Marin

Overview

randeis Hillel Day School offers an engaging, integrated and rigorous curriculum that includes a strong foundation in core academic disciplines: English - with an emphasis on writing, reading and public speaking - Hebrew, Spanish (in Middle School) mathematics, science, social studies and Judaic studies.

In addition, art, athletics, drama, music, technology and outdoor education are important components to enhance the development of our students’ hearts, minds and souls. Developing social and emotional skills are an important part of our program as well and play an important part in our school culture.

BHDS has an overall student-teacher ratio of 9:1; our low student to teacher ratio enables each child to reach his or her full potential. Our instructional philosophy reflects standards developed by the State of California, national teachers’ organizations and our own faculty. Brandeis Hillel’s faculty follow the best practices set by experience, a collaborative approach and the most recent findings in educational research.

Academic News

First Grade "Steps Up" to Beach Cleanup

Posted May 23, 2013

This year, our students learned about the importance of the ocean; studied the harmful effects of plastic and garbage on the sea birds, sea mammals and humans; and integrated their classroom learning with hands-on experience by cleaning up McNears Beach in San Rafael, alongside parents and teachers. Through this project, our first graders reinforced classroom learning about environmental responsibility, and lived the Jewish concept of tikkun olam, or "repairing the world"...

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Second Grade Donates 174 Pounds of Shavuot Produce to Marin Food Bank

Posted May 23, 2013

Our second class collected 174 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to offer during their Shavuot-inspired second grade Tefillah and then deliver to the Marin Food Bank to serve the hungry in our community. "Our second grade class learned to recognize and be grateful for the bounty of our land--and then use it to help our community," said Beverly Pinto, Judaic Studies coordinator...

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Fifth Grade Travels Across the United States

Posted May 22, 2013

As part of their exploration of United States geography and history, our fifth grade class has been researchig and and writing a journal about an imaginary trip through two states, presenting their findings to their class. "What a spectacular journey for our students, as they learn about the United States in a personalized way," said teacher Maria Seward.

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Second Grade Visit Guide Dogs for the Blind and Botanical Gardens in One Week!

Posted May 9, 2013

The second graders were fortunate to get to go on two, sought-after, lottery-selected field trips this week—one day apart! On Monday, they toured the Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael, following up on their classroom learning about the lives of Helen Keller and Louis Braille and the different kinds of blindness and how vision-impaired people navigate the world. "On the field trip, we got to see how these wonderful canines are born, raised, trained, and then paired with their human partners," said teacher Ruth Rosenthal. "Our students are true experts now," she added. On Tuesday, the class visited the San Francisco Botanical Gardens as part of their learning about flowers and their life cycles.
Third Grade Visits Muir Woods

Posted May 8, 2013

Our third grade visited Muir Woods as part of their science on life structures. "We've been learning about seed dispersal and the parts and functions of plants," said teacher Cherise Sorenson. "Though our hydroponic set-up in class has been a great way to show the lifecycle of beans, nothing can beat seeing the our spectacular redwood forest up close and personal," she added.