The Talmudic tractates chosen have direct bearing on everyday religious practice, providing a connection to students daily life. Students also see the process by which halakha is formulated and begin to appreciate the complexity and structure of Jewish law. The General Studies curriculum embraces English, social studies, science, mathematics and optional French and Spanish language. Whenever possible, teachers integrate lessons across disciplines to reinforce skills and foster a broad-based outlook. Many courses are taught at Advanced Placement level, preparing students to take AP tests for college credit.
English courses emphasize in-depth study of literature as well as extensive writing practice.
Shakespearean plays are studied in every grade, contrasting other works such as Death of a Salesman, The Crucible, Jane Eyre, and The Metamorphosis. Grade 11 surveys American literature to complement the study of American history. Similarly, Grade 12 focuses on European literature to complement senior history courses. The social studies program is designed to broaden a student s perspective on significant social, political, and intellectual issues. World history, civics, Zionism, American history, and modern European history are surveyed in Grades 9-12.