Academics

The Arts

Fine Arts

Our strategically curated curriculum includes master artist biographical studies, along with in depth exploration of distinctive artistic techniques. It also highlights art from a Jewish lens, diving into holidays, Jewish symbolism and shining a bright light on Israeli and Jewish artists.

Our mission is to enhance student opportunities to become optimal thinkers and creative human beings. This is done using an integrated curriculum with grade-specific content that promotes growth mindset, global citizenry, innovation and the ability to contribute to their community and world at large. The purpose of this strategic partnership is to offer a high-level of interdisciplinary synergy across our VBSDS curriculum.

Art instruction is also integrated into both general and Judaic studies. This integrated art curriculum is a vital part of our J-STEAM (Judaism, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) program, which focuses on the importance of authentically infusing all disciplines into daily learning.

Performing Arts

Students participate in school-wide and grade level performances comprised of song, dance and drama. These experiences build self-esteem and self-confidence and help give students the opportunity for self-expression and to make additional connections to curricular concepts. Broadway classics, Civil Rights, and California history are a few of the themes upon which performances are based and historical eras come alive through students’ experiences. The Performing Arts team provides instruction that allows for creativity and individual differences. Dance instruction, beginning in kindergarten, enables students to develop movement skills and a repertoire of dances, including Israeli Folk dances, as well as a variety of other cultural dances. Drama instruction takes place during school in preparation for upcoming performances, as well as during discreet afterschool club opportunities.

Music Appreciation

Music appreciation introduces students to Orff percussion instruments for grades K-2. Grade 3 students are introduced to keyboarding skills through the Garage Band app. Playing a wide range of instruments, learning musical notes, rhythms, songs and music history provides for an engaging experience led by our music specialist in our dedicated Music Room. Students develop listening skills and learn about pitch, tone and melody. Different genres of music are studied throughout the grade levels.

Judaic Music

Students learn Judaic music and develop a broad repertoire of songs that are the soul of Jewish culture and celebration. The Judaic music curriculum also includes modern Hebrew Israeli songs further embracing Hebrew as a living language.