The mission of the Hasten Hebrew Academy of Indianapolis is to create a learning environment that fosters the religious, social and academic growth of all students. Because the progress of each student is valued highly, great efforts are made to assure suitable learning goals for everyone. All students are encouraged to work toward producing at maximum potential. In pursuit of academic excellence, we emphasize basic skills, higher-order thinking and life long learning.
General Info:
Address: 6602 Hoover Road, Indianapolis, 46260
Phone: (317) 251-1261
Website: hhai.org
Open House Date: Early Childhood open house on Nov. 1 – CLICK HERE for more info.
Q&A with Hasten Hebrew Academy of Indianapolis:
What makes Hasten Hebrew Academy unique?
As the only Jewish Day School in Indianapolis our mission is to foster the religious, social and academic growth of our students from early childhood through 8th grade. Our staff and students represent and honor the many unique and diverse Jewish backgrounds that make up our community. We are supported by a dedicated and loving group of parent volunteers, alumni and local Jewish community members who work together to maintain a unique family spirit and a close-knit community for our students and teachers.
Our Approach to Learning
The Hasten Hebrew Academy of Indianapolis offers a dual curriculum supporting both secular and Judaic studies. Our unique emphasis on Reggio-Emilia inspired instruction in our Early Childhood program (rated Paths to QUALITY Level 3), and Conceptual instruction, STEAM and Design Thinking in Elementary and Middle school, foster a sense of creativity, ingenuity, and confidence in all students. Through passion projects and student led research projects we promote independence, life skills, problem solving, 21st century skills including critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration.
What is Hasten Hebrew Academy’s age/grade range?
HHAI serves children ages 12 months through 8th grade.
What is your enrollment policy? Are there any key dates parents should be aware of?
The Hasten Hebrew Academy of Indianapolis is currently enrolling for January 2021 and the 2021-2022 school year for the community based Early Childhood and for our uniquely Jewish Day School grades 1st grade through 8th grade. We admit students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, athletic and other school-administered programs.
Does Hasten Hebrew Academy offer financial assistance?
We offer financial assistance through State funded initiatives such as On My Way Pre-K, IQE, Choice Scholarships, CCDF and Jewish community based scholarships.
What are the standard school day hours?
8 AM to 3:30 PM
Early Childhood offers a varied schedule to meet the needs of our families. For children ages 12 months to 3 years old, the school day concludes at 1 PM. For children in Pre-K, the school day ends at 2:00 to help bridge the gap between preschool and full-day Kindergarten. Kindergarten through 8th grade attend 8 AM to 3:30 PM. Aftercare is available for children age 2 and younger until 3:30 PM and for children 3 years through 5th grade until 6 PM.
Does Hasten Hebrew Academy offer before/after school care? Does Hasten Hebrew Academy offer afterschool activities?
We offer after care until 6 PM for children ages 3 through 5th grade with homework club offered for Middle School aged children. Afterschool activities (when COVID 19 permits) includes competitive volleyball, chess, handwriting, speech, JumpBunch, Silly Hearts Yoga, art, basketball, environmental stewardship program and homework club.
Is there a uniform or dress code?
There is no dress code for our program. Students are asked to dress respectfully and in a manner conducive to learning.
How many children attend Hasten Hebrew Academy? How many students are in the average classroom?
There are currently 104 students with an average of 10 children per class. We strive to keep classroom enrollment at 15 students or less to maximize optimal learning potential. In our Paths to QUALITY Level 3 Early Childhood program, State mandated student to teacher ratios are strictly observed. Maximum group size depends on the age of the youngest child in the classroom.
Does Hasten Hebrew Academy have a homework policy?
We do assign age appropriate homework depending on the ability and age of the child.
Does Hasten Hebrew Academy offer support for students with special needs?
While we are a small school, we do work with Washington Township and our in-house academic support staff to service the academic needs and wellbeing of our students. Recognizing the individual strengths of each child and necessary supports is a pillar of our program. While we seek to support every child, we understand that our program may not have the resources to fully support the needs of your child as a unique learner. As such, a screening may be held prior to enrollment to ensure that your child’s needs can be adequately supported in our group setting.
What specialty classes / extracurricular activities does Hasten Hebrew Academy offer (gym, art, language, sports etc.)?
Art
Library
Gym
Music
Technology
Electives- Spanish, Creative Writing, Hebrew, French, Mathematics, STEM, Coding, Robotics, Advisory (social emotional development), Competitive Volleyball- four time IISL Champions, and basketball club.
What are Hasten Hebrew Academy’s safety policies?
We make the safety and security of our students and staff a top priority. We employee armed police officers throughout the school day and continue to make annual safety and security improvements while providing ongoing staff trainings. Over the last four years, we have invested $265,000.00 of grant monies to maintain and improve our school security.
What extra safety measures is Hasten Hebrew Academy taking during the COVID-19 pandemic?
- Staggered arrival times
- Suspension of classroom visits including parents and visitors
- HVAC upgrades to include UV light sterilization units
- Elimination of food program to support parent choice and safety
- Hand sanitzer stations throughout building
- Classroom cohorts or “families” to limit exposure throughout building
- Children KDG- 8th grade are masked throughout the school day, Pre-K masks optional
- All staff are masked
- Frequent handwashing and cleaning of classroom materials
- Individual materials for art, academics and technology
- Classroom instruction and lunch outside whenever weather permits
- Frequent mask breaks to support students and staff
- Additional cleaning of high touch surfaces throughout the school day and nightly
- Strict health and wellness policy including the exclusion of children with COVID 19 symptoms for the required 10 day period.
- Daily temperature checks in the Early Childhood
- Social distancing in 1st-8th grade classrooms
- Exclusive “sick” room for ill children with COVID 19 symptoms
- Children are asked to bring in water bottles to refill from designated refill stations
- Social distancing markers placed in hallways and offices
- Suspension of afterschool activities until it is safe to resume
- Hallway restrictions to certain classrooms/cohorts
- School entry points based on grade level/cohort groups
- Sanitation of playground structures after each use
- Infusion of additional materials and manipulatives to support frequent cleaning of used items
Who should parents contact for more information about Hasten Hebrew Academy?
Email [email protected] for more information and to schedule a tour.
Toni Scott, Administrator, [email protected]
Ashley Flaumenhaft, Early Childhood Director, [email protected]
Miriam Gettinger, Principal, [email protected]
