing athletic facilities of the jewish

community center.

ADMISSIONS & ACCREDITATION

The Tucson Hebrew Academy admits students of

any race, color and national or ethnic origin to all the

rights, privileges, programs and activities generally

accorded or made available to students at the school.

Tucson Hebrew Academy holds accreditation from the

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)

and the North Central Association Commission on

Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA).

For more information please contact Ronnie

Sebold, Director of Admissions: rsebold@thaaz.org

or 520-529-3888 x104.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES & CLUBS

A wide range of lively activities spark enthusiasm beyond

the classroom. Chess club, choir, art club, cooking and

drama are among the after-school activities that attract

our students throughout the grades. The choir performs

a repertoire of American and Jewish songs for various

events in the community. Any Middle School student

who wishes may participate in drama productions. In

Lower School, each grade creates a special program in

which every child performs before an audience. This

helps develop our children’s confi-

dence, presence and poise.

FOR PARENTS

Throughout the year, the Academy offers a variety

of workshops and seminars for

parents concerning parenting, developmental

psychology and current educational issues. In addition,

many parents participate in the life of the Academy

through fundraising projects, holiday celebrations

and other activities sponsored by the Parent Teacher

Student Organization (PTSO).

For more information about

the Tucson Hebrew Academy

or to schedule a school visit,

please call (520) 529-3888.

A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES BEYOND THE CLASSROOM ENRICHES SCHOOL LIFE

L’DOR V’DOR

FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION

FOR 57 CENTURIES, JEWISH HERITAGE HAS BEEN

HANDLED WITH CARE FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION.

AS WE ENTER THE 21ST CENTURY OF OUR ERA, TUCSON

HEBREW ACADEMY LINKS THESE TIMELESS VALUES OF

LEARNING AND GOODNESS, IN AN UNBROKEN SEQUENCE,

TO OUR NEXT GENERATION.