General Studies
Bnos Yaakov offers girls a stimulating and enriched General Studies education with an emphasis on thinking, writing, reading, science and technological skills. To encourage enthusiasm in learning in our students, Bnos Yaakov believes in a variety of learning methods, such as dynamic lecture Q & A, cooperative learning, small and large group work and interdisciplinary learning. All students are encouraged to make connections from their academic subjects to real life. Towards this end, every semester, students take one comprehensive exam and complete one real world project to complete their subject requirements.
Bnos Yaakov believes in developing multiple intelligences in our students; everyone is given an opportunity to shine in at least one area. Girls are encouraged to develop their spatial, kinesthetic, musical, linguistic, artistic, mathematical, inter/intra personal and leadership skills. Throughout the day, left brain dominant subjects such as math, science, computers, grammar and organizational skills, are developed alongside right brain subjects such as writing, music, gym, art, computer graphic arts, communication skills and emotional intelligence.
Bnos Yaakov is devoted to developing their students’ E.Q.(emotional intelligence). Perfect grades and high IQ are not always a barometer of success in real life. Girls with high E.Q., who are confident, easy communicators, excellent negotiators and sensitive to others often meet with success in and out of school. Towards this end, students are taught and encouraged to develop their E.Q. as well as their I.Q. throughout their four years in high school.
To create a well balanced student, Bnos Yaakov believes, students should learn rigorously and creatively. This serves to develop articulate students who become critical thinkers and problem solvers, a necessary component in navigating today’s world.
Bnos Yaakov follows the NYS Department of Education guidelines, offering girls a stimulating and enriched General Studies education with an emphasis on thinking, writing, reading, history, math, science and technological skills culminating in a NYS Regents diploma at the end of 4 years of study.
To encourage enthusiasm for learning in our students, Bnos Yaakov believes in a variety of learning methods, such as dynamic lecture, Q & A, cooperative learning, small and large group work, and interdisciplinary teaching. In our efforts to create a well-balanced student, Bnos Yaakov motivates students to learn rigorously and creatively. This serves to develop articulate students who become critical thinkers and problem solvers, a necessary component in navigating today’s world. All students are encouraged to make connections from their academic subjects to real life.
Our gifted students are given the ability to complete additional assignments in various subjects, earning them an Honors grade displayed on their academic transcripts.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS
The goal of the 4-year Bnos Yaakov’s English Language Arts Program is to develop excellence in all facets of written language. Our vision is to nurture a community of confident readers, writers and speakers.
Rigorous practice for the 12th grade English regent is conducted with excellent results. 12th grade students are able to take ELA for college credit in our Freshman Center. Upon graduating, students will have learned how to express themselves with clarity and ease in personal, expository and creative writing.
Literature
Students read European and American literature in a variety of formats, such as classic novels, short stories, plays and poetry. Students analyze and discuss literature through reading logs, class discussion and literature groups.
Writing
At Bnos Yaakov, every girl is expected to become a proficient writer. Girls are taught how to write essays, short stories, plays, poetry, humorous pieces, children’s books, historical fiction, persuasive essays, op-ed articles, term papers, as well as research papers. Girls learn and practice in class – under the teacher’s supervision – how to brainstorm, write, revise, rewrite, edit and publish. In depth application of grammar, vocabulary and editing skills in writing is stressed.
Oral Communication Skills
Girls are encouraged to extend and use an expanded vocabulary in speech and writing while learning excellent communication skills. Our 12th grade students are taught Public Speaking which can be taken for college credit in our Freshman Center. They become familiar with the important fundamental skills necessary for effective public speaking and interpersonal communication.
HISTORY
History classes are taught through the 4 years of high school. In all history courses, emphasis is on primary source material along with assigned secondary sources and an awareness of current political and economic issues. Classes are conducted to encourage maximum student to student discussion. All courses stress the importance of cogent writing, critical thinking and the analysis of concepts. Mastery of factual material and the ability to discuss and debate the events that have shaped and are shaping the modern world and the Jewish nation are also emphasized. Our students are active learners and use a variety of sources to discover the world of the past which is very much alive today
Global History
Global history is taught in the 9th and 10th grades culminating in the global history regent.
A high school world history curriculum covers the key events that impacted the history of the world from ancient times to current events. Students examine how classical civilizations progressed, then move toward social and economic revolutions, and end with an in-depth study of modern history.
American History
Our students are taught American history in 11th and 12th grade preparing them for the American history regent. Students are able to receive college credits for this course. The American history curriculum begins with colonization and the Native Americans. It includes the major forces that shaped America to the present and develops an understanding of the relationship between political, economic, social and cultural factor which affected American society. Students gain knowledge of the major events, ideas, trends and problems in American history
American Government
The institutions of American government and the forces which shape governmental action are discussed. The structure and functions of various interest groups and political parties are taught along with the role of the Presidency, the operation of Congress, the courts, and the federal bureaucracy. This course is offered to our 12th grade students for college credit.
Churban Europe/Holocaust Studies
Bnos Yaakov teaches a Churban Europe/Holocaust studies course to our 12th grade students, giving them the historical background of the Holocaust infused with proper Torah hashkafos, including tales of Kiddush HaShem while learning the complexity of the subject matter.
Economics
In our Economics course, taught in the 12th grade, our students learn about supply and demand, the driving forces that cause fluctuation in the economy and how government policies play a role in inflation and unemployment.
Mesila is an international movement dedicated to strengthening financial stability in Jewish communities around the world. Using the Mesila guidelines, our students learn about insurance, investments, savings, building a budget, credit cards, and difference between needs and wants. These financial concepts empower our students with the knowledge they need to be financially responsible adults. Students are able to receive college credits for this course.
SCIENCE
Scientific understanding and knowledge of the physical and biological principles of the way the world operates have become increasingly important. Members of society who understand the complexities and interrelationships of the scientific disciplines can make intelligent use of this knowledge to improve the human condition. Good science involves questioning, observing and inferring, experimenting, finding evidence, collecting and organizing data, and drawing valid conclusions. The NYS Department of Education requires students to receive 3 years of study in science. Nutrition and general healthy lifestyle habits are emphasized throughout the four school years.
Biology
Biology involves the study of living organisms, from single-celled organisms to multiple-celled plants, animals and humans. Topics include cellular structure and functions, heredity and genetics and ecosystems. Biology is taught in 9th grade culminating in the biology regent in June.
Earth Science
Our earth science curriculum follows the NYS Department of Education guidelines and focuses on the study of the planet, and its place and relation to the rest of the universe. An earth science course teaches students a number of fundamental concepts in geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. This course is taught in our 10th grade culminating in the earth science regent in June.
Physics/Chemistry/Forensic Science
The physics curriculum includes an understanding of the laws and applications of motion, forces, and gravity. Students study the processes of work and energy and the laws of thermodynamics. They gain an understanding of how light and sound waves function in our environment.
Topics of study in chemistry include scientific processes, atom and the periodic table, structure of matter and its properties, chemical reactions, quantitative relationships using the mole, rates of reactions, equilibrium, energy transformation, nuclear energy, and electromagnetic radiation.
Forensic Science includes the investigation of fingerprinting, fiber analysis, ballistics, arson, trace evidence analysis, poisons, drugs, blood spatters, and blood samples. Students are taught the proper collection, preservation, and laboratory analysis of various samples.
MATHEMATICS
Students are required to take three years of math. Our math classes give students the tools to analyze and explore mathematical patterns found within our daily experiences. Courses focus on understanding math as both a language and a logic system, and there is an emphasis on the application of mathematical principles to the solutions of real-life problems, while properly preparing them for their regent exams in these classes.
Algebra
Algebra is taught to our 9th grade students preparing them for the algebra regent in June. Students learn the use of variables and mathematical symbols to solve problems. The course includes evaluating expressions, writing equations, graphing functions, solving quadratics, and understanding inequalities
Geometry
Geometry is taught in our 10th grade preparing them for the geometry regent in June. This course includes an understanding of geometric theorems about lines and angles, triangles, parallelograms, and circles
Trigonometry /Accounting
In 11th grade, students are able to choose either trigonometry or accounting classes,
The trigonometry class studies the relationship between the sides and angles of triangles. It uses geometrical constructions to determine the measurement of angles from the ratio of the lengths of the sides. Students will be prepared for the trigonometry regent given in June. Successful completion of this course fulfills the requirements for a NYS Advanced Diploma.
In the accounting class, students learn the basics of financial accounting. They are introduced to the concepts of assets, liabilities, and equity. This course also presents bank reconciliation methods, balance sheets, and business ethics including learning the computer program QuickBooks, which will prepare students to enter the workforce with useful and valued skills.
COMPUTER SCIENCE
Since our society has become increasingly dependent on the flow of information utilizing technology, students must demonstrate skill in computing in order to graduate. They meet this requirement by taking and passing four years of computer science. The curriculum includes instruction in several important applications, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Photoshop.
In 12th grade, a computer concepts course is given with an opportunity to gain college credit in our Freshman Center. In addition, teachers from other departments integrate their course work with that of the computer class, giving the students several opportunities to use their computing skills in a practical manner.
ART/MUSIC
Bnos Yaakov values and encourages creative expression through art and music.
Art
Students learn and practice the elements of art which includes design principles, drawing, sketching, and use of charcoal, pastels, and water color.
Music
Students are taught to play the guitar and learn the various chords and strumming techniques needed. This course is taught in 9th grade.
Art History
In this course, given in 12th grade, students study and learn about the life, artistic style and technique of influential artists. They learn to compare, contrast and interpret the various styles, structures, and functions of Western art forms.
HEALTH / PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Health education and nutritional guidance are emphasized throughout high school. Our gymnastics program includes team games, various kind of exercises, including aerobics, back and strength training and personalized exercise programs. Our CPR/First aid class teaches students to recognize and care for a variety of first aid emergencies Successful students are able to receive Red Cross certification in First Aid/CPR/AED.
PSYCHOLOGY
Our 12th graders are introduced to the major areas and disciplines of psychology and learn how to use critical thinking to analyze scientific findings and psychological data. It explores psychology as a science, a profession, and a tool for enhancing our lives. Students become familiar with key concepts and have knowledge of significant areas in modern psychology and understand their relevancy. This course is offered for college credit in our Freshman Center.
LANGUAGE
Bnos Yaakov offers a comprehensive 3-year course in Hebrew language culminating in the Hebrew regent given at the end of 11th grade.
Students learn proper Hebrew grammar and writing skills as well as conversational expertise.