Students at the Aleph Bet bookfair

What is Aleph Bet Jewish Day School?

Aleph Bet Jewish Day School is an independent community and family oriented coeducational elementary school composed of students, their parents and families, dedicated teachers and staff.  Our Head of School is Nan Jarashow. We use a dual curriculum in both Judaic and general studies that encourages Jewish values and commitment to community.  We educate our students through instruction, experience, and example.  We challenge our students to take risks, to ask questions, and to think critically.   

Is Aleph Bet an independent school or a private school?

Aleph Bet is an independent school, not managed by another organization or religious institution.  Aleph Bet’s Board of Trustees is independent of any other organization.

Is the school affiliated with any particular Jewish movement?

Aleph Bet is multi-denominational.  The school was founded by and is supported by a traditional/Orthodox congregation, two Conservative congregations, and two Reform congregations.  Our students come from families who are affiliated with each of the movements, as well as from families who are not affiliated formally with any Jewish organization.  Our community represents the entire spectrum of Jewish observance. 

What if my child does not speak or read Hebrew?

Hebrew instruction begins in kindergarten with letter recognition and the basic vocabulary of classroom, family, and holiday words.  If a student enters Aleph Bet after kindergarten, the school provides tutoring to allow the student to “catch up.”

Must students be Jewish to attend Aleph Bet?

No.  Several non-Jewish families have selected Aleph Bet for their children because of the school’s small class sizes, nurturing atmosphere, and emphasis on values.  Approximately 10% of the student body is not Jewish.

Students enjoy dressing up for Thanksgiving

What characterizes an Aleph Bet student?

With a diverse range of abilities and interests, Aleph Bet students are more easily characterized by their variety than by their similarities. However, the students are united by three common qualities—a strong sense of curiosity accompanied by good critical thinking skills, a love of reading, and a kind and courteous demeanor that demonstrates their fundamental respect for others.

What is the family’s role at Aleph Bet?

Aleph Bet families are an integral part of the school.  Parents donate a minimum of 40 volunteer hours per year toward school activities, which may include classroom and administrative assistance, committee work, fundraising, or the development of other projects to benefit our students.  In addition, families are welcome to participate at our special events marking both Jewish and American holidays, as well as other special events.

Book week - who is your favorite character?

What opportunities are available to the students for enrichment?

We have specialists to teach Physical Education, Art and Music.  We encourage students to participate in school productions and presentations.  Field trips to museums, government offices, and environmental preserves complement classroom learning.  Students also hear from guests invited to the school to share knowledge and expertise.  In addition, Aleph Bet’s calendar pulses to the rhythms of the Jewish year and students, their families, and teachers gather together to celebrate each holiday.

What is the division between Judaic and general studies?

Students attend 30 minutes of t’filah (prayer service) in the morning.  Students receive 90 minutes of instruction each day in Hebrew and Judaic studies.  The remainder of the day is spent in general study instruction in language arts, mathematics, science, technology and enrichment programs.

Small classes and motivated students make it possible to teach subject material in a more efficient manner than is possible in large classes or when time is spent dealing with classroom management and discipline.  Additionally, Judaic studies classes offer students the opportunity to learn and practice secular subjects such as writing, history and geography.

What are the qualifications of the faculty?

Faculty members hold bachelor’s degrees and/or post graduate degrees in areas pertinent to their teaching assignments.  Additionally, they participate in professional development through workshops, conferences, and university studies.  Teachers are selected on the basis of their academic background, their experience, their love of children, and their enthusiasm for teaching.

Do students have more than one teacher for academic subjects?

Yes.  In kindergarten through fourth grade, students have one teacher for all general studies and a second teacher for Hebrew and Judaic studies.  In fifth grade, the program is departmentalized, with different instructors for language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and Hebrew and Judaic studies.

Do all students in a class receive instruction on the same level?

Small classes permit teachers to offer accelerated instruction to advanced students and to provide supportive reinforcement or remedial instruction to those students who need it.

Is there a full day kindergarten?

Yes. There is a full-time kindergarten teacher and a full-time assistant.

Is the school accredited?

Yes.  Aleph Bet holds accreditation from the Association of Independent Maryland Schools.  (AIMS) and holds a certificate of approval from the State of Maryland..

How large are the classes?

Small class size is an important feature of Aleph Bet.  Classes are no larger than 15 students. 

Facepainting at a school event

What impact will a small school have on my child socially?

Our small classes promote strong, family like bonds between children.  Children learn to accept and to appreciate each other as unique individuals and to work together as a cohesive unit.  Classes share activities such as t’filah (prayer), lunch, and recess and they work in multi-age groups to prepare for school wide events.  Classes pair in various combinations for reading programs, field trips, and other cooperative units.

How long is the day?

For all grades, school begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.  School ends at 2:15 p.m. on Fridays during the late fall and winter months, until the return of daylight savings time when students are again dismissed at 3:30 p.m.

Is there before and after care?

Yes.

Where is the school located?

Aleph Bet is located at 1125 Spa Road, Annapolis, Maryland  21401.

What is the tuition and is there financial assistance?

Tuition for the 2008-09 school year will be $9,640.  Financial assistance is available and Aleph Bet is committed to providing financial assistance as needed to make Jewish day school education available to those who seek it.  In addition, tuition payment plans are also available.

Are there financial obligations besides tuition?

Yes.  Families are charged a $275 school fee to cover textbooks, field trips, and special activities.  Also, families must purchase two tickets to the school’s annual dinner dance and auction.

After graduation, where do Aleph Bet students attend school?

The majority of our graduates attend Jewish Day or independent schools - Beth Tfiloh Dahan, JDS, Krieger-Schechter Day School, Indian Creek School, The Key School, and Severn School.