Middle school
OCA equips students with the knowledge, concepts, and skills to become committed Torah-authentic Jews and independent lifelong learners.
Judaic studies
The Middle School framework includes Gemara for boys, Mishna for girls, Chumash, Halacha, Navi, Biur Tefila, and Ivrit. Instruction is carefully leveled to support increasing independence, precise textual understanding, analysis, and meaningful application.
Gemara
Students build on Mishnah foundations and develop analytical reasoning. Sixth grade studies Eilu Metziot; seventh and eighth grades follow a two-year HaKones and Arvei Pesachim cycle. The Gemara Berura system helps students classify the components of a sugya and construct meaning independently.
Chumash
Close reading of Sefer Shemot emphasizes shoresh identification, grammar, precise understanding, Rashi and other mefarshim, evidence-based interpretation, and increasing independence.
Mishna
Students identify case, ruling, reasoning, and the flow of a Mishnah. Girls complete a comprehensive study of Masechet Brachot; boys review and apply their skills as they transition into Gemara.
Navi
Study of Sefer Shmuel develops textual comprehension, historical understanding, character analysis, and engagement with the enduring Torah and ethical messages of Tanach.
Halacha
Sixth grade focuses on Shabbat, seventh on tefilla and tefillin for boys, and eighth on brachot. Students navigate halachic texts and apply learning to real-life scenarios and the chagim.
Ivrit
A leveled, communicative approach develops listening, speaking, reading, and writing using authentic materials, interactive activities, technology, vocabulary, and grammar.
Biur Tefila
Students build understanding and confidence navigating the siddur, participating in minyan, and connecting to the structure, language, and meaning of tefilla.
General studies
General Studies are approached with the same purpose and intentionality as Judaic Studies, reflecting the inherent kedusha of all learning.
English language arts
Amplify ELA engages students in close reading of complex literary and informational texts, evidence-based discussion, analytical and research writing, vocabulary, grammar, and presentation.
Mathematics
McGraw Hill Glencoe Math balances conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, inquiry, guided practice, and real-world application. Students progress from ratios, integers, and expressions through Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, and advanced Algebra II.
History
Sixth grade explores world history through the Renaissance; seventh and eighth grades study American history, including meaningful connections with Jewish history and the My Family Story project.
Science
Inquiry-based lab, project, and discussion experiences build scientific reasoning, content knowledge, and the ability to communicate evidence-based conclusions.