Shalhevet High School
Shalhevet’s Judaic curriculum strives to
instill a love of Torah and Judaism that reaches each student both
intellectually and emotionally.
As they study Torah, Gemarah, Halakha, Jewish History and Jewish
Philosophy, our students build a personal commitment and a sense of
pride in their Jewish identity and develop an understanding of the
tenets of Centrist Orthodox Judaism and of the inherent connection
between religious observance and a Jewish life. Guided by teaching
methods that encourage questioning and discussion, our students
comprehend and internalize the Torah values that enable them to live
as committed Jews and retain their Jewish identities in the modern
world.
As future leaders of the Jewish people, our graduates are imbued
with a sense of responsibility for the well-being of those within
their communities and people around the world as well as a
commitment to Tikkun Olam.
Shalhevet’s college preparatory program, including rigorous courses
in science, mathematics, English, social studies, and Hebrew
language as well as the arts, physical education and health, is
designed to encourage personal growth and a lifelong pursuit and
application of scholarship.
Shalhevet students pursue individualized courses of studies that
include advanced placement (college level) and honors level courses
in a variety of disciplines. All students are encouraged to work to
their potential in developing the major learning skills of reading,
writing, listening, speaking and working both individually and in
groups.
Course of Study
Judaic Studies Program
Gemara
4 Years
• 9th grade - Brachot
• 10th grade - Kiddushin
• 11th grade - Avodah Zara
• 12th grade - Baba Metzia
* Our Advanced Mishna Track helps students develop pre-Gemara skills
* Our Mesivta and Bet Midrash programs in advanced Gemara meet for an additional
4 hours each week. It is available to qualifying students in 9-12th grades
Tanakh
4 years
• 9th grade - Shmot
• 10th grade - Vayikra/ Bamidbar
• 11th grade - Devarim
• 12th grade - Breishit
Navi
2 Years
• 9th grade - Neviim Rishonim (Yehoshua, Shmuel A+B, Melachim A+B)
• 12th grade - Neviim Achronim + Ketuvim (Yermiyahu, Yishaya, Yona,
Ruth, Eicha)
Halakha
2 Years
• 9th grade - Communal Expectations and Standards (Kashrut, Shabbat, Tfila,
Tzedaka)
This course focuses on the expectations and standards that the Orthodox Jewish
community places upon each individual to observe. Halachot and their
philosophical underpinnings are studied.
• 12th grade - College Life and Beyond (Setting up a kosher home, refuting
missionaries, faith in the face of biblical criticism, an introduction to
Taharat Hamishpacha) This course focuses on preparing students for Orthodox
Jewish life after High School.
Jewish History
2 Years
• 10th grade Survey of Jewish History
• 11th grade Focus on Modern Jewish History Holocaust, Modern Middle
East
Electives
• 12th grade Women in Jewish Law
• 12th grade Women in Jewish History
General Studies Program
Mathematics
4 years
• 9th Grade Algebra I or Geometry Placement is done through
testing done at the end of the 8th grade year.
• 10th grade Geometry or Algebra II
• 11th Grade Pre-Calculus
Electives
• 12th grade Functions, Statistics, and Trigonometry,
- AP Statistics
- AP Calculus –AB or BC
Science
4 years
• 9th Grade Physics
• 10th Grade General Chemistry
• 11th Grade General Biology Students may begin taking AP classes in 11th grade
with the permission of the instructor
Electives
• 12th grade Ecology Not offered every year
- Physics Available to students who did not take physics in 9th
grade
- Physiology
- Advanced Placement Biology
- Advanced Placement Chemistry
- Advanced Placement Physics
- AP Environmental Science planned for Fall 2008
Social Studies
3 years
• 9th Grade World Studies
• 10th Grade American History
• 11th Grade Elective Year
• 12th Grade U.S. Government and Economics
Electives
• Humanities
• Advanced World Studies
• Advanced Placement U.S. History
• Advanced Placement Modern European History
English
4 Years
• 9th Grade World Literature
• 10th Grade American Literature
• 11th Grade British Literature
• 12th Grade World Literature
Electives
• Film, Literature, and Composition
• Advanced Placement English Literature.
Hebrew
4 Years
• 9th-12th Grade - Shalhevet utilizes the world renowned NETA
curriculum. The NETA curriculum is sequential and based on a
structured linguistic progression. The curriculum consists of four
levels: the Mechina (preparatory) level, beginners, intermediate,
and advanced. Lessons are centered on themes of interest to
teenagers, ranging from computers and sports to friendship and
freedom. Each theme is presented from three perspectives: Jewish
tradition, modern Israeli culture and general world knowledge,
including art, science, mathematics, literature and philosophy.
Prior to entering the program each student's level is determined
by a placement test.
Electives
• Israeli Film, Literature, and Composition
• Bechina Yerushalmit - Advanced Hebrew Language and Literature A
standardized exam is administered in May. The exam may lead to
college course credit, a foreign language exemption, or toward the
fulfillment of a prerequisite.
Arts
2 Years
• 9th Grade Music Appreciation
• 10th grade Studio Arts
Electives
• Choir
• Orchestra
• Advanced Placement Studio Arts
• Advanced Placement Composition and Design
Physical Education & Health
2 Years
• 9th Grade PE I
• 10th Grade PE II
• Health Seminar