The Program
Childhood is an adventure. It is an opportunity for young people to discover who they are and what matters to them.
Akiba’s Discovery Program is an approach to afterschool activities that gives your children the chance to explore their interests, talents and skills with best-in-class specialists in Athletics, Fine Arts, and
Language & Learning.
Designed for students in preschool through 8th grade, Discovery helps children progressively develop skills year after year. Our qualified instructors foster good sportsmanship and develop self-confidence.
Our goal is to provide students the opportunity to tap into and develop their talents as they enjoy the journey through Akiba’s
Discovery Program.
The Coordinator
 Shari Handler is the coordinator of the Akiba Discovery Program. She brings extensive experience in children’s programming including musical theater, Judaics and enrichment activities. Although Shari is a lawyer by profession, her diverse background includes running her law practice, writing novels, teaching Hebrew school, directing drama classes, musical theatre and dancing ballet for many years. Above all, a common theme that drives most of her work is her passion for child development and fostering kind, happy kids with high self-esteem, self-confidence and belief in their own capabilities.
Shari Handler,
Program Coordinator
shandler@akibaacademy.org
 Athletics
Akiba Academy is committed to providing a quality athletic after-school experience. Our goal is to offer programs that teach positive lessons of sportsmanship, respect for one’s opponent, consideration of the rules and the ability to win and lose with grace.
We instill perseverance, self-discipline, self-reliance and self-confidence in our student athletes. Beginning in Clinics, our athletic program builds sports skills in a progressive, controlled way, encouraging positive team and competitive behavior.  This program is designed to prepare students for participation in Akiba’s already-established Middle School athletic program competing against other top-rated Dallas private schools.
Clinics:
Clinic students, grades K–2, rotate through soccer, basketball and t-ball instruction on a trimester basis. The class is built around fun game drills and intramural scrimmages, and teaches superior skills, along with game rules and techniques.
Jr. Leaguers:
Jr. Leaguers, grades 3–4, also rotate through soccer, basketball and t-ball instruction on a trimester basis. Building on our Clinics instruction, this class teaches a broader depth of skills through fun game drills, and furthers their knowledge of rules and techniques. 
In addition, Jr. Leaguers introduces your child to athletic competition by positively guiding each child through the process. Each sport participates in three intramural games.
Fitness Club:
In Fitness Club, instructor Ben Williams engages students by utilizing drills and fun games to keep them active and moving. The focus is on balance, motor skills, movement and rhythm, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and instilling a love of being active and fitness-oriented.
Ballet: In ballet, children are trained in traditional ballet techniques and styles. Great emphasis is placed on method and execution of movement, with the foundation consisting of the five basic positions, with turnout. Opportunities during the school year allow the children to perform, culminating in the end of year Fine Arts Festival.
Yogees: Yogees is a powerful way for your preschoolers to develop self-awareness, patience and confidence while building strong, healthy bodies. Our approach strengthens imagination and helps each child enhance their creative thinking skills. Games and adventures are interwoven with yoga poses each week.
Powerkids: Powerkids offers preschoolers a bridge between physical activity and cognitive stimulation. Utilizing a uniquely creative approach and playful sports, the focus is on building speed, strength and endurance. Each fitness experience is built around age-appropriate interests with a cleverly-added cardiovascular twist.
Middle School Athletics: Under the guidance of our fantastic coaches, Akiba’s established middle school athletic program offers students the opportunity to participate at a competitive level in: Boys Soccer, Boys Basketball, Girls Volleyball, Girls Basketball and Track and Field. Information about these programs is included in the back-to-school information packet.
 Language & Learning
Spanish: With the Spanish Schoolhouse, our instructors build vocabulary, pronunciation and whole language through music, games, play and conversation.
Mandarin: Our Mandarin program uses interactive instruction with relaxed conversation, along with lively, age-appropriate activities such as dancing, singing and creative activities.
 Mishmar: During Mishmar, grades 1–4, Rabbi Silver brings the
Torah to life through stories, singing and
illuminating debates. Discussions include topical subjects as well as the parsha of the week.
Preschool Enrichment: After-hours preschoolers may participate in Music and Movement, Drama, Science, Go Green, Literature and Where it Leads You and Let’s Play a Game led by our wonderful preschool educators. Information about these programs is included in the back-to-school information packet.
 Fine Arts
Our afterschool Fine Arts department offers a comprehensive visual and performing arts program. Through interdisciplinary activities each specialty comes together to support the other.
Visual Arts: Your children experience a variety of artistic media through drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, crafts and photography all in our state-of-the-art studio setting.
Art history and artistic styles are interwoven through projects, as students work in two and three dimensions. Children have opportunities to exhibit their pieces and participate in contests.
 Theatre Troupe: In Akiba’s Theatre Troupe, Dallas Children’s Theatre explores movement, vocal technique and creative, dramatic games. Theatre Troupe performs throughout the year including the end of the year Fine Arts Festival.
Choir:  The Akiba choir program focuses on establishing and developing basic musical and performance skills including developing his or her appreciation of music through advanced choral techniques. Several opportunities during the year allow the children to perform, culminating in the Fine Arts Festival.
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