Dear Visitors,
Welcome to the Amos and Celia Heilicher Minneapolis Jewish Day School (HMJDS) Upper School—a uniquely nurturing environment, steeped in values, where your child can grow as a student and as a young Jewish adult. Our integrated academic program challenges students across multiple subject areas by meeting individual needs based on a variety of learning styles and a range of conceptual development. Small class sizes and flexible groups allow teachers and advisors to get to know each student as an individual and to help them hone their critical self-advocacy skills. Through retreats and trips, students build community, celebrate diversity, and have meaningful opportunities to interact outside school walls.
The Upper School’s curriculum is strong, responsive, and based on national best practice. Students not only gain knowledge in all subject areas but also expand their critical thinking skills across disciplines. The science curriculum challenges students with hands-on experimentation. In language arts, students examine various genres of literature and engage in a wide variety of writing exercises. In social studies, students explore American and world history, and practice applying a variety of lenses—including geographic and Jewish—to past events and current issues. Many of our math students take part in grade-level competitions and place into accelerated classes in high school. In Hebrew and Judaic studies, students demonstrate their commitment to Jewish heritage and interact with peers in Israel through written exchanges and live videoconferences. Hebrew language and rabbinics lessons also help students become astute thinkers, as they practice carefully analyzing texts and deepening their questioning and forensic skills.
Throughout the entire program, learners are provided with an eclectic range of options to demonstrate their understanding of course material; performing and visual arts, as well as public speaking, are purposefully woven into the curriculum. HMJDS partners with MacPhail Center for Music to offer instrumental music lessons. A variety of drama and studio art classes, such as photography, paper art, graphic design, painting, drawing and clay sculpture, are also available. Included in our physical education program are soccer and basketball teams that compete with other schools, and opportunities to work toward personal fitness goals.
Clearly, the Upper School’s program is designed to foster the development of well-rounded, culturally aware students with an ability to play, grow, and thrive in a increasingly fast-paced and globally-interconnected world. As a day school teacher for more than a dozen years, and the father of two HMJDS alumni, I have personally seen how close classes become, celebrating b’nai mitzvah together and staying connected long after graduation. I always enjoy hearing about the successes of our alumni in high school, college, and beyond. I very much look forward to partnering with your family as we work together prepare your child for a positive and successful lifelong journey.
B’shalom,
Harry Adler
Upper School Director
