Contact Us
Daniel Sussman
Principal, Golda Meir Lower School
Phone: (858) 704-3759
Fax: (858) 704-3720
dsussman@sdja.com
Debbie Kornberg
Director of Judaic Studies, Golda Meir Lower School
(858) 704-3785
dkornberg@sdja.com
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Welcome to Golda Meir Lower School
San Diego Jewish Academy’s challenging dual curriculum gives students a solid foundation grounded in all of the basic skills across all disciplines, including Judaic studies and Hebrew language. Our students are challenged to stretch their growth and knowledge to the highest potential as they explore the world around them, discover their own learning strengths and utilize critical thinking skills to ignite a passion for learning.
Golda Meir Lower School (Grades K-5) was named for one of the greatest stateswomen of all time. Born in Russia and raised in the United States, Golda Meir moved to Palestine in 1921. She served as Foreign Minister for Israel from 1956-65 and as Prime Minister of Israel from 1969-1974. Golda Meir’s dedication to her country and her personal concern for all people are legendary. Similarly, the care and concern given to all students in the Lower School that so aptly bears her name are of the highest importance in educating the whole child.
Equal emphasis is given to a strong academic program and character education in the Lower School. Students are challenged to achieve at their own ability level so that all students may experience the maximum amount of success. At the same time, the Judaic studies curriculum is a natural vehicle for instilling Jewish values and building strong moral and ethical character. Our students complete their elementary education with an enthusiasm for learning as well as a good understanding of themselves, and how they relate to others in the world around them
Academic (General and Judaic)
The Lower School day is divided into thirds for all classes, K-5. One-third of the day is devoted to Judaic Studies and Hebrew language, while two thirds of the day is devoted to all areas of general studies including language arts, math, science and social studies. For the primary grades (K-2), there is one Judaic studies teacher and one general studies teacher. For third and fourth grades, there is a team of three teachers for each class. The team consists of one Judaic studies teacher, one teacher who specializes in all areas of the language arts including reading, writing, spelling, grammar and literature, and one teacher who specializes in math, science and social studies.
In fifth grade, as students prepare to enter middle school, there is a slight shift in order to match the academic emphases given in the Upper School. The teaching team still consists of three teachers, including one Judaic studies teacher. In addition, one teacher specializes in math and science, while another teacher specializes in language arts and social studies, or the humanities.
In addition to all of the usual disciplines of study, five special areas are included within the Lower School curriculum. All students participate in classes in music, art, physical education, computers and library on a regular basis. Each class is taught by a specialist in the given subject area.
Every attempt is made to integrate curriculum wherever possible, including that of Judaic and general studies, in order to give students meaningful learning experiences that they can relate to their own lives. Hebrew is taught as a modern language. Its importance for our relationship to Israel as the Jewish homeland as well as for historical reference and text study is emphasized. Music, art, computer and library classes very often are integrated with units of study in the regular classroom, with teachers and specialists working collaboratively.
For detailed information on curriculum, click here
Administrators
Daniel Sussman
Principal, Golda Meir Lower School
Phone: (858) 704-3759
Email: dsussman@sdja.com
Barbara Gordon
Vice Principal/Curriculum Coordinator, Golda Meir Lower School
Phone: (858) 704-3733
Email: bgordon@sdja.com
Debbie Kornberg
Director of Judaic Studies, Golda Meir Lower School
Phone: (858) 704-3785
Email: dkornberg@sdja.com
Roxanne Hersh
Guidance Counselor, Golda Meir Lower School
Phone: (858) 704-3748
Email: rhersh@sdja.com
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