Middle School
Welcome to Mazel Day School’s Middle School Division - a dynamic learning community where students rise to academic challenges, engage in meaningful discussions, and develop the skills to navigate high school, college, and beyond.
Mazel Day School’s Middle School is a place where students expand their minds, take ownership of their learning, and engage deeply with the world around them. Through research, discovery, and hands-on field studies, our students strengthen their knowledge while sharpening critical and creative thinking skills.
As emerging adolescents, they explore complex social, emotional, and ethical questions through open discussions with teachers and mentors. Beyond the classroom, they step up as leaders, taking initiative in service projects that foster a strong sense of responsibility to their community and the world.
Our faculty
Our teachers are hired through a rigorous screening process to ensure that they are not only highly-professional and skilled, but also have the warmth and insight necessary to truly bring out each child’s soul and spirit.
Our facilities
Our Middle School features dynamic learning spaces that foster critical thinking and collaboration. Equipped with educational technology, interactive resources, and flexible seating, our classrooms support deeper exploration and engaged learning. Students also benefit from dedicated STEM rooms, a full-size gym, and an inviting student lounge – creating an environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive.
Our curriculum
Combining the best practices in education within a dual curriculum program of general and Judaic/Hebrew studies, MDS Middle School provides courses in:
Using the Singapore Math approach, students study mathematics in leveled tracks grouped by ability to ensure that all students are challenged effectively. The TIMSS, a research study conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics analyzing trends in international mathematics and science study, has consistently shown the strongest math achievement among Singapore’s students compared to other countries around the world, making the Singapore Math curricula an excellent choice for our students.
Click here for: MATH TOPICS
The mathematics coursework at Mazel cultivates a deep understanding of numeracy and complex, multi-step problem solving which prepares students for high school-level Algebra 1. Through real-world applications, students see the value of their learning for life. They learn to apply mathematics to a variety of contexts and to communicate their understanding of the math content in both written and oral form. In addition to our comprehensive math curriculum, students participate in Math Olympiads to enrich their logic abilities.
The English language arts program challenges students’ analytical abilities and communication skills. Literature units focus on reading comprehension and thematic analysis using classic and contemporary novels, short stories, and poetry.
Click here for: LITERATURE LIST
Writing instruction develops both creative and formal writing skills, structure, and content. Peer and educator feedback drive the editing process. Grammar and vocabulary units help students polish their language skills. Students are challenged to engage in research papers, opinion pieces, public speaking exercises, and debates on real-world issues.
The middle school science curriculum engages students in year-long in-depth study of life, earth, and physical sciences, focusing on a different domain each year. Students build a solid foundation of fundamental science knowledge. Inquiry labs and hands-on experiments enable students to explore scientific theories and principles for themselves. Students regularly conduct research reports and projects. As content and lab work become increasingly complex, students gain fluency with the scientific method in preparation for a successful transition to the rigors of high school science.
Our social studies coursework prepares students for global citizenship. Students study units that revolve around essential questions and themes about governments and societies throughout history. Students are challenged to examine the past as a way to better understand the present, and imagine possibilities that can shape society’s future. Students dive deep into social studies topics and periods of history through role playing and re-enactments, examination of primary sources, debates, and long-term research assignments. In addition, students round out their learning with study of current events and geography.
In leveled language tracks, middle school students build their comprehension of oral and written Modern Hebrew, while also gaining fluency in verbal and written expression. Through interactive units focused on Israeli life, culture, and history, students build vocabulary aligned with real-world themes. Fundamentals of grammar (dikduk) are incorporated throughout each year’s course.
Beyond language acquisition, students develop a personal connection to Israel by engaging with authentic Israeli texts, music, and media. Special projects and guest speakers bring Israel to life in the classroom, making Hebrew a living, relevant language and deepening students’ understanding of its role in Jewish identity.
Judaic studies classes provide students with strong knowledge of their Jewish identity, heritage, and history. The study of Torah texts, from Tanach to Mishnah and Talmud, provides students with fundamental understanding of Judaism. Students are challenged to use their analytical and reasoning skills to find questions within text, to think critically about problems before them, and most importantly to ask the “Big Questions”.
In exploring Jewish theology, philosophy, and the purpose of life, middle schoolers begin to think of themselves as empowered members of the Jewish people and the world. Students study Jewish history, examining the personas and stories of Jewish leaders from biblical to modern-day times. Exploration of Jewish values are infused throughout all lessons, inspiring students to grow in their personal character and development.
Throughout their middle school years, students learn keyboarding, as well as Google Apps including Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. These skills help them prepare polished presentations in all of their other subjects. In addition, students study coding using Scratch, developed by MIT Media Lab, and additional platforms on Khan Academy.
In visual arts class, students explore a wide variety of mediums, including clay to mixed media sculpture, drawing, painting, printmaking and collage. Students learn to combine technique, imagination and personal expression in their work. They gain confidence in expressing their ideas while learning to offer positive constructive feedback to each others.
Middle Schoolers are also introduced to art history, discussing works of art, using elements of arts and principles of design to evaluate the choices that classical and modern artists have made so that they in turn can make conscious decisions regarding their own creative expression. Students are exposed to the art world in and out of the classroom with field trips to art museums and exhibitions, research assignments, and regular exploration of new materials and techniques.
Character Education
Middle school is a pivotal time as students enter adolescence and begin to shape their identities and core values. At MDS, personal growth and building one’s strength of character are central to our middle school culture. Open discussions with teachers and mentors help students learn to navigate evermore complex social, emotional, and moral issues.
Students are able to flourish in a positive and supportive social environment where they find their inner voice and confidence. As their global awareness grows, they take the initiative to lead diverse service projects, honing their leadership skills and sense of responsibility to their community and the world. This foundation prepares them to enter the world as strong, proud Jewish young adults who know who they are and what they stand for.
Empowered to take ownership of their learning, students use Google Classroom to communicate with teachers regarding assignments and schoolwork. Student-teacher conferences throughout the year offer valuable feedback and help students set goals for each term. In weekly advisory sessions, advisors and students meet to engage in activities and discussions, exploring typical adolescent challenges.
Our Co-Curriculars
Co-curricular specials, offered once or twice a week, include:
In addition, students frequently enjoy field trips to museums and educational institutions to enhance the learning experience.
Club Electives provide students with the opportunity to select a class of interest each term. Classes offered range from Martial Arts and Yoga, Music Production and Drama, or Robotics and Tech club, and vary from year to year. These experiences enable students to find new passions and skills, building their confidence and resilience within healthy and creative outlets.
There are also a variety of after-school opportunities. Robotics, competitive sports, leadership programs – we believe your child should discover new passions, develop talents, and build lasting friendships.
After all, some of life’s biggest lessons happen after the last bell rings.
Scouts – Building character, leadership, and outdoor skills with Brooklyn’s only Jewish Scout troop.
Noetic Math Olympiad – Encouraging problem-solving and mathematical excellence.
Soccer & Basketball – Developing teamwork, coordination, and sportsmanship.
Chess – Enhancing strategic thinking and concentration.
Coding & Robotics – Exploring technology, programming, and engineering fundamentals.
MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) – Building discipline, confidence, and self-defense skills.
Art – Fostering creativity and self-expression through various artistic mediums.
CIJE Robotics Competition – Hands-on STEM innovation and engineering challenges.
Torah Bowl – Strengthening Torah knowledge through friendly competition.
Boys & Girls Basketball Teams – Competing in the inter-school Jewish day school league, promoting athletic skill, teamwork, and perseverance.
Boys Soccer Team – Competing in league play while building teamwork, strategy, and athleticism.
Walk our sunlit hallways, meet our passionate teachers, and see the joy of learning in action. Schedule a tour to discover how your child can flourish at Mazel Day School.