There are many wonderful parts to an LGA education - the high standard of academics in both general and Judaic studies, the powerful ethics-based education and the strong sense of community that a student walks away with. One of the most powerful and meaningful parts of the LGA experience is our BUDDIES PROGRAM. Our youngest students in Kitot Gan and Alef (Kindergarten & Grade 1) are matched up with our oldest students in Kitot Hey and Vav (Grades 5 & 6).
The value of the BUDDIES program can not be underestimated. There are teachable moments at all levels. The faculty create purposeful moments for our students to participate in. Students in 6th grade take their leadership roles incredibly seriously. On Wednesday afternoons, students gather together for an hour to not only get to know each other but to learn together. There is always an aspect of learning that takes place. One afternoon, I witnessed pairs of students spread out all over the classroom and hallway working on creating a giant Noah's Ark. The Gan students were completely engrossed with their older buddy. More than just doing an art activity the students are studying together the story of Noah. They grapple with different concepts and have conversations that are quite inspiring. You wouldn't think that a 5 year old boy and a pre-teen young woman would have a lot to share with one another but they do.
These students eat together multiple times a week. They sit with each other at Kabbalat Shabbat. They read and learn together. They genuinely care about each other. In the morning, as I greet students, our Kindergartners and 1st graders will often be so excited to see their buddies. They are jumping out of their skin. They recant some episode with a lot of pride about how special their relationship is with this older student.
This is another aspect of making a small school seem just a bit bigger. The multi-age aspect of the curriculum really takes that "Learning while learning to care" and makes it real for all involved. Kol Hakavod to all of our students who take their jobs so seriously.
