Philosophy and Curricular Approach
The Spot LA
Pillars of our Curriculum: Below are the building blocks of our curriculum. The pillars of our programming are grounded in research and practice and combine to meet a wide array of kids’ needs.
Kid’s choice and interest-based learning
Hands-on, project-based learning
Meeting kids where they are
Diverse perspectives
Everyone is welcome
Goal-focused and child-centered programming
Building community
Multi-age classrooms
What Your Child Will Gain:
Unique opportunities of an after-school learning environment:
A positive Jewish identity and an interest in Jewish learning and engagement
Understanding, friendship, empathy, and compassion within and between children with different learning styles, at different levels and ages
An awareness of the importance of Jewish diversity through inclusive programming that celebrates a wide range of observance and belief
Meaningful engagement with Jewish ritual, history, culture, and language for kids from TK (over the age of 4 years and 9 months) through 5th grade
Joyous, fun, and exciting learning that puts children at the center (think summer camp, every day after school)
Teaching and learning in Jewish after school is different from Jewish day school and religious schools. Unlike these other educational models, at The Spot:
Attendance is variable: Kids attend anywhere from 2 to 5 days a week
Children arrive and depart at different times: children arrival times vary based on when public schools let out, and pickup times vary based on family realities
Kids are placed in mixed-age, mixed-level groups, often with their siblings. It is expected that children of different ages will interact together in this smaller, local environment
We believe learning in multi-age, multi-level environments helps us build a successful community and encourages deeper learning