How can we cultivate inquisitive young minds and guide them as they transition into adult Jewish leaders? By challenging their spiritual and intellectual growth potential through rigorous and innovative curricula. Both New England Jewish Academy (NEJA) and Solomon Schechter Day School (Schechter) are achieving this goal by continuously seeking fresh, impactful ways to educate and inspire their students.

To further this endeavor, the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford has consistently provided Board-directed community grants over the years to these institutions.

Both schools successfully implemented the renowned Reggio Emilia early childhood model, and STEAM education curricula, including extensive teacher training through multi-year community grants.

“One of my favorite aspects of the Reggio curriculum is Loose Parts,” says Laura Kish, a teacher at NEJA. “Children explore different uses for objects typically not found in a classroom, realizing that one object can be used in many ways. This is an important part of furthering their cognitive skills.”

Through another Jewish Community Foundation community grant, NEJA and Schechter will receive expert counsel from Gateways, a nonprofit that helps schools work toward greater inclusion in Jewish life. The grant will help identify what the schools need to teach a wide variety of learners, including challenged learners.

Schechter also used the Foundation’s grant money to create a multi-age classroom structure, a dynamic environment of directed and self-directed learning for children in kindergarten through 4th grades. Students are recognized for their unique place on a learning continuum and guided to progress at their natural pace.

“I am a proud alum of Schechter and cannot begin to measure the impact it has had on my life,” says Ben Zachs, an alum and board member of Schechter. “Unlike any other school, Schechter has a focus on high-level thinking and advanced academic skills that go beyond the classroom.”