Kids' Education in Israel

Published on November 7, 2023April 1, 2024

You’re likely looking for top-notch education where your child will learn, thrive, be fully engaged, and genuinely enjoy the journey. Israel, the start-up nation, offers a diverse educational ecosystem, ranging from traditional public schools to innovative Montessori setups and more. It’s a landscape rich with choices, and while it may seem daunting, we’re on hand to guide you through selecting the best fit for your child’s education- from their first day of kindergarten to their high school graduation. Infused with a bit of Israeli chutzpah, let’s make this important step as seamless as possible.

Israel’s K-12 educational system is a reflection of the country’s dedication to delivering a quality and multifaceted education. Prioritizing academic excellence, innovative practices, and inclusivity, Israel has cultivated an environment fostering intellectual prowess and students’ social and emotional development. With the support of skilled educators, advanced facilities, comprehensive curricula, and diverse extracurricular programs, students in Israel benefit from a well-rounded educational journey.

This robust educational framework lays a solid foundation for the nation’s ongoing success and inspires educational systems worldwide. Picture schools where teachers are more than just educators – they’re mentors who ignite curiosity and encourage critical thinking. Overwhelming? Perhaps, but the curriculum isn’t just a series of lessons; it’s a journey through a world of ideas, challenges, and innovations.

The Israeli Education System

Let’s begin with structure. Israel’s education system is structured according to age and the cultural DNA of the school. Here’s a quick breakdown of the different grade levels:

Kindergartens (gan chova)
Designed for children between 3 and 6, attending kindergarten becomes a mandatory step in a child’s educational journey starting at age 3.

Elementary schools (yesodi)
Elementary schools serve kids aged 6-12 across grades 1-6. However, some schools stretch this phase to include grades 7 and 8, making it an 8-year journey.

Junior high school (chativa)
This is a 3-year program for students aged 12-15, including Grades 7-9. In some schools, students attend for 6 years, from Grade 7 until the end of Grade 12.

Senior high school (tichon)
This is a 3-year program for students aged 15-18, covering Grades 10-12.

In Israel, the educational landscape is diverse, offering a variety of institution types to cater to different learning preferences. These options include but are not limited to:

State schools
State religious schools
State Haredi (ultra-orthodox) schools
Recognized but not official schools
Haredi exempt institutions
Special cultural educational institutions
Schools for the arts
Democratic schools
Montessori schools

Registering your child for school in Israel involves selecting the adequate educational stream or institution, typically handled by parents. This process starts by reaching out to your local authority’s education department.

It’s important to remember that every child is legally entitled to free education in Israel. For many Olim, this system might present a contrast, especially for those accustomed to private or public schools. Unlike in some countries where private schools manage their registration processes, in Israel, all schools fall under the purview of the local Department of Education, making the registration process more involved with the government.

Now that we covered the basics, let’s go through the process of finding the right school for your kid/s in Israel.

Choosing the Best Israeli School for Your Child

Selecting a school in Israel presents a variety of great choices, each offering its own unique set of benefits and learning environments.

Consider these key factors when choosing the right Israeli school for your child:

Educational Excellence
Delve into the school’s educational offerings. Assess their curriculum depth, teaching styles, and track record in academic achievements to guarantee a top-tier educational experience for your child.

Accessibility and Commute
Evaluate how close the school is to your home or office. Also, consider the logistics of getting there – whether it’s a school bus route or public transportation options. Please note that schools are assigned based on your residence.

Classroom Dynamics
Smaller class sizes often mean more tailored attention and enhanced support in your child’s educational journey.

Student Community
Investigate the makeup of the student population. This includes understanding the diversity, socio-economic backgrounds, and the availability of programs for special needs, ensuring a nurturing and inclusive setting for your child.

Family Engagement
Look at how the school involves parents. This can range from volunteer opportunities to parent-teacher meetings and how the school communicates with parents, allowing you to participate actively in your child’s educational path. School placement isn’t always the choice of the parent, as they often depend on location.

Enrolling your child in an Israeli school is more than a formality; it’s a step into a community. Here, education is a legal right, accessible and free, but it’s also a journey that involves the whole family. The process might differ from what you’re used to, but it’s all part of embracing the Israeli way – direct, involved, and always striving for the best.

We recommend involving your child in the decision-making and remember; this journey isn’t just about enrolling in a school; it’s about immersing yourselves in a community, getting a taste of the local culture, and setting your child on a path to a future that’s as bright and dynamic as the country you now call home.

Registration

It’s a big moment – your child is about to enroll in an Israeli school for the first time. The process can differ based on your chosen school type and your child’s age. To assist you, we’ve put together a comprehensive A-Z guide that outlines the steps for enrolling your child in a school in Israel:

Determine the type of school you want to enroll your child in, such as public or democratic, religious or secular, etc.
Research schools in your area and gather information about their programs, curriculum, and admission requirements. Refer to our VIP service or contact our concierge to learn more about existing schools and what they have to offer.
Contact the schools you are interested in and schedule a tour to visit the campus and meet with school officials.
After selecting a school, obtain the necessary registration forms and documents, which may include your child’s birth certificate, vaccination records, and previous school records, if applicable.
Complete the registration forms and submit them to your municipality’s department of education, along with any required documents and fee payments.
Registration for regional schools is done online. Schools may also require an entrance exam and/ or interview for admission.
The school will review your application and notify you of acceptance.
If accepted, you will receive instructions on how to complete the enrolment process, which may include attending an orientation session, submitting additional documents, and paying tuition fees.
Once the enrollment process is complete, your child will be officially enrolled and ready to begin their academic journey at the chosen school.
Keep in mind that the process and requirements may vary depending on the school and age of the student, so it’s always a good idea to confirm with the school directly for specific details.

*Please note that completing the online registration process indicates the student's interest in applying to the school. It does not guarantee acceptance. *

In today’s digital world, you can conveniently enroll your kids in an Israeli school from anywhere, using any internet-connected device:

Some schools may agree to hold a spot for your child in anticipation of your family’s Aliyah.
In certain cities with dedicated Olim coordinators, securing a place in a specific school might be possible.
Keep in mind that it’s a legal requirement for cities to accommodate your child in a local school.

If the district school is at maximum student capacity, your child will be assigned to a school in a neighboring district.

Getting your child enrolled in school requires gathering the right documentation.
Now that you’re familiar with the registration process, it’s time to get your paperwork in order.

Here’s a list of the documents you’ll need to provide:

A valid identity number (mispar zehut) of each child and their parents. If the mispar zehut is not yet assigned, passport numbers for both the child and the parents are acceptable substitutes.

Proof of residence in Israel must be provided with a copy of your rental contract or a municipal tax statement (arnona) that includes the family’s name.

In the event that a family is abroad during the registration period, they can assign power of attorney (ipui coach) to an Israeli citizen. This is contingent on each child and the parents having an Israeli identity number (mispar zehut) and proof of future residence in Israel.

Effective Preparation Strategies for Excelling in All Entrance Exams

To secure a place for your child in a non-regional seminary high school for girls (Ulpana), a Yeshiva dormitory high school in Israel, or art and science schools, they’ll often need to pass a national exam typically held in December. Success in this exam, which assesses Hebrew comprehension, mathematics, general Torah knowledge, and English, is crucial for admission.

Olim can ask to take the exam in English. The request must be made on the school’s registration form
Children who have been diagnosed with learning disabilities can receive leniencies on the exam, provided that they bring a declaration from an educational psychologist
Exam results are sent to the schools. The school then reviews the results and decide whether to invite the student for an additional interview
Admission to local secular schools (Mamlachti), Ulpanot, and Yeshiva high schools depends on the specific policies of the individual school and/or city, which may not always involve an entrance exam or interview process

Understanding Fees or Payments

While education in Israel is free, parents are still required to pay a sum that is approved and supervised by the Ministry of Education for things that are not budgeted by the state, such as:

Personal accident insurance
School outings
A culture package, like day trips and summer camps

As new Olim (Olim Chadashim), you’re entitled to an ‘absorption package,’ which is part of the education fee included in the parents’ payments. This package reduces the amount parents need to pay, with the adjusted payment being made directly to the school’s administration.

Special Education in Israel

Nurturing Potential and Embracing Differences – Empowering Special Education for a Brighter Future

In the pursuit of educational excellence, the Israeli Ministry of Education is dedicated to nurturing every child’s unique talents, particularly those who benefit from special education. Based on a commitment to human dignity and freedom, the ministry’s special education department leads policies aimed at enhancing the performance of students with disabilities.

The department works to align its services with the ministry’s core mission, aiming to provide equal educational opportunities for all students, regardless of their abilities, within Israel’s education system.

Students with special needs in Israel are entitled to a range of entitlements and privileges, including:

Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) – Each student is assessed and provided with a personalized education plan that meets their specific needs.
Additional Resources and Funding – Special education services and programs receive additional funding from the government to ensure they have the necessary resources to support their students.
Access to Assistive Technology – Students are provided with assistive technology, such as computer software, communication devices, and mobility aids, to assist with learning.
Access to Specialized Professionals – Students have access to a range of specialized professionals, such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists, to support their learning and development.
Inclusive Education – Efforts are made to promote inclusive education and to integrate students with special needs into mainstream classrooms wherever possible.
Special Accommodations – Students may be entitled to special accommodations, such as extra time during exams, to guarantee they have a fair chance at success.
Support for Transition to Adulthood – Students receive support and guidance in transitioning from school to work or higher education, including vocational training and job placement services.

Special needs in Israel are defined as a student who has one or more of the following:

Physical disabilities
Intellectual disabilities
Emotional-behavioural disabilities
Sensory disabilities
Cognitive disabilities
Speech disabilities
Developmental disabilities

By law, students aged 3 to 21 with special needs are entitled to:

Physical therapy
Speech therapy
Occupational therapy
Treatments in other professional fields will be determined, including accompanying or special services, according to the needs of the student.

If your child does not receive approval for special education from the Ministry of Education:

There is an established appeals process through the placement committee (Vaadat Hasamah). This government-appointed panel is responsible for making informed and crucial educational recommendations for students with special needs. It provides a platform for parents and students to engage in a dialogue with the committee members to advocate for the necessary support tailored to the student’s requirements.

In Israel’s special education programs, subjects and topics are taught based on standard education curricula whenever possible. However, adjustments, modifications, and alternative teaching methods are made to suit the age and characteristics of the students to help them better connect to their world. The core areas of special education include:

Life skills – Teaching students functional skills for independent living, like self-care and social interaction.
Language – Educating students on the proper use of spoken and written language in various ways
Mathematics – Instruction in arithmetic and other types of mathematics
Science and technology – Teaching integrated tools for learning and daily life
Civics – Fostering an understanding of civic responsibilities
Heritage and tradition – Educating students on themes and ideas connected to everyday life, alongside learning the Hebrew Bible
Arts – Teaching theoretical knowledge and practical application
Physical education – Improving movement, coordination, and fitness

For students in special education, the curriculum extends beyond the core subjects to meet their academic, social, emotional, and cultural needs, tailored to their functional levels. This personalized approach aims to align with the developmental stage of their peers in standard education. Instruction is customized to address each student’s specific needs and functional abilities, whether in individual or group settings.

Learning Disabilities

Paving the Way for Educational Success

Regardless of their individual learning abilities, every child deserves the opportunity to flourish and prosper in their educational journey.

If you’re preparing for Aliyah and are aware that your child requires special needs services, it’s crucial to have recent evaluations (less than 1 year old). If you suspect your child may need support, obtaining an evaluation beforehand is advisable. Ensure you have these evaluations translated into Hebrew for use in Israel.

The Ministry of Education is committed to ensuring that students with learning disabilities, especially from low-income families, have the chance to reach their full potential. To support this commitment, the ministry allocates an annual budget for diagnostic scholarships, fully funding these assessments for grades 8-10. It’s important to be aware that students who are not citizens are ineligible for special education services.

For those who have already made Aliyah, the initial step in the placement process involves obtaining a psychological evaluation within your community. Children under 5 can be assessed by a developmental psychologist through your healthcare provider (Kupat Cholim).

Provided by school psychology services (Sherut Psychologi Chinuchi)
Offered by the municipality (Iriya) or the regional authority
Private assessments could be an alternative option to consider due to potentially long waiting lists.

Helps understand a child’s learning style and needs
Provides insights into the most suitable program

Options for kindergarten-aged children include:

Language-oriented preschool (Gan Safa)
Communications preschool (Gan Tikshoret)
An educational aid (Ganenet Si’ach) within a typical kindergarten (Gan) setting

Options for kids above the kindergarten age include:

Inclusive special education classes within mainstream schools
Dedicated special education schools

When exploring educational options, consider the following factors:

Level of inclusion (shiluv) available
Availability in specialized programs
A range of therapies and supplementary activities offered

The final decision on a student’s qualification is made by the placement board (Vaadat Hasama), which consists of experts from the Ministry of Education and the local municipality, is dedicated to guaranteeing that students receive the proper educational support and services tailored to their unique needs. The board’s goal is to facilitate the student’s integration into the regular schooling system as seamlessly as possible by:

Evaluating the necessity for special education services
Providing recommendations and making the final placement decision near the onset of the academic year

The goal of special education programs in Israel is to maximize the integration of children into the mainstream educational environment.
The transition from special education preschools to regular classes is carefully managed

All parties involved prioritize the child’s best interests with genuine concern
Appropriate placement is key to enabling children to learn effectively and achieve their full potential

Gifted Students

Extraordinary Students Deserve an Extraordinary Education

In the world of learning, where curiosity and brilliance often collide, gifted students are offered an educational experience as boundless as their potential.

Israel’s Department for Gifted and Exceptional Students conducts specialized admission exams for tailored programs. This identification process unfolds in all schools across the official public and religious-public education systems, spanning all sectors.

These exams are overseen by an independent organization commissioned by the Ministry of Education’s Pedagogy Authority. This organization dedicates itself to discovering and developing gifted and exceptional students, ensuring that Israel’s brightest young minds receive the encouragement and resources they need to flourish.

Children With Disabilities

Physical Disabilities are not Barriers to Education but Challenges to be Met With Courage and Support

In recognizing every child’s unique strengths and challenges while believing that a physical disability should not impede educational opportunities, Israel is dedicated to creating an inclusive atmosphere. This commitment ensures that children with physical disabilities are equipped and empowered to fully engage and excel in their academic pursuits.

Children with disabilities in Israel enjoy special rights and benefits in the field of education. They have the right to receive support and educational services, including individualized adaptation, personalized instructional programs, professional counseling, guidance, and working with skilled teachers and multidisciplinary teams. They also have the right to access advanced technologies and assistive tech products that facilitate their learning processes. All of this is done in collaboration with the family and the educational staff in accordance with the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) tailored specifically to the child’s unique needs.

As parents of children with physical disabilities, it’s important to know that there are benefits and support systems available to help your child thrive in Israeli schools.
Here’s how you can access the benefits:

Diagnosis and documentation – Begin by acquiring a thorough medical diagnosis and assembling all relevant medical records, which will serve as the foundation for accessing support

Register with the National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi) – By registering your child with the National Insurance Institute (Hebrew website), you can access disability benefits and services. Complete the necessary forms and provide the required medical documentation

Support and services – Work closely with the school and relevant authorities to access the support and services. This may include special education programs, adaptive technologies, therapy sessions, and individualized instruction

Maintaining regular, open communication with the school and teachers is highly advised to monitor the child’s progress, address any concerns, and provide feedback on the effectiveness of the support and services being provided. Remember to research specific benefits and resources available in your region, consult with education professionals, and reach out to disability-focused organizations. They can provide you with invaluable guidance and ensure access to all the benefits your child is entitled to.

Rest assured, you don’t have to navigate this path alone. A wealth of support is available, dedicated to helping your child overcome obstacles, achieve success, and realize their full potential.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Learning Shouldn’t be Limited to the Classroom

After a day of solving math equations and dissecting literature, nothing beats diving headfirst into extracurricular activities, where a child’s imagination runs wild, friendships are forged, and a whole new realm of fun awaits. Whether they’re belting out tunes in the school choir, unleashing their inner Picasso in the art club, or engaging in fun activities in youth groups, these activities add an extra splash of color and excitement to your kid’s educational journey.

In Israel, extra-curricular activities are a central focal point of a child’s development. They are run by municipalities, private entities, or through the schools themselves. Signing up for extra-curricular activities can be done via the municipality’s website.

To enroll your child in an elective, follow these straightforward steps:

Visit your local municipality’s website and browse the electives available
Choose the desired elective and complete the registration process
Pay any associated fees or costs for participation
Ensure your child has the equipment, attire, or materials required for the activity
Usually, the instructors will have a WhatsApp group for parents to stay informed of any important updates
Once the registration is complete, you should receive a confirmation of your child’s enrollment in the activity. The organizer may also provide you with a schedule, including the sessions or practices’ dates, times, and locations

If an elective is not offered in your municipality that you’d like to sign your child up for, checking neighboring municipalities is recommended. There are usually no residential restrictions on electives and extra-curricular activities.

Some popular electives in Israel include: Sports, Art, Music, Martial arts, Dance, STEM, Academic enrichment, Drama and theater, Outdoor and adventure, Chess and strategy games and Academic competitions.

Youth Groups in Israel

Nurturing the Future – Engaging and Empowering the Next Generation.

Israel offers a diverse array of youth groups across the country. Here’s a comprehensive list of the major youth groups available:

The Scouts Movement in Israel, also known as HaTzofim, is a non-political, co-ed youth movement that promotes social involvement, outdoor activities, and leadership development. It operates through local chapters across the country and organizes camps and community service projects.

Learn more about HaTzofim

Bnei Akiva is a religious Zionist youth movement that focuses on Jewish education, Zionism, and social activism. It organizes various activities, including summer camps, weekly meetings, and leadership development programs.

Learn more about Bnei Akiva

Hashomer Hatzair is a socialist-Zionist youth movement that promotes social justice, cooperation, and environmentalism. It offers educational programs, summer camps, and leadership training with an emphasis on collective living and community building.

Discover Hashomer (Hebrew website)

Hanoar Haoved Vehalomed is a socialist youth movement. It focuses on labor and vocational education, social activism, and leadership training. It also operates educational centers and organizes summer camps.

Learn more about Hanoar Haoved Vehalomed

Young Judea is a Zionist youth movement that operates in Israel and the United States. It aims to strengthen Jewish identity, promote Israeli engagement, and develop leadership skills through various programs, including summer camps, Israeli experiences, and community projects.

Find more information about Young Judea

Ezra Youth Movement is a religious Zionist youth organization that promotes Jewish heritage, Torah study, and social activism. It offers educational programs, summer camps, and leadership training with an emphasis on religious values and social responsibility.

Discover the Ezra Youth Movement

Inclusion Ignites Empowerment – Celebrating Diversity and Uniting Youth Movements

Krembo Wings is an extraordinary youth movement pioneering social change for children and youth with and without special needs. With thousands of dedicated activists, including children, youth, service year volunteers, and students, Krembo Wings provides a unique platform for inclusive and empowering experiences. Krembo Wings fosters social skills, addresses participants’ emotional and social needs, and promotes integration within Israeli society.

Learn more about Krembo Wings

These are just a few examples of major youth groups in Israel. Click on the link below for a full list of youth groups in Israel and find the perfect match for your child’s interests.

The Na’aleh Program

Bridging Teenage Olim and Tourists to Israeli High Schools

Israel’s commitment to integrating diaspora Jewry into its vibrant society is visible in the array of unique programs offered by the state. The Na’aleh program is a great example of Israel’s commitment.

Upon arrival in Israel, students in the Na’aleh program are integrated into the country’s educational systems, immersing themselves in the classic Israeli lifestyle. They’re introduced to the cultural and heritage pillars of the nation, fostering a deeper connection with their Jewish roots and a stronger sense of belonging.

Completing the Na’aleh program is a huge milestone, ending with a certificate that serves as a bridge to full integration into Israeli society. Participants who wish to transition their status to that of an Oleh Chadash during the program are also given this chance. The shift allows them to join the Israeli Defense Forces (Tzahal) or continue to higher education, embracing the full spectrum of opportunities available to new Olim.

Rights and Benefits for an Oleh Chadash Student

Your Child’s First Israeli Educational Experience Comes With Certain Rights and Benefits.

As soon as your child sets foot into their new school in Israel, they are entitled to special privileges that native Israeli students are not. One of those benefits is extra time dedicated to getting your kid’s Hebrew up to speed.

Some of the benefits awarded to Oleh students include:

Israeli schools designate several hours during the school day for separate Hebrew language lessons for Oleh students looking to learn Hebrew as a second language.

Olim Chadashim students in Israel who are non-native Hebrew speakers are entitled to receive specialized Hebrew language education. This curriculum is crafted to meet the unique needs of students learning Hebrew as a second language, utilizing appropriate resources. To ensure successful academic integration, each student’s Hebrew proficiency and integration capability are measured through evaluative testing.

The number of hours during the school day designated for Hebrew instruction depends on several factors. They include:

Size of the municipality
Number of Olim in the municipality
Percentage of Olim that make up the total number of children in the school
Availability of a group-oriented Ulpan for all Oleh children in the city (offered in some municipalities)

The Ministry of Education will allocate hours during the school day for Hebrew instruction to schools according to the date of the student’s Aliyah. These hours are meant for Hebrew language acquisition and to strengthen the studies of Olim students. Each student will have regular lessons scheduled in their timetable for language acquisition and individual work plans, either alone or in a group. The classroom teacher guides and monitors the Olim student’s learning progress.

Every student in the school will study Hebrew as a second language for at least 6 hours a week.

Hebrew language lessons will be scheduled in the students’ schedules according to an individualized work plan.

The Israeli education system recognizes the challenges faced by students who are not yet fluent in Hebrew and offers several leniencies during exam periods:

Students who are Olim Chadashim or who have been educated in a non-Hebrew environment in the two years preceding the exam are eligible to request a simplified Hebrew proficiency test or to take the exam with adaptations in English.

Eligibility Information on Hebrew proficiency tests in adaptable languages (grades 2-3):

Olim Chadashim students who were born abroad, immigrated to Israel, and began studying in the Israeli education system at least at a pre-compulsory age are eligible to take the test in an adapted language.
This also includes students who studied in one of the two years preceding the test date in an educational setting and do not speak Hebrew or Arabic.
Students from bilingual homes
Stage B tests in an adapted language are held in English, French, or Russian
There is also the option of a test in Hebrew for Olim, which is a normal test in Hebrew that entitles the student to an additional time of up to 25%, with slower mediation of the examiners’ examples of questions and explanations.
Parents who wish to have their child tested in an adapted language are required to submit an online application for a test in an adapted language, by applying online on this portal specifying the language of the exam.

Online applications for a detection test under adjusted conditions and the necessary documents can be submitted annually starting the first day of January. The submission window remains open until the end of January each year. Please ensure your application and all required documentation are submitted within this timeframe to be considered for the tests.

Click here for more information (Hebrew site).

Eligibility information on Hebrew proficiency tests (grades 3-5)

Olim Chadashim students, students born abroad, or who made Aliyah to Israel and began studying in the Israeli education system at a compulsory age are entitled to a test in an adaptable language
This includes returning resident students who have been abroad for at least four consecutive years
This also includes students who study in one of the two years preceding the test day in an educational setting that does not speak Arabic or English
Students from bilingual homes
Stage B tests in an adapted language are held in English, French, or Russian
There is also the option of a test in Hebrew for Olim, which is a normal test in Hebrew that entitles the student to an additional time of up to 25%, with slower mediation of the examiners’ examples of questions and explanations.

Parents who wish to have their child tested in an adapted language are asked to submit an online request for a test in an adapted language by applying online on this portal (Hebrew site), specifying the language of the exam starting on January 1st of each year.

Click here for more information (Hebrew site).

Useful Links about Kids' Education

The Ministry of Education The Na'aleh Program The Council of Youth Movements in Israel