Beyond Textbooks
At Hillel Academy, we believe in nurturing the whole child through a dynamic and engaging creative arts and activities program. From Kindergarten through 8th grade, our students have the opportunity to explore their talents and passions in a wide range of disciplines, including Art, Music, Physical Education, and Spanish. Our Language Lab for 7th and 8th graders enhances their language skills, while our Middle School Competitive Sports League allows students to develop teamwork and athleticism in a fun, competitive environment. Students in 8th grade also contribute to our Yearbook, showcasing their creativity and teamwork in capturing memories. In addition, our Middle School offers a variety of electives and internships, empowering students to explore new interests and gain real-world experience. These programs not only foster creativity and personal growth, but also provide valuable skills and experiences that will serve students well beyond the classroom.
Preschool Specials
The Forman Early Learning Center at Hillel Academy takes a play-based approach, nurturing young children’s curiosity, creativity, and social development. Daily playground time enhances gross motor skills and active play, while independent play centers promote imaginative exploration and collaboration. Weekly PE and music sessions help develop coordination, rhythm, and a love for movement and melody.
Process art is an integral part of the daily curriculum, empowering children to express themselves and experiment with materials and techniques. By focusing on the process rather than perfection, children develop a love for art and the freedom to explore their unique ideas. This holistic, joyful learning experience lays a strong foundation for future growth and success.
K-8 Specials
Physical Education
Physical Education at Hillel Academy ensures that students stay active and develop essential physical skills. Meeting at least twice a week, PE classes focus on promoting fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship through a variety of activities and games. These sessions encourage a lifelong appreciation for health and wellness.
Middle School Competitive Sports League
Hillel Academy is part of the West Coast Florida League in which middle school students play competitively against other private schools in sports such as soccer, volleyball, basketball, and flag football.
Unstructured Outdoor Play Time
Children enjoy morning and afternoon recesses on our 10-acre campus, featuring playgrounds, gardens, fields, and an outdoor basketball pavilion. Lunchtime recess brings Kindergarten through eighth-grade students together, fostering connections across grades.
Mixed-level recess builds community and inclusion as younger students learn teamwork and leadership, while older students develop empathy and mentoring skills, creating a supportive and unified school environment.
Music
The Music Program at Hillel integrates theory, practice, history, and vocal performance for Pre-K through 8th grade students. Students learn classical singing techniques, basic piano, and ukulele, with middle school electives offering deeper specialization and performance.
The curriculum encourages the exploration of diverse music styles while fostering leadership, collaboration, and confidence. Emphasis is placed on Jewish musicians and heritage, with all students singing "Hatikvah" daily and weekly as part of their repertoire.
Art
Our K-8 students combine Art History, Elements of Art, and Technique, with a focus on Jewish culture and traditions. Students explore diverse art styles, including works by Jewish and Israeli artists, while developing skills in line, shape, color, and balance.
Jewish holidays and traditions inspire creative projects, deepening students’ connection to their heritage. Essential questions guide their learning, such as: How do we tell stories through art? What defines Jewish art? How has art evolved, and how do Jewish and Israeli traditions shape it?
Spanish/Language Lab (6th - 8th)
Hillel Academy offers Spanish to all 6th-8th graders as part of its designation as an authorized Florida Virtual School (FLVS) lab school. Students also have opportunities to explore additional languages. Alongside dedicated language educators, tools like Duolingo are utilized to enhance and personalize the learning experience.
It is recommended that 7th-grade students begin with Beginner’s Spanish and 8th-grade students take Spanish 1, allowing them to earn a high school language credit. However, students have the flexibility to choose from any language offered by FLVS. Those with prior language experience, including native speakers, can bypass introductory courses and begin at a more advanced level, ensuring an individualized learning pathway.
Spanish 1 to earn a high school language credit, students have the flexibility to choose any language offered by FLVS. Those with prior language experience, such as native speakers, can start at a more advanced level, skipping introductory courses if appropriate.
Middle School Electives
In middle school, students begin to explore their existing passions and discover new interests that may become future pursuits. To foster this, Hillel Academy offers a range of electives for students to choose from, allowing them to delve deeper into activities they enjoy.
At the start of the school year, middle school students will participate in an introductory session for each available elective. After experiencing each option, students will select one elective to continue studying for the remainder of the year.
Previous electives have included:
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Advanced Art (in addition to their regular art class)
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News/Media Production
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Guitar, Piano, and Vocals Lab
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Sports Wheel (in addition to their regular PE class)
Yearbook (8th)
8th grade students work creatively and collaboratively to design the annual Yearbook, which serves as a lasting memory of their time at Hillel and their graduation year. Each student takes on a specific role, such as Editor, Photojournalist, or Salesperson, and is responsible for designing assigned pages and sections.
Yearbook objectives include:
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Writing copy and captions in journalistic style
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Using photojournalism techniques
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Designing a professional, theme-based yearbook
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Writing effective headlines and captions
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Editing, proofreading, and evaluating their own and others’ work
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Working cooperatively within time constraints and budget limitations
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Learning and applying sales and promotional techniques
Internships (8th)
In 8th grade, students participate in a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) class during the fall semester, where they explore important topics such as body image, bullying, and current issues affecting teens. This class provides a safe space for students to discuss and navigate these challenges.
In the spring, 8th graders take part in internships within the school, where they have the opportunity to apply their skills and interests in a real-world setting. Some students choose to work in marketing, others assist in preschool classrooms, and some contribute to the library or explore other available opportunities. These internships help students build responsibility, gain practical experience, and develop a deeper sense of community engagement.
