WFHA In Brief
Founded in 1997, Westchester Fairfield Hebrew Academy is a Jewish community day school using an innovative, challenging curriculum in general and Judaic studies. Started with 24 students in kindergarten and first grade, WFHA, today, has more than 230 students in kindergarten through eighth grade.
Inclusive of children from all branches of Judaism, the school offers a unique educational model and a strong sense of community. WFHA engages students in a commitment to Judaism, the history of the Jewish people, the Hebrew language, and the State of Israel. Its curriculum provides the academic skills, self-confidence and inspiration for a lifetime of learning, and instills joy and pride in being Jewish.
Curriculum Highlights
Our program engages students in a close relationship with Jewish history, the Hebrew language, the people of Israel, prayer, holidays and text. A central theme is tikkun olam - the imperative that we must improve the world and ourselves. The school community not only teaches, but also models the values of mutual respect and klal Yisrael - the unity of the Jewish people.
We emphasize the interconnectedness of diverse subject areas to build understanding and higher-order thinking skills. Integration takes many forms and offers endless learning and teaching opportunities. Academic studies are explored through the arts. Math skills are polished and given meaning through a social studies assignment. Judaic and general studies teachers present thematic units. Movement and music classes are conducted in Hebrew.
Integration is interwoven broadly: In kindergarten, the hospitality of Abraham's tent is linked with teepee-dwelling Indians and the first Thanksgiving. An early science lesson on buoyancy flows seamlessly into the story of Noah. Another unit on the phases of the moon combines scientific observation, hands-on activities, light-and-shadow demonstrations, vocabulary and journal keeping. Meanwhile, students also learn about the lunar Jewish calendar, writing and reading poetry about the moon, and adding rosh chodesh - new moon - celebrations to their classroom lives.
Beginning in fourth grade, the core world civilization/Jewish history curriculum creates a coherent context for ideas, social studies skills and Jewish identity. In a new program being developed with the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem, WFHA middle school students approach Jewish text study through such engaging life themes as responsibility, marriage, war, business ethics and self-image.
The curriculum is designed to foster creative development and critical thinking skills. With small classes capped at 18 students and a high teacher-student ratio, we can challenge, enrich, respond creatively and bring out the best in each child.
Respect for the Individual Student
Each child is cherished as an individual and encouraged to achieve his or her personal best. We are guided by the knowledge that through a rich co-curriculum that extends to the arts, technology, movement and music, children can connect to the learning methods best suited to them.
School as a Community
By design, WFHA is a community as well as a school, dedicated to enriching the lives of our students, families, and staff. Our school is mutually supportive, with students, families, teachers and administrators learning, building and celebrating together. Our annual Shabbaton weekend is a highlight of WFHA's community-building efforts.
Preparation for Successful Futures
Our program reflects the high value we place on each child as an individual. We are attuned to students' changing needs for independence, guidance and community. WFHA works to provide students with the tools, self-confidence and inspiration for living productive lives as Jews and as citizens of the world.