Our School
Woodlands takes great pride in offering a religious school that prepares students to live meaningful Jewish lives. Our school is inclusive in the truest sense: We are committed to teaching Jewish tradition, history, and values to students of all backgrounds and abilities. Above all else, we seek to nurture a love of Judaism that our students will carry with them.
Our school, which runs from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, provides a program of academic studies and extracurricular activities that will enable students to participate in all phases of Jewish life. The program is formal and serious, yet relaxed and fun. We make every effort to ensure that our students’ experiences are meaningful, both educationally and spiritually.
It is our belief that as our children learn about Judaism, they connect with the generations that came before us and with those who will come after. We involve parents and other family members at every grade level, inviting them to special classes, services, and family dinners.
We are fortunate to have an experienced and beloved lead educator as well as a staff of veteran, committed, and unusually knowledgable and personable teachers. Our clergy often take part, opening school with songs and prayers. Students come to our religious school with a smile and often leave laughing.
Over the course of their education, our students take numerous trips, including to the Hebrew Home for the Aged in Riverdale, the famous Lower East Side of Manhattan, the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York City, and other synagogues and houses of worship.
Woodlands is known throughout the region for providing individual educational programs for students with special needs. We want to provide the best possible Jewish education for any child and family that wants one.
The greatest proof that our religious school works is the strong involvement of our high school students, who meet on Monday nights for pizza and study in our Academy program. And many of our graduates return from college to lead prayers on the High Holy Days.
Our youth director leads a number of informal education programs, including both retreats and youth groups geared to various grade levels. Our senior youth group, WoodSY, participates in programming developed by NFTY, the North American Federation of Temple Youth. For more information on these programs, click here.
Our school is part of our congregation, not separate from it. At Woodlands, education is everybody’s business.
Religious School Calendar
Registration Forms
Registration form here
School Board
school board info here
Curriculum Highlights
Here's a grade-by-grade look at how our curriculum is structured.
Nut Policy
Please note our new policy, recently approved by the Board of Trustees, regarding Peanut/Nut Allergies and Awareness. We are trying to make WCT a safe and healthy environment for everyone and we need you to be aware of this policy when bringing food into the temple.
School Ceremonies
Here's a look at some of the key ceremonies celebrated through the religious school program at Woodlands.
Hebrew Studies
Hebrew is the language of the Jewish people. It is the language of the Torah, the Siddur, the Talmud, and other sacred books. Modern Hebrew is the language of our people in Israel. The study of Hebrew is an integral part of the entire school program.
Educational Philosophy and Goals
Religious school provides fundamental training for life as a Jew. During the years your children spend with us, WCT provides the skills and knowledge they need to live that life and, hopefully, the motivation and commitment to do so. We believe that Religious school is a beginning, not an end.
