Judaic Studies  

תורה learning at SAR involves an authentic engagement between the student and Torah in which the student views him or herself as part of a community that has been interpreting and living according to these texts for centuries. The מסכתות גמרא and ספרי תנ“ך we study are chosen because of their ability to convey key fundamental knowledge and skills as well as raise essential questions relevant to students. גמרא is studied with a unique integration of traditional interpretation of Talmudic debates and reflection on the issues the גמרא raises for our lives. תנ“ך study is grounded in a deep understanding of the literary structure of the פשט , enabling students to “own” and enter the discussions of traditional מפרשים.

Beit Midrash and Vaad:

Beit Midrash is a course of study designed to expand and deepen religious practice, focusing students’ individual and collective attention on Jewish sources that are manifest in their daily lives.  Its purpose is to improve the religious lives of our students and our school one mitzvah at a time.  In 11th grade, our Vaad Program offers students three 2 month elective Judaic Studies courses, including “ The State of Israel in Halakha”, “Developing a Meaningful Connection to Tefillah,” and “Understanding Olam Haba.” 

The General Studies program is committed to providing all students with a firm foundation at an appropriate level of challenge in the fields of English, History, Mathematics, Science, Foreign Language, Social Sciences, the Fine Arts, and Design Engineering. We are committed to each student’s growth as a self-directed learner, collaborative worker and responsible citizen.

Our goal is to create well-rounded and literate citizens of the 21st century as well as lifelong learners.

Exposure Electives

The Electives Exposure Program aims to give students a broad introduction to elective offerings in the 9th grade, after which students can continue to pursue deeper study of their chosen elective in 10th grade and beyond. Over four quarters in 9th grade, students have a chance to study World Language, Design Engineering, Studio Art, and Music. 

• World Languges: The Arabic, French and Spanish programs emphasize communication, reading, comprehension, self- expression, and cultural knowledge. We come to appreciate the diversity of human achievement by exploring languages and the civilizations they embody. Language study expands horizons, lays down new cognitive connections and teaches and rewards close attention. Students benefit from reading primary sources in the original languages, from comparing these languages to English and Hebrew, and from increased awareness of how words make meaning. Art, music, and culturally-themed events are all part of the world language program.
• Fine & Performing Arts: Students are exposed to Fine Art and Music in 9th grade, taking each course five days a week for a quarter.  In the 10th grade, students select a course to pursue deeper study either in the Fine Arts, Music, Design Engineering or World Language. Students in grade eleven can choose from a number of semester-long arts electives. Seniors may take AP Music Theory, AP Studio Art or Intermediate Studio Art.
• Design Engineering “The ideal engineer is a composite … He is not a scientist, he is not a mathematician, he is not a sociologist or a writer but he may use the knowledge and techniques of any or all of these disciplines in solving engineering problems.” – N. W. Dougherty  Students gain an understanding of the design engineering process, computer science and coding, electrical and mechanical engineering, as well as develop their expertise with the laser cutter and 3d printer.

Our athletics program emphasizes the importance of physical fitness and health, and the appreciation of our bodies as tzelem elokim – created in the image of God. While fitness activities encourage exercise, personal responsibility and hygiene, team sports foster group skills and a healthy spirit of competition. Team offerings include basketball, hockey, volleyball, softball, soccer, tennis, baseball, and track. We also offer an intramural sports program in basketball, hockey and soccer so that all students can enjoy the excitement of athletic participation.

SAR High School values the development of the whole person, and therefore recognizes the importance of a rich co-curricular program.  These activities enable students to nurture their strengths and interests, as well as discover new talents and passions.  Often conceived and created by students and guided by faculty members, co-curriculars range from academic and תורה – based competitions and publications to the fine and performing arts, חסד and athletics.  The co-curricular program has something for everyone.