Elementary School – Five Towns

IVDU Five
Towns

Preparing boys and girls ages
5-14 with the foundational
skills they need
for school, and for life
beyond the classroom.

Apply Now

"They are not just students at IVDU Five Towns, they are part of a family"

Shimon's* story

“When my son began at IVDU Five Towns, he was not speaking in full sentences, did not remember his classmates’ names, and was unable to tell us about his day. Today, he is reading books, writing sentences, and engaging in meaningful conversations. He once struggled socially and was often taken advantage of because he was too naïve to speak up for himself. Now, he confidently advocates for himself. I credit IVDU Five Towns for so much of this growth.

The teachers and therapists truly partner with our family—it is genuine teamwork. They consistently share what they are working on at school and ask how we are supporting him at home. The staff is exceptional: attentive, proactive, and deeply invested in knowing each child as an individual. Most importantly, they treat every student as if they were their own.“

– Anonymous, IVDU parent

Learning
that
powers
possibility

A curriculum designed around your child

Each child follows a personalized learning plan and learning tools built around their goals, learning style, and pace. Teachers meet regularly to review each child’s progress and keep them growing– at their own pace, and in their individual way.

Learning you can see, touch, and remember

At IVDU, learning comes to life. Our newly added lego wall, wood STEM peg wall, and magnetic “Chagall style” windows, bring hands on creativity to every hallway, adding to the already exciting and interactive IVDU environment. Students can build, design, explore and express themselves in ways that spark imagination, deepen understanding, making learning fun and unforgettable!

Smart tech for every type of learner

From personal Chromebooks to smartboards and cutting-edge software, we use today’s best educational technology to support every kind of learner.

Our curriculum: Robust.

Responsive. Designed for growth.

Reading, Literacy and Writing+

We use the Wonders program as our core ELA curriculum, an all-in-one resource for building phonics, comprehension, and writing skills. Instruction is highly individualized: each student follows personalized literacy goals and learns in the way that suits them best, whether using one-on-one support, computer-based tools, and other learning modalities.

Writing is an important part of each day. Our students gain the skills to craft clear paragraphs and organized essays. They also take part in daily journal writing, developing a healthy medium for reflection and self-expression.

Math+

We don’t just teach students how to solve math problems. We build true mathematical understanding. From My Math to Great Leaps and Alex Math, to hands-on manipulatives such as fraction tiles, we help students build fluency and concretize what they learn.

Science+

Science comes to life through hands-on experiences that get students curious and engaged. Whether they are planting in the garden, exploring the weather, or testing out experiments, students learn how the world works by seeing it in action.

Chumash, Navi and Parsha+

Limudei Kodesh is more than learning by text, it is a full-sensory experience that builds skills, fluency, and a deep love for Yiddishkeit. In Chumash, students learn to decode, translate, and understand Rashi using tools like color-coded texts, vocabulary lists, and scaffolded worksheets. We bring Parsha and Navi lessons to life through multi-sensory experiences that help students internalize each message and appreciate the richness of our mesorah. Our Limudei Kodesh subjects don't just give our students solid foundational knowledge, they help each child develop a sincere appreciation and love for Torah and mitzvos.

Kriah+

Our Kriah program is designed to help each student become a confident, fluent Hebrew reader. Through a structured, multisensory approach, students progress from basic letter recognition to full word and sentence decoding. We incorporate tools like color-coded texts, sensory objects, flashcards, custom fluency sheets, interactive games, and visual tracking strategies to support every step of their learning.

Mishnayos+

We teach Mishnayos in a clear, engaging way that connects directly to our students' lives. Using visual aids, targeted vocabulary, and guided tools, students break down each Mishnah and explore its halachic and practical meaning. They learn through hands-on, collaborative activities that encourage questions and critical thinking, and help them see how Mishnayos is relevant in their day-to-day lives.

At the end of the year, our students have the opportunity to showcase what they have learned. Using visuals, they explain the halachos or lessons in their own words, allowing parents, peers and staff to see how much they have accomplished.

"My son used to feel like an alien."

Read Yochanan’s* story

I pulled my children out of their special education public school, sent them to IVDU, and the change has been incredible.
My son has friends now. He talks to fellow classmates on the phone and socializes. He is doing great academically and he’s not stressed. He used to cry and fight every morning, but now he goes willingly. He missed only one day last year and that was because he was sick.
What’s amazing about IVDU is how well they understand their students. They see their potential, understand the motivation behind their behavior, and know how to bring it out. My son used to feel like an alien, like nobody got him. At IVDU Five Towns he has made a strong, meaningful with his teachers. He feels that they really get him and that is everything.

–S. Zaientz, IVDU parent

Where students thrive

socially, emotionally, and behaviorally

Support at IVDU goes far beyond scheduled sessions, with teachers, therapists, and parents working together to provide consistent support throughout the day. IVDU works as a team to reinforce strategies for every child in the classroom, at lunch, and on the playground.

WOW Behavioral Program+

IVDU Five Towns WOW Behavior Program creates a positive, school-wide culture that encourages students to make the right choices each day. The program emphasizes recognizing and reinforcing positive behavior, helping students take pride in their actions and decisions. Students are motivated through weekly rewards with larger incentive trips every six weeks, fostering consistency, excitement, and a strong sense of community throughout the school.

OT, PT, and Speech therapy+

At IVDU, we understand that learning happens on many levels, not just in the classroom. Our on-site occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), and speech therapy services are designed to support each student's unique needs. Whether it's building fine motor skills through handwriting exercises, improving balance and coordination in gym, or developing communication strategies during lunch and social time, our therapists are present throughout the school day. This integrated approach ensures that skills are practiced in real-world settings, not just in isolated therapy sessions, so students can more easily apply what they've learned when and where it matters most.

Art therapy+

Art therapy helps students process emotions, build self-awareness, and develop coping strategies in a safe, supportive setting. Through drawing, painting, and other creative outlets, students can explore their feelings and develop new ways to manage stress, build confidence, and connect with others. This holistic approach provides a meaningful outlet for growth that complements both academic and behavioral goals.

Counseling+

Our school psychologist leads weekly in-class workshops focused on peer interaction, emotional awareness, and communication. Our students learn essential life skills through role play, team activities, and lessons on reading body language, expressing feelings, and understanding others. The school psychologist also checks in during recess and lunch, offering guidance and following up with students who need extra help. .

We offer one-on-one support to help students manage emotions, build confidence, and work through everyday challenges.

IVDU FiveTowns partners with:

"They believed in him more than I did."

Read Chaim's* story

Once Chaim joined IVDU Five Towns, he started doing so much better across the board; socially, emotionally, and academically. The multi-sensory approach to learning here is on another level. They have interactive smart boards, computer programs, ongoing field trips throughout the year, and everything is tied together so well.

In truth, they believed in him more than I did.

What’s special about IVDU Five Towns, is the warmth and the small-classroom environment. It’s like a family! When you walk into the classroom, it’s normal to see the assistant principal cutting up fruits with the first graders and high-fives between the staff and students.
Amazingly, within weeks of joining IVDU Five Towns, my son’s anxiety levels also dropped. I think it’s because there’s no judgment at IVDU — just gentle guidance. IVDU is exactly what Chaim needed.

— Anonymous IVDU parent

Enrichment programs: Where students

explore, discover, and grow

Learning doesn’t only happen behind a desk. Whether it’s playing with sensory bins in the classroom or planting in the school garden, every enrichment class, school trip, and activity gives students the tools and confidence they need to reach their full potential.

STEM program

Our students explore science through hands-on STEM projects and experiments. From learning about light to building models, each lesson brings science to life and makes learning relevant for every student.

Learning-in-action, around the clock

Learning extends far beyond the walls of the classroom. Students engage in hands-on, real-world experiences: exploring local landmarks, planting and caring for the school garden, field trips, and participating in meaningful cultural and community activities. These opportunities bring lessons to life, making learning purposeful, memorable, and deeply connected to the world around them.

Big Brother program

The Big Brother Program brings in older boys from local yeshivas to build friendships and serve as role models for our students.By connecting with peers from mainstream settings, our students are truly able to feel part of the larger community.

At IVDU Five Towns, there’s never a dull moment.

Learning at IVDU comes to life in many ways—developing culinary skills in the classroom, challenging themselves with wall climbing in the hallways, journaling, and proudly showcasing their growth at Siddur, Chumash and mishnayos events. Throughout the week, students engage in chess, team-play games, and competitive sports that build strategy, teamwork, confidence, and excitement, adding depth and meaning to each school day. Every moment at IVDU Five Towns is an opportunity for our students to thrive and grow into adults capable of navigating their world, proving every day that learning differences do not define how far they can go.

The week culminates each Friday as our school community comes together for Oneg Shabbos, bringing the spirit of Shabbos to life. Students gather for a heartfelt Shabbos story, uplifting singing and dancing, and a delicious taste of Shabbos with kugel and cholent—all wrapped in the warmth of belonging to something truly special.