Hebrew
The Hebrew language will go from the synagogue to the house of study, and from the house of study to the school, and from the school it will come into the home and... become a living language.
— Eliezer ben Yehuda
Hebrew is much more than just a language at Denver Jewish Day School.
As students continue to grow at our school, Hebrew language, both modern and classical, becomes an integral part of their Jewish identity.
Research shows that learning a second language, especially at an early age, promotes positive intellectual growth, enhances and enriches a child’s mental development, promotes flexibility in thinking and a greater sensitivity to language in general, while improving children’s understanding of their native language.
At Denver JDS, the learning of Hebrew in particular has the added benefits of connecting our students to Jews across space and time and helps strengthen their Jewish identity, fosters a connection with the land, State, and people of Israel, and helps unlock traditional Jewish texts. Our Hebrew program focuses on modern Hebrew and fosters growth among our students towards proficiency in the areas of reading, writing, listening comprehension and speaking.
Denver JDS is pleased to partner with Hebrew at the Center as we revise our curriculum and move towards a proficiency approach to teaching Hebrew in kindergarten through 12th grade.
Our Hebrew Language Program
No Hebrew? No problem.
Lower Division students receive individualized push-in and/or pull-out support in their classes.
Upper Division students who don't have any Hebrew background are automatically enrolled in our mechinah (preparatory) program where they receive individualized attention from Hebrew teachers. This is an accelerated program meant to prepare them to enter a class with their peers before the end of the school year.
Students who transfer in with some amount of Hebrew proficiency are assessed and placed in the appropriate class.