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Frequently Asked Questions
- By going to Levine Academy, does a student get a complete education?
Yes. Levine Academy graduates are prepared to compete with students at all schools, both public and private. The second language our students study is Hebrew. We integrate citizenship and ethics in our dual curriculum. Higher order thinking skills from Early Childhood through Grade 8 are re-enforced in both branches of the curriculum. Learning more subjects, because we have more, provide our students with an enriched learning experience.
- Does the time spent on Jewish Studies take time away from secular subjects?
No. Teaching and learning take place throughout the day regardless of the subject matter. The Judaic Studies program teaches and reinforces the intellectual skills of questioning, analyzing, evaluating and making choices. These are skills that are greatly needed in the secular studies classes. If you look at both curricula as supplementing and reinforcing one another, the high academic achievements of our students are not so surprising. Our students consistently score high on standardized tests and do well in high school. Educational success is determined by the way time is used and not by the time available. Additionally, integrating our Jewish and general studies really enhances the educational experience as a whole.
- We are not Conservative and are not observant. Will we fit in at the Levine Academy?
Yes. Because we recognize and respect the broad spectrum of observance in our Jewish community, every type of observance is respected and acknowledged. Many of our students come from Reform and Modern Orthodox families.
- What does Levine Academy do to to help with the placement of its graduates into the high school of their choice?
Levine has a very comprehensive graduate placement program overseen by the MS Counselor; it is quite comparable to a college placement service. The Counselor and Principal meet with parents in early September to explain the process for applying to any of the independent schools, magnet schools, or public schools. This includes any private high schools (both secular and parochial), IB Programs, International School, and/or boarding schools that any of our graduates have ever attended or in which they expressed interest.
The counselor, principal and Head meet numerous times with parent/students as they make the decision about which schools are the best choices for their children and how to navigate those waters. The Head meets with each child separately for a personal interview, review of their middle school performance/strengths, and how the child should highlight their strengths. The Head also give tips for how to be an impressive interviewee.
At the end of the process, the local schools to which our students apply will receive a hand-delivered packet from the Counselor that includes: a cover letter from the Head of School,resume completed during Computer Class, letters of recommendation completed by Levine Academy teachers. Both the Counselor and Head of School will have had numerous conversations on behalf of our graduates so the schools will have a complete picture of the strengths of our candidates, and how they could contribute to that school’s community.
Our placement record is very strong for acceptances. More than 90% of students are accepted into their first choice school, or the school that Levine is the best placement for the graduate. In addition, students placed on a wait list will continue to receive support from the Counselor, Head of School, and Principal until placement is obtained in those school of choice.
- Where do our graduates go after 8th grade?
Those applying to private schools have been accepted to Greenhill School, The Hockaday School, St. Mark’s School of Texas, Episcopal School of Dallas, Lakehill Preparatory School, Parish Episcopal School, American Hebrew Academy and Yavneh Academy. Those going to public schools are typically placed in honors programs and AP programs, or attend Magnet Schools and the International Baccalaureate Program in Plano. We hear from administrators and teachers of these schools that our graduates are very well prepared and excel in their classes.
- How do our graduates adjust/measure up to other ninth graders?
Our graduates do very well in both public and private schools. Administrators tell us our students are very well prepared in all areas. Our graduates know how to ask important questions, write reports, make presentations, think “out of the box” and work as a member of a team. Our students typically take on leadership roles and remain involved in community service and in the Jewish community. They seldom have problems making new friends.
- Will my child be prepared for high school?
Yes. Levine Academy provides its students with an excellent Jewish and general studies education in a nurturing environment. The challenging duel curriculum and small class size allow for individual attention from creative, knowledgeable teachers. Levine academy offers a rigorous curriculum that prepares students to excel in secondary schools, college, and postgraduate studies. Our graduates have attended the best private schools in Dallas and the best colleges in the country.
- Do any of our students have learning issues?
Of course, and we will make accommodations for special circumstances. We have learning specialists in the Beck Lower School and in Middle School available to students who need help in certain academic areas. However, we are not a special needs school. If we do not feel we are able to meet the needs of a child, we will assist the family in finding a school that can meet the child’s needs.
- How do you meet the needs of the more academically advanced students?
To help a student achieve his or her full academic potential, Levine Academy introduces Individual Learning Plans in the upper elementary grades. Each student will have his or her own academic profile, which notes strengths, special interests and learning styles, as well as areas that might require special attention. Based on this document, a plan of action will be developed and reviewed with parents and students to maximize the student's potential.
We have developed a lower school project, Challenge and Discovery, which is designed to enhance academic offerings and challenges and to expand students' learning experiences. Teachers and specialists staff programs such as Math Lab, Mock Trial, Writers' Workshop, Tutorials, Kikar Tsion Hebrew-speaking club, and much more. Middle School classes are enriched through the classroom curriculum, honors level classes, and extracurriculars like Math Amazements. Students’ needs are met at virtually every level.
- Do you offer honors classes or other advanced classes?
Yes.In Beck Lower School, students are divided into literary groups according to their abilities.
Beginning in third grade, students are leveled in math according to their abilities. Honors classes in Language Arts and Science are available to students in 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade. Beginning in 4th grade, students are leveled in Hebrew language according to their abilities. Leveling is a fluid, non-rigid approach and children can and do move when appropriate.
- What math program do you use?
The Everyday Math Program begins in kindergarten and continues through the 3rd grade. The program focuses on higher order thinking skills, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Enrichment is offered in all grade levels as needed. Beginning in 5th grade, students use a more traditional math program, still focusing on higher-level thinking skills, problem-solving, and critical thinking. All seventh graders take Pre-Algebra. The majority, those “above level,” then move on to Algebra I in the 8th grade, receiving high school credit. Those in the “on level” class will complete half of Pre-Algebra in 7th grade and the other half in 8th grade. Should a student wish to move to the “above level” class at the end of 7th grade, the student has the opportunity to complete the 2nd half of Pre-Algebra over the summer and take a comprehensive exam in August. The student will then be allowed to join the 8th grade Algebra I class if he or she has scored an 85 or higher on the exam. This must be done with the approval of the administration.
The curriculum has been altered for more advanced math students, allowing them to take Algebra I in 7th grade and Algebra II in 8th grade.
- How often do students go to Tefilot?
Daily. Tefilot is usually held in our sanctuary, Beit Aryeh, however, it is sometimes held in classrooms as a “teaching/learning” experience.
- How do students participate in services?
Younger students take turns leading services. Fifth graders learn trope and begin reading from the Torah. From that point on students rotate having aliyot, being the Gabbai, and leading Tefilah.
- Do they need to be tutored for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah?
Students typically learn the skills needed for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah at Levine Academy, with the exception of their Haftorah and Torah portions. Individual synagogues guide their member families and children in planning for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
- Our family does not know Hebrew. Will this be a problem in assisting our children with their homework?
No, you do not have to know Hebrew as the homework is a review of the material learned by students in the classroom. The homework is given as a reinforcement of class work. As with all of our faculty, our Hebrew language staff makes itself available for assistance during the school day.
- Do you have early morning and or afternoon care?
Yes. Students may come as early as 7 a.m. and stay as late as 6 p.m. Registration forms are sent to all parents during the summer.
- Does Levine Academy offer summer camps?
Yes. We offer camps for children in the ECC.
- In what ways are the parents involved in the school?
Levine Academy parents are encouraged to get involved in the school community through the Parent Association, committees of the school board and the school board. In addition there are many opportunities to volunteer in the classroom, the library, and help in all school-wide activities and events.
- Do the students wear uniforms?
Yes. Levine Academy K-8 students are required to wear a uniform.
- Is there a lunch program?
Parents have the option of packing a DAIRY (and peanut-free in the ECC) lunch for their child(ren) or purchasing lunch from the school which will include meat options three times a week. Lunch order forms are sent out twice a year.
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