FAQ

The Sinai Learning Lab builds on a rich tradition of innovative educational approaches. Across the country, thousands of programs—supported by decades of research—demonstrate the profound effectiveness of multi-age, problem-based learning focused on skill mastery. Inspired by pioneering models such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Acton Academy, we aim to create a learning environment that empowers students to thrive.

For those interested in exploring the research behind these approaches, we’ve curated a collection of resources here. Take a deep dive and discover the evidence that informs and inspires our work!
In the Sinai Learning Lab, students craft their own learning journeys within a structured framework designed to ensure mastery of core skills. Here’s how it looks in practice:

Student Choice and Voice: Students are given opportunities to explore their interests and passions while aligning their choices with core skill requirements. For example, a student fascinated by engineering might choose to learn mathematical concepts through a project involving building models or designing blueprints.

Goal-Setting and Planning: With guidance from teachers, students set personal learning goals. They use tools such as progress trackers or learning portfolios to identify what they want to achieve and map out steps to get there. This collaborative planning fosters a sense of ownership and accountability.

Flexible Pathways: Learning materials and activities are differentiated, offering multiple pathways to achieve mastery. Some students might engage in hands-on experiments, while others might prefer digital tools or group discussions. For example, while mastering fractions, one student might use cooking as a context, while another uses coding.

Teacher Facilitation: Teachers act as facilitators, stepping in to provide scaffolding or redirect students as needed. They observe, question, and challenge students to think critically, guiding them back to core skills when projects veer off track.

Responsive Tools and Assessment: Digital platforms and hands-on tools are used to provide immediate feedback and adapt to students’ progress. These tools allow both students and teachers to make real-time adjustments to learning plans, ensuring no gaps in foundational knowledge.

Showcase and Reflection: Students regularly showcase their work, reflecting on their learning process and outcomes. This might look like a “learning fair” where students present projects or a reflective journaling activity where they document what they’ve mastered and where they need more practice.

This approach ensures that students not only meet educational standards but also develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a passion for lifelong learning.
The teachers in the learning lab serve as guides and mentors who help your child navigate their own learning journey rather than simply delivering lessons. Our teachers encourage your child to take charge of their learning. They support your child in exploring topics they’re passionate about, fostering critical thinking and self-directed learning all while ensuring that fundamental skills are mastered. They’re here to provide guidance and support, helping your child become an independent learner.

Sinai Learning Lab will be guided by a lead teacher with experience in multi-age education and training in Montessori, Reggio and/or Acton along with a lab assistant. Our Learning Lab teachers will have advanced degrees in education and/or will be certified and licensed by the state of Florida.
The Sinai Learning Lab is committed to preparing our students not only for successful entry into top private and public middle schools but also for a lifetime of learning and growth. Our mastery-based approach ensures that each child develops a deep understanding of core concepts aligned with state standards as outlined in CPALMS (Center for Research in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics at the Learning Systems Institute).

To support this mission, we employ a variety of tools and strategies, including traditional manipulatives and educational resources that provide tactile, hands-on learning experiences, as well as cutting-edge online platforms like Khan Academy to reinforce and expand understanding.

Students are empowered to take an active role in monitoring their own growth, guided by their teachers who serve as partners in the learning journey. Together, they track progress using responsive tools designed to adapt to each student’s unique needs, ensuring a truly personalized educational experience. By fostering this collaboration, students not only develop critical self-awareness but also engage in learning tailored to their individual strengths and goals, nurturing a lifelong love of growth and discovery.
Technology is used intentionally as a tool for learning rather than a primary focus of the day. On average, students spend a balanced portion of their time engaging with technology, typically for activities like core-skills learning, personalized practice, research, or interactive projects. However, a significant amount of their day is devoted to hands-on, collaborative, and creative activities that foster real-world problem-solving and interpersonal skills. The use of screens is purposeful and responsive, ensuring that technology enhances learning without overshadowing active, experiential, and face-to-face components of the educational experience.
Assessments are designed to reflect our personalized and mastery-based approach to learning. Traditional tests are replaced or supplemented with performance-based assessments, where students demonstrate their understanding through projects, presentations, or applied problem-solving. These assessments are aligned with each student’s learning goals and core skills, ensuring they showcase their knowledge in meaningful ways.

There is no "homework" assigned in the traditional sense; our philosophy emphasizes self-directed learning and exploration, meaning students focus on meaningful learning experiences within school hours rather than completing assigned homework outside of class time. We believe that after school, children should be playing, doing sports, learning to play an instrument, and exploring other passions. We support extracurricular enrichment by offering a 30% discount to Learning Lab students who want to participate in Club Sinai, providing even more opportunities for growth and exploration.
The Sinai Learning Lab is proud to be an integral part of Temple Sinai of North Dade, a vibrant Reform Jewish community. At the Learning Lab, Jewish values are the foundation of all we do and learn. When we feel gratitude, we recite b’rachot (blessings), and when we encounter wonder, we thank God for the miracles that surround us. Here, our students don’t just study Jewish life and traditions—they live them every day, immersing themselves in the beauty and meaning of Judaism through action, reflection, and community.

Hebrew, the sacred and spoken language of the Jewish people, is woven seamlessly into every day at the Sinai Learning Lab. Students actively engage with Hebrew, hearing and using vocabulary in their daily conversations and activities. This immersive approach helps our students build a meaningful connection to the language, enriching their Jewish identity and deepening their understanding of Jewish tradition and culture.
We believe, as we're taught by the Reggio Emilia approach to education, that the environment is the third teacher. We are blessed at Temple Sinai to be situated on 14 wooded acres in Sky Lake, across the Oleta River from the Michael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center. A sense of serenity and natural beauty enhance everything we do on campus. We are constantly blurring the lines between inside and out, crafting a learning environment that knows no bounds.

We are working to create two fully functional learning spaces for our students—one inside and one outside. Both spaces will have flexible learning areas designed to support a variety of activities, including collaborative group work, individual exploration, and hands-on projects. The indoor space will feature adaptable furniture, technology integration, and materials to inspire creativity and critical thinking. The outdoor space will embrace nature as a classroom, offering areas for science exploration, movement, and experiential learning that fosters a connection to the environment and Jewish values. Together, these spaces will provide our students with a dynamic and holistic learning experience.
Sinai Learning Lab is a multi-age program for 1st through 3rd graders. The lab will be capped at 16 children total with two teachers.
We anticipate opening another Learning Lab group for 4th-5th graders. This will take your children through their elementary school experience and set them up for success in middle school.
Yes! You can receive more than $8000 towards tuition from the state through the Step Up program.
That’s a fantastic question! The Sinai Learning Lab is designed to be an incredible fit for children who demonstrate initiative, budding leadership skills, and the ability to engage in both independent work and collaborative activities. To help you determine if the Learning Lab is the right fit for your child, we’ve provided a list of reflective questions on our Admissions page. Take a look and explore whether this innovative program aligns with your child’s unique strengths and learning style.
Scheduling a tour is the first step in your Sinai Learning Lab admissions process. You can schedule a tour here.