Middle Division (5-8) | Hillel Academy Tampa

Middle Division

A Welcome Message from our Middle Division Director: Burl Peters

Hillel Academy’s Middle Division is a time of meaningful growth, connection, and preparation. In 5th through 8th Grade, students enter a pivotal stage of growth as they strengthen their academic skills in language arts, math, science, and social studies. Through purposeful instruction and hands-on learning, they develop critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and real-world application skills that prepare them for high school and beyond.

Middle Division students have the opportunity to deepen their connection to Jewish learning, Hebrew language, Jewish history, Israel, traditions, and their own heritage. Through Judaic studies, Bar and Bat Mitzvah preparation, Israel education, and impactful discussions, students continue to build a strong sense of identity, responsibility, and connection to the Jewish community.

Beyond the classroom, Middle Division students grow through hands-on projects, leadership opportunities, social-emotional development, and influential bonding experiences. Hillel Academy’s athletic program provides students with the opportunity to build teamwork skills, confidence, discipline, and school spirit while representing their community. Additionally, students also grow through shared experiences that bring the Middle Division community together. Retreats, team-building activities, and school traditions provide students with the chance to strengthen friendships, connect with their classmates, and feel rooted in the Hillel Academy community.

Together, these experiences support students academically, socially, and spiritually as they prepare for the next step in their educational journey.

Fifth Grade

Fifth grade marks an exciting and important transition at Hillel Academy as students move into the Middle Division and begin learning in a new building. This change brings new routines, greater expectations, and meaningful growth opportunities. As students adjust to an independent learning environment, they enter a pivotal chapter in their academic journey that allows them to build their confidence, responsibility, and skills needed to succeed.

In Language Arts, students grow as thoughtful, independent readers and writers. They analyze increasingly complex texts, explore themes and an author’s purpose, and participate in meaningful discussions. Through the writing process, they learn to organize and strengthen their essays by focusing on grammar, vocabulary, and clarity. In Mathematics, students expand their understanding of multi-number multiplication and division, fractions, decimals, and geometry using problem-solving and real-world application skills.

In Hillel Academy’s state-of-the-art Middle Division science lab, students explore concepts such as matter, ecosystems and the solar system through hands-on experiments and projects. In social studies, students study U.S. history, geography, and the foundations of government systems.

Through Hebrew and Jewish Studies, fifth graders deepen their knowledge of Jewish history, traditions, customs, and sacred texts, while continuing to enhance their Hebrew reading, writing, and conversational skills. In addition, communication, collaboration, conflict resolution and social-emotional skills are continuously supported and developed.

In Fifth grade, memorable learning experiences begin to extend beyond the classroom. Jewish Heritage Projects invite students to explore their heritage through research and creative presentations. Community service projects encourage students to practice Tikkun Olam and develop a sense of responsibility to others. Additionally, previous overnight trips have included visits to Busch Gardens and Disney, allowing students to explore the science and mechanics of roller coasters and gain insight into engineering and architecture.

Together, these academic, social, spiritual, and experiential opportunities make fifth grade a transformative year of discovery, transition, and preparation for continued success in the Middle Division.

Sixth Grade

Sixth grade at Hillel Academy is a transformative year of academic growth, increasing independence, and meaningful preparation for the future. Students begin to tackle complex coursework, discover new interests, and strengthen the skills and confidence that create a strong foundation for continued academic success.

In Language Arts, students analyze literature, expand their vocabulary and develop persuasive, narrative, and expository writing skills. In mathematics, instruction becomes increasingly individualized. Students begin to strengthen their foundation through Pre-Algebra concepts, ratios and rates, percentages, expressions and equations and data analysis.

Through the Smithsonian Science Curriculum, students investigate geology, weather, the solar system, and Earth Science using hands-on experiments and projects. In social studies, students explore ancient civilizations, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome, in order to examine how their cultures, government, and achievements continuously influence the modern world.

Jewish Studies and Hebrew take on special significance as students prepare for their Bar and Bat mitzvahs in the upcoming years. Students have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Jewish history, traditions, values, and sacred texts. They also strengthen their Hebrew reading, writing, and conversational skills. As part of this preparation, students begin learning Torah trope, building the skills to confidently chant Torah during their Bar or Bat Mitzvah.

In addition, sixth graders expand their world by beginning Spanish and exploring new interests through electives such as digital storytelling, robotics, and piano.

Language learning begins with Spanish, where they have the opportunity to develop foundational skills in speaking, reading and writing. Electives such as digital storytelling, robotics, and piano. This year also brings special experiences including a Disney field trip focused on animation, engineering and technology. Together, these opportunities make sixth grade a meaningful year of discovery, connection, and growth.

Seventh Grade

Seventh grade at Hillel Academy is a transformative year of academic challenge, personal growth, and meaningful leadership. As students celebrate becoming B’nai Mitzvah, they take an important step into Jewish adulthood and begin embracing greater responsibility within the Jewish community. They also emerge as role models for younger students by setting an example through their actions, values, and involvement in school life.

Academically, seventh graders are challenged in Language Arts and Mathematics courses. In language arts, students analyze literature more deeply, exploring themes, character development, and literary techniques. In mathematics, students build on their Algebra I foundation by exploring proportional relationships, rational numbers, expressions and equations, inequalities, statistics and more.

In science, students investigate biology, genetics, ecosystems, and the human body through hands-on experiments and projects that aim to strengthen critical thinking and understanding of the scientific method. Social studies explores world history, geography, and the cultural and political developments that have shaped the modern world.

In seventh grade, Jewish Studies takes on special meaning as students deepen their understanding of Torah, Jewish history, ethics, customs and values. Their Bar and Bat mitzvah experiences encourage them to consider how Jewish teachings can guide their choices, relationships and responsibilities. Through Hebrew language instruction, students continuously strengthen their reading, writing, and conversational skills.

Electives in areas such as music, art, technology and physical education allow students to discover new interests and develop their talents. In addition, Hillel Academy’s social-emotional based learning continuously supports students as they build self-awareness, leadership, communication, and conflict-resolution skills during this important stage of adolescence.

Seventh grade brings countless memorable experiences beyond the classroom. To further their learning and leadership development, students travel to Washington, D.C., where they experience American history and government firsthand. They also take an active role in the Veterans Day program by building respect, gratitude, and appreciation for those who serve. Together these meaningful experiences make seventh grade a pivotal year of learning, identity, and growing responsibility.

Eighth Grade

Eighth grade at Hillel Academy is a pivotal year of academic and personal growth, designed to prepare students for the challenges of high school and beyond. In language arts, students delve into advanced literature analysis, exploring complex novels and plays with a focus on themes, symbolism, and critical thinking. Writing skills are honed through argumentative essays, research projects, and creative writing, emphasizing structure, style, and coherence.

In math, students continue their studies by tackling high-school-level coursework in either Algebra 1, Geometry, or Algebra 2, giving students a strong foundation on which to build as they prepare for the transition to high school. Science lessons explore high-school-level physical science concepts as students incorporate hands-on experiments and scientific methods to deepen understanding and prepare for continued advanced studies. Social studies focus on U.S. history, examining major events, movements, and figures, while also exploring geography's influence on world events. Jewish studies integrate lessons on Jewish law, ethics, and history, fostering connections to students' lives and Jewish identity. Hebrew studies continue to strengthen reading, writing, and conversational skills, building fluency.

Unique to eighth grade, students participate in internships that provide real-world experience and develop professional skills, giving them insight into future career interests. Social-emotional learning emphasizes leadership, self-awareness, and preparing for the transition to high school.

The year culminates in a transformative 10-day Jewish heritage trip. While students historically traveled to Israel, recent events have prompted alternative plans. As we continue to pray for the opportunity to return to our homeland in 2024, students have embraced meaningful journeys to other significant Jewish cultural sites. This past year, they explored the rich Jewish heritage of Spain, and this May, they will embark on an inspiring journey to Prague, delving into the profound history and legacy of Jewish communities around the world.

STEM

Susan C, Alumni Parent

"Hillel Academy's middle school experience was a game-changer. The cross-curricular connections between social studies and English helped my child develop higher-level writing skills that set them apart in high school."

Shmuel K, Alumni Parent

"Hillel’s curriculum doesn't just teach about antisemitism—it equips students with the skills to recognize it, respond constructively, and advocate for themselves and others.

Casey R, Alumni Parent

"Hillel Academy helped my child discover his true potential. While he struggled in general studies, the Maker Lab ignited his passion for innovation and problem-solving. That spark led him to a career in aeronautics, where he now works for a leading aeronautical company, turning his dreams into reality."

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