Multi-Age Classroom: A New Kind of Jewish Day School

One could compare the Ner Tamid Community Day School to the story of The Little Engine That Could. They’re both about overcoming odds through optimism and hard work.

Now in its third year, Ner Tamid (www.nertamidschool.org ) in Sharon (Mass.) -- serving the region south of Boston – is one of the only multi-age classroom Jewish day schools in the U. S. It’s a success on many levels: Its world-class faculty has enabled the majority of students to perform in the ‘high achievement’ range on the Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) in math, reading, and language, due to its approach to personalized learning, where each child learns at their precise academic level. (Ner Tamid is Hebrew for ‘eternal light.’*)

Ner Tamid’s Board President is Rob Vazanna, the product of a Jewish day school with a passion for Jewish education. An early Ner Tamid supporter, his 12 year-old son Jared is enrolled. Both daughters attended KSA. He says, “Ner Tamid’s individualized education has allowed my son's learning to excel above what other programs provide so he can reach his full potential, rather than reaching the classroom ceiling. It’s wonderful to see his academic needs being met --all within the framework of a Jewish day school experience.” Vazanna urges other families to consider the school he calls “a smart new choice in Jewish education.”

“We’re filling an important niche, bringing back a Jewish Day School south of Boston designed for conservative, orthodox, and reform families,” says Head of School Nancy Hait, Ph.D. Ner Tamid, housed at Temple Israel in Sharon, fills the void created when Kehillah Schechter Academy (KSA, formerly the South Area Solomon Schechter Day School) in Norwood closed three years ago. “Today we draw families from six towns, as far south as Middleborough. We’d like to attract families from across the region and from Rhode Island.” Students range in age from 5 to 14, grades K - 8.

Hait served as KSA’s Literacy Curriculum Coordinator and brings that school’s legendary energy and vision: “We provide a strong foundation in 21st century skills like math and science, along with Judaics and Hebrew language.” In an open enrollment policy, new students can start at any time during the school year.

Students study science, social studies and prayer services together. All other subjects are split by academic developmental level. One family sends their otherwise home-schooled student to Ner Tamid for science only. Another student, with learning disabilities, blends in --Classmates compete to help him. The small teacher-student ratio is a big plus.

A cutting-edge alternative

“The multi-age classroom must be seen in action to be understood and appreciated,” says Hait, whose doctoral research focused on academic engagement. She earned her BS with high honors in Elementary Education at BU, and her Ph.D. in Education and Master’s in Reading/Literacy Teaching at Boston College.

Ner Tamid’s staff, parents and leadership enumerate benefits of the multi-age classroom approach:

• It’s child-centered, not curriculum-centered; individualized learning plan for each child.
• It creates a ‘family of learners.’ Students learn at their own pace.
• Creates leadership opportunities for older students, role models for younger ones.
• Subjects taught in ability groups so teachers continuously assess each child’s progress.
• Learning by teaching: Children help each other to clarify material – builds self-esteem and social skills.
• Collaborative, supportive environment for both talented and slower learners.

Research shows children in multi-age classrooms are often socially, emotionally and academically more advanced than peers in traditional settings.

STEAM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and arts)is a major focus at Ner Tamid. Using the acclaimed Destination Imagination program, students benefit from a fun, hands-on system that fosters creativity, courage and curiosity through open-ended academic challenges. Hait says, “It’s amazing how our students learn patience, flexibility, persistence, ethics, and respect for others and their ideas. Much of this is thanks to our collaborative problem-solving process.”

Another attraction of Ner Tamid: Tuition is $12,950, far more affordable than any other Jewish day school in the region, and scholarships are available. Attending other Greater Boston day schools from the South Area can add a half hour to a full hour to a student’s morning and afternoon commute.

One of the country’s leading authorities on Jewish day schools is Jane Taubenfeld Cohen, an early supporter and member of Ner Tamid’s Advisory Committee. A founder and long-time Head of KSA / South Area Schechter, she served as President of the national Schechter Day School Network. Cohen, who recommends Ner Tamid to area families, is Director of Capacity Building at the Yeshiva University Institute for University-School Partnership.

One student summed up his multi-age classroom experience: “Watching a younger classmate solve a puzzle helps me appreciate how much I know. Watching an older classmate solve a problem helps me figure out how to do it myself in the future.”

A world-class faculty & leadership

Making it all happen is Ner Tamid’s high-caliber faculty. General Studies teacher Noah Lubin is an internationally-renowned artist and musician. He earned his M.Ed. in Curriculum Design, taught several grade levels, subjects and cultural contexts, and has worked with children with developmental disabilities.

Judaics teacher Janet Zucker holds degrees in Economics and Math from Wellesley College and UCLA, certification from The Institute for Jewish Liturgy and School for Shamashim, and an MA in Teaching from Brandeis’s DeLeT (Day School Leadership through Teaching) program. She is a licensed (K-6) teacher.

Hebrew teacher Marina Korenblyum taught at KSA and Striar Hebrew Academy. She earned a BA in Arts from Touro College and a certificate in teaching from Machon Gold in Jerusalem, studied educational technology at Brandeis, and annually attends Jewish educators’ conferences.

Ner Tamid is a member of the newly-formed Prizmah, the entity created with the merger of five national educational organizations. For more information about admissions, scholarships, and/or making a tax-deductible donation, contact nhait@nertamidschool.org / 617-733-9661. Visit: http://nertamidschool.org/.

By Stanley Hurwitz / stanhurwitz@gmail.com

*A ner tamid (eternal light or flame) hangs above the ark where the Torah is housed in every synagogue. It represents the light of the menorah of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem as well as symbolizing God's eternal presence. A similar light is displayed in many Christian places of worship.)