Hebrew School

ACI’s Hebrew School offers weekly after-school classes to students in grades K through 7th, with transportation available from local schools.

Our teachers incorporate art, visual media, movement, songs, technology and project based learning in their lessons. We aim to instill in our children a love and appreciation for their Jewish heritage, a sense of belonging in their local Jewish community, and a solid grounding for bar/bat mitzvah preparation. We only meet once a week, so In 2025 we kicked off a pilot weekly zoom tutoring program for Hebrew language at an additional cost for families of children 3rd grade and up.

The ACI Hebrew School program is divided into four levels:

Kitah Adom (Red) : For children kindergarten and 1st

Kita Adom is the foundation of the journey. Students are introduced to Torah stories, Jewish values, and the Alef-Bet in playful, hands-on ways. Core values such as kindness, hospitality, courage, and determination are woven throughout learning. Children explore Hebrew letters through art, music, movement, and sensory activities, learning to recognize, draw, and pronounce them. They also begin learning about Jewish holidays and traditions, while building friendships and a sense of belonging in a warm and engaging environment.

Kitah Khatom (Orange): For children 1st, 2nd (some 3rd)

Kita Katom builds on these foundations by strengthening Hebrew skills and expanding vocabulary. Students begin to combine letters, vowel sounds, and form simple Hebrew words, developing early reading readiness. Torah stories and Jewish values continue to anchor learning, now with deeper reflection and connection. A meaningful milestone in this stage is learning Shabbat blessings, helping children connect language with ritual and meaning. Through music, storytelling, art, and games, students continue to grow in both skill and Jewish identity.

Kitah Tzahov (Yellow): For children 3rd-5th

In Kita Tzahov, students begin to read Hebrew words and short phrases, gaining confidence and independence as emerging readers. Hebrew becomes more structured and meaningful as students practice decoding and understanding language in context. Alongside Hebrew learning, students continue exploring Jewish values and stories with greater depth and discussion. At this stage, students also begin participating in special age-appropriate enrichment programs, such as guest speakers and learning sessions about Jewish history, including Holocaust education, presented in a sensitive and developmentally appropriate way that fosters awareness, empathy, and connection to Jewish peoplehood.

Kitah Yarok (Green): For children 5th-7th

Kita Yarok marks a significant step toward Hebrew fluency and active participation in Jewish prayer. Students begin to read prayers from the siddur, developing familiarity with key blessings and the structure of Jewish worship. A central part of this year is “zman rav“ (Rabbi time), where students learn directly from the rabbi, deepening their understanding of Torah, tradition, and Jewish life. Students in Yarok also participate in age-appropriate enrichment programming, including continued exploration of Jewish history, identity, and memory through speakers, discussions, and experiential learning opportunities. These experiences help students begin to understand their place within the larger Jewish story and community.