GENERAL STUDIES
Serious. Efficient.High-Quality.
High academic standards. Shorter, focused classes. A curriculum designed to make every minute count.
Our shorter general studies periods are designed for focused, purposeful learning—not reduced expectations. This thoughtful use of classroom time helps talmidim build real knowledge and skills while preserving more of the day for limudei kodesh and enriching opportunities beyond the classroom.
Explore the curriculumHigh expectations
Challenging content, clear goals, and an emphasis on genuine understanding.
Shorter, Focused Classes
Deliberately concise periods, purposeful instruction, and clear expectations for genuine progress.
A Torah perspective
Knowledge taught by educators who understand the priorities of a ben Torah.
OUR GENERAL STUDIES CURRICULUM
Strong Academics.
Thoughtfully Taught.
Each subject has its own carefully developed approach, with experienced educators, meaningful content, and an insistence that talmidim make real progress.
Mathematics
Individualized pace.
Guided progress. Real mastery.
Led by Rabbi Pinchas Goldfinger, who has directed the math program at Toras Chaim for 13 years, mathematics at Afikei Mayim combines the advantages of individualized learning with close teacher supervision and accountability.
Students use ALEKS, an adaptive, mastery-based math platform, to advance according to their abilities. Rabbi Goldfinger has built additional systems for monitoring progress, setting personal goals, and evaluating achievement. Each talmid is held to expectations appropriate to his abilities and progress.
Self-paced never means left on one’s own. Teachers are available to introduce new concepts and help students work through difficulties. Rabbi Goldfinger has also created custom video tutorials for every ALEKS problem type, giving students another option for clear, targeted explanations.
The result: a program in which boys can move ahead without being held back—and cannot coast simply by doing less.
English Language Arts
Strong language skills.
Ideas that matter.
Our custom curriculum uses high-level English-language Torah literature and hashkafah as the foundation for challenging instruction in reading comprehension, writing, grammar, vocabulary, and public speaking.
Selections from Rav Beryl Wein, Rabbi Akiva Tatz, and Rabbi Aharon Lopiansky שליט״א, among others, give talmidim meaningful ideas to explore while sharpening their reading, analysis, and communication skills.
Classes are taught by qualified, chashuve bnei Torah who combine an excellent command of the English language with the Torah knowledge and teaching ability to explain these important concepts with clarity and depth.
Science
The wonders of Hashem’s world.
Science is taught by Dr. Yitzchak Baum, a retired veterinarian and accomplished scientist who ran a laboratory for the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
His real-world expertise brings lessons to life. A study of plants may lead naturally to a fascinating discussion of the dalet minim; throughout the curriculum, Nifla’os ha’Borei is a recurring focus, deepening students’ appreciation for the intricacy of creation.
History
Understanding the past.
Recognizing the Yad Hashem.
History lessons focus on the people, events, and major turning points that have affected Klal Yisroel throughout the generations.
Through the rise and fall of empires, the challenges faced by Jewish communities, and the remarkable survival of our people, talmidim are encouraged to recognize the Yad Hashem and His ongoing hashgachah over Klal Yisroel.
BEYOND THE CORE SUBJECTS
Engaging classes.
Practical skills.
Alongside their core courses, talmidim encounter engaging opportunities to discover talents, develop useful skills, and explore new areas of interest.
STEM & Technology
At different points throughout high school, talmidim have opportunities to take engaging STEM classes in electronics, engineering, programming, computer networking, and cybersecurity.
Personal Finance
Before graduation, every talmid takes a personal finance class covering practical topics such as budgeting, saving, investing, and making responsible financial decisions.
Hands-On Electives
Options such as photography and videography, woodworking, woodturning, and music production offer avenues for creativity, craftsmanship, and new interests.
Academic excellence
in its proper place.
At Afikei Mayim, general studies is designed to be challenging, engaging, and purposeful. Through excellent educators, thoughtful curriculum design, and focused use of time, we aim to give talmidim a strong academic foundation while preserving the mesivta’s central focus: growth in Torah, hasmadah, and becoming accomplished bnei Torah.
Apply NowQuestions? info@afikeimayim.org · 667-647-2310