The Nigri Jewish Online School has been a beacon of Jewish education for over a decade, successfully engaging students in Judaics through fun and creative methods. Responding to the enthusiastic requests from our parent body, we embarked on a new journey to incorporate General Studies into our curriculum. Thus, two years ago, our General Studies department was born, starting with a robust Math and ELA curriculum.

The Birth and Growth of Our General Studies Department

In its inaugural year, our General Studies program launched with a select number of students and classes, aiming to complement the rigorous Judaic education we provide. Our dedicated educators rose to the occasion, ensuring a seamless integration of the new curriculum. The proof of our success lies in the continued interest and re-enrollment of our students.

Entering our third academic year, we now offer a comprehensive curriculum that includes ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies, spanning all levels from Kindergarten through 8th grade.

Integrating Jewish Themes in General Studies

Our General Studies track is designed to harmonize with our Jewish education curriculum by incorporating Jewish themes and topics. This approach not only enriches the students' learning experience but also deepens their connection to their Jewish heritage.

For instance, during the festival of Purim, our students engaged in a poetry unit that included learning nine different types of poetry, such as acrostic, rhyming stanzas, and odes. They crafted abecedarian poems with Purim themes and ideas starting with each letter of the alphabet. They also wrote cinquains focusing on the mitzvot of Purim, guided by Morah Malka Forshner.

In another class, Morah Norit Bina led a unit on friendship during the Sefira period, focusing on different midot (character traits). This unit not only taught important social skills but also aligned with the period's emphasis on character development.

Unique Interdisciplinary Projects and Approaches

Our interdisciplinary projects bridge the gap between secular and Jewish studies, providing a well-rounded education. One notable project involved a cultural geography and history unit in ELA. The students read Jewish articles from different time periods and discussed the geographical and historical context of each story. For example, they read about the first female swimmer to cross the English Channel, who was Jewish, and explored the historical, geographical, and scientific aspects of that period before writing their own essays.

Looking Ahead: A Structured Curriculum for All Levels

As we move into the new academic year, we are excited to roll out a structured curriculum across all grade levels. We focus on essential skills such as reading, writing, vocabulary development, and foundational math, along with early American and world history and science lessons.

Exciting New Leadership and Growth

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Rochel Abrams as our new General Studies Curriculum Director, overseeing this exciting expansion. "I am so excited to be joining the General Studies Department. We have an incredible group of teachers who are hardworking and dedicated to making sure each child learns 'al pi darko' – according to their own path," said Rochel Abrams.

Our journey in balancing General Studies with Jewish education continues to evolve, driven by our commitment to providing an enriching, comprehensive education that honors our students' Jewish heritage while preparing them for future academic success.