Complete Guide to Registering Children for

School in Israel

Understanding the Israeli Education System

School Structure Overview

Key Facts

Mandatory Education:

ï           Ages 3-18 (yes, from age 3!)

ï           Kindergarten from age 3 is mandatory and free

ï           Grades 1-12 mandatory

ï           School year: September - June

School Week:

ï           Sunday-Thursday (5 days)

ï           Friday-Saturday: Weekend

ï           Elementary: Usually 8:00-13:00/14:00

ï           High school: Usually 8:00-15:00/16:00

Language:

ï           Primary instruction in Hebrew

ï           Arabic schools exist for Arab citizens

ï           Some international schools teach in English

Types of Schools in Israel

Public School Systems (State-Funded)

1.  Mamlachti (ממלכתי) - State Secular Characteristics:

ï           Secular education

ï           Jewish studies (history/culture, not religious)

ï           Mixed gender

ï           No religious requirement

ï           Most common in cities

Best For:

ï           Secular families

ï           Want focus on academics

ï           Don't want religious education

ï           Tel Aviv, central Israel

2.  Mamlachti Dati (דתי ממלכתי) - State Religious Characteristics:

ï           Religious Zionist orientation

ï           Significant religious studies

ï           Jewish law observance

ï           Often gender-separated (varies)

ï           Strong Jewish identity

Best For:

ï           Modern Orthodox families

ï           Want religious + secular studies

ï           Zionist religious environment

ï           Common in Modi'in, Ra'anana, Jerusalem

3.  Chareidi (חרדי) - Ultra-Orthodox Characteristics:

ï           Heavy focus on religious texts

ï           Limited secular studies

ï           Gender separated

ï           Very strict religious observance

ï           Often minimal math/science

Best For:

ï           Ultra-Orthodox families only

ï           Main communities: Jerusalem, Bnei Brak, Beitar

4.  Tali (י"תל) Characteristics:

ï           Progressive religious education

ï           Pluralistic Judaism

ï           Reform/Conservative values

ï           Strong Jewish studies + secular

ï           Mixed gender

Best For:

ï           Conservative/Reform families

ï           Want Jewish identity without Orthodoxy

ï           Limited locations (mainly cities)

5.  Democratic Schools Characteristics:

ï           Student-directed learning

ï           No grades/tests

ï           Flexible curriculum

ï           Small class sizes

ï           Expensive (₪2,000-5,000/month)

Best For:

ï           Alternative education philosophy

ï           Can afford private tuition

ï           Child doesn't thrive in traditional

6. Arab Schools Characteristics:

ï           Instruction in Arabic

ï           For Arab citizens

ï           Some mixed Jewish-Arab schools exist

Private/International Schools

International Schools Popular Options:

ï           Walworth Barbour American International School (Even Yehuda)

ï           American International School (Kfar Shemaryahu)

ï           Tabeetha School (Jaffa)

ï           Jerusalem American International School

Characteristics:

ï           Instruction in English

ï           American/British curriculum

ï           Very expensive (₪60,000-100,000/year)

ï           No Hebrew immersion

ï           Small community

Best For:

ï           Temporary residents (2-3 years)

ï           Parents work for embassies/international companies

ï           Child struggles with Hebrew severely

**Important Consideration: **Limits integration, harder to make Israeli friends, expensive

Registration Timeline & Process

Timeline by Age

Gan (Kindergarten) - Ages 3-6 When to Register:

ï           January-February for September start

ï           Earlier in competitive areas

Process:

1.        Contact municipality education department
2.        Register for designated neighborhood gan
3.        Receive placement notification (March-April)
4.        Visit gan, meet staff
5.        Orientation in August

Placement:

ï           Based on home address (catchment area)

ï           Public gan is free

ï           Private gan: ₪1,000-2,500/month

Elementary (Yesodi) - Grades 1-6 When to Register:

ï           January-March for September start

ï           First grade registration very important

Process:

1.        Contact municipality OR school directly
2.        Submit registration forms
3.        Provide required documents
4.        Attend registration meeting
5.        Receive class assignment (August)

Placement:

ï           Catchment area determines school

ï           Can request transfer (not guaranteed)

ï           Lottery system if oversubscribed

Middle School (Chativat Benayim) - Grades 7-9 When to Register:

ï           February-March for September

Process:

ï           Often automatic progression from elementary

ï           If changing schools: Apply directly to school

ï           More choice than elementary

High School (Tichon) - Grades 10-12 When to Register:

ï           November-January of 9th grade

Process:

1.        Take placement exams (if required)
2.        Apply to multiple schools (ranking preferences)
3.        Matching process (like college applications)
4.        Receive acceptance (March-May)
5.        Confirm enrollment

Factors:

ï           Grades from middle school

ï           Entrance exams

ï           Interviews

ï           Lottery for competitive schools

Required Documents

Standard Documents for Registration

Essential:

ï           **Teudat Zehut **(Israeli ID) of child

ï           **Teudat Zehut **of both parents

ï           **Birth certificate **(Hebrew translation if foreign)

ï           **Proof of residence **(contract, utility bill, property tax)

ï           **Vaccination records **(Pinkas chisunım)

ï           **Previous school records **(if applicable)

For New Immigrants:

ï           **Teudat Oleh **(Immigrant certificate)

ï           **Ministry of Absorption letter **(for Kitat Kita eligibility)

ï           **Academic records **translated to Hebrew

Additional (Sometimes Required):

ï           Medical forms

ï           Emergency contact information

ï           Photo of child

ï           Previous report cards

ï           Special needs documentation

Where to Get Documents

Teudat Zehut:

ï           Ministry of Interior (Misrad HaPnim)

ï           Received upon making aliyah

Birth Certificate Translation:

ï           Certified translator (מוסמך מתרגם)

ï           Ministry of Interior accepts

ï           Keep original + translation

Vaccination Records:

ï           Tipat Chalav (well-baby clinic)

ï           Family doctor

ï           Bring from home country, update in Israel

School Records:

ï           Request from previous school

ï           Have translated officially

ï           Include transcripts, evaluations

Registration Process Step-by-Step

For New Immigrants (Olim Chadashim)

Step 1: Contact Ministry of Absorption

ï           **When: **Immediately upon arrival

ï           **Why: **Get entitled benefits, Kitat Kita placement

ï           **How: **Local absorption center or Nefesh B'Nefesh

Step 2: Contact Municipality Education Department

ï           **Hebrew: **חינוך מחלקת (Machleket Chinuch)

ï           **Find: **[City name] + iriya + chinuch

ï           **Call: **Usually *106 (city hotline)

ï           **Visit: **In person often required

Step 3: Receive School Assignment

ï           Based on address and availability

ï           Kitat Kita placement if eligible

ï           May need to visit multiple schools

Step 4: Meet with School

ï           Schedule appointment with principal

ï           Tour school

ï           Discuss child's needs

ï           Hebrew level assessment

Step 5: Complete Registration

ï           Fill out forms

ï           Submit documents

ï           Pay any fees

ï           Get supply list

Step 6: Prepare Child

ï           Summer Hebrew intensive if possible

ï           Visit school before start

ï           Connect with other families

ï           Manage expectations

For Israeli Residents

Step 1: Check Catchment Area

ï           Each address assigned to specific school

ï           Municipality website has school zones

ï           Can request exceptions (not guaranteed)

Step 2: Register During Window

ï           January-March typically

ï           Online OR in-person at municipality

ï           Some schools accept direct registration

Step 3: Submit Documentation

ï           Scanned online OR physical copies

ï           Keep copies for yourself

ï           Track application status

Step 4: Receive Placement

ï           Notification in April-June

ï           If not satisfied, can appeal

ï           Transfer requests possible

Step 5: Attend Orientation

ï           Usually August

ï           Meet teacher

ï           Get supply list

ï           Class assignments

Hebrew Support for New Immigrant Children

Kitat Kita (קליטה כיתת) - Absorption Class

**What Is It? **Special classroom for new immigrant children to learn Hebrew while integrating into Israeli school.

Eligibility:

ï           New immigrants within first 3 years

ï           Usually grades 1-9

ï           Must be arranged through Ministry of Absorption

How It Works:

Elementary (Grades 1-6):

ï           Separate Hebrew instruction daily

ï           Join regular class for non-language subjects (PE, art, music)

ï           Gradually integrate into full classroom

ï           Duration: 6 months - 2 years

Middle/High School (Grades 7-12):

ï           More intensive Hebrew classes

ï           Some subjects in regular classes

ï           Support teacher assigned

ï           Duration: 1-3 years

Benefits:

ï           Intensive Hebrew instruction

ï           Smoother transition

ï           Smaller class for language learning

ï           Cultural orientation

Challenges:

ï           Child separated from peers

ï           May miss some academic content

ï           Can delay full integration

ï           Not available in all schools

Where Available:

ï           Schools with enough new immigrant students

ï           Larger cities more likely

ï           Small towns may not have

Hebrew Support Alternatives

If No Kitat Kita:

1.  Shadowing (צללית)

ï           Assistant sits with child in class

ï           Translates and explains

ï           Funded by Ministry of Absorption

ï           Usually 3-6 months

2.  Pull-Out Classes

ï           Hebrew teacher works with child separately

ï           Few hours per week

ï           During school hours

3. After-School Hebrew

ï           Private tutoring

ï           Group classes

ï           Online programs

4.  Summer Programs

ï           Intensive Hebrew before school starts

ï           Ulpan for kids

ï           Day camps in Hebrew

Special Education & Support Services

Identifying Special Needs

Evaluation Process:

1.        Parent or teacher identifies concern
2.        School psychologist assessment
3.        Municipality evaluation committee
4.        IEP (Tochnit Lemida Atit - אישית לימודים תכנית)
5.        Services assigned

Common Services:

Learning Support:

ï           Special education teacher (Moreh Siyua - סיוע מורה)

ï           Small group instruction

ï           Modified curriculum

ï           Extra time on tests

Physical/Occupational Therapy:

ï           Speech therapy

ï           Occupational therapy

ï           Physical therapy

ï           Provided at school or clinic

Emotional/Behavioral:

ï           School counselor

ï           Social worker

ï           Behavior intervention

ï           Small class placement

Types of Special Education

Inclusion (שילוב):

ï           Child in regular classroom

ï           Support teacher assists

ï           Accommodations provided

ï           Most common approach

Special Education Class:

ï           Small class (8-12 students)

ï           Within regular school

ï           Specialized instruction

ï           Integration for some subjects

Special Education School:

ï           Entire school for special needs

ï           Higher staff ratio

ï           Specialized services

ï           For severe needs only

Getting Services

Advocate Strongly:

ï           Israeli system requires parental push

ï           Get evaluations documented

ï           Request formal committee meeting

ï           Bring reports from home country

Resources:

ï           ALUT (autism)

ï           AKIM (intellectual disabilities)

ï           Bizchut (rights organization)

ï           ILAN (physical disabilities)

Private Options:

ï           If public support insufficient

ï           Private therapists

ï           Educational advocates

ï           Can be expensive

School Culture & Expectations

What's Different from Other Countries

Parent Involvement Very High Expectations:

ï           Active WhatsApp groups (extremely active!)

ï           Frequent volunteering requests

ï           Birthday party invitations (all classmates)

ï           Holiday celebrations at school

ï           Fundraising participation

Vaadat Horim (הורים ועד) - Parent Committee:

ï           Elected parent representatives

ï           Organizes events

ï           Fundraises for extras

ï           Communicates with administration

ï           Very involved in school life

Tips:

ï           Join WhatsApp group immediately

ï           Attend first parent meeting

ï           Volunteer for at least one thing

ï           Build relationships with other parents

ï           Don't be shocked by intensity

Communication Style Direct and Frequent:

ï           Teachers message directly via WhatsApp

ï           Less formal than Western schools

ï           Expect immediate responses

ï           Group chats very active

ï           Can feel overwhelming

Parent-Teacher Relations:

ï           Less hierarchical

ï           Parents challenge teachers

ï           Very involved in curriculum

ï           Sometimes contentious

Academic Approach Different Philosophy:

ï           Less structured than US/UK schools

ï           More independence expected young

ï           Heavy homework load

ï           Memorization focused

ï           Competitive environment

Homework:

ï           Starts in first grade

ï           Increases significantly by 4th grade

ï           Parents expected to help

ï           Can be several hours nightly by high school

Discipline More Relaxed:

ï           Less emphasis on "sitting still"

ï           Louder classrooms

ï           More casual teacher-student interaction

ï           Less structured bathroom/snack breaks

Costs & Fees

Public School Costs

"Free" Education Includes:

ï           Tuition (mandatory ages 3-18)

ï           Basic instruction

ï           Core textbooks

What You Pay:

Annual Registration Fee:

ï           Elementary: ₪500-1,500

ï           Middle school: ₪1,000-2,000

ï           High school: ₪2,000-4,000

ï           Varies by municipality

Books & Supplies:

ï           ₪500-1,500 per year

ï           Textbooks (not always free)

ï           Notebooks, folders, etc.

ï           Art supplies

Trips & Activities (Tiyulim):

ï           ₪1,000-3,000 per year

ï           Field trips

ï           Special programs

ï           Sometimes fundraised

After-School Care (Tzaharon):

ï           ₪800-1,500 per month

ï           Until 16:00-17:00

ï           Includes snack, homework help, activities

ï           Not mandatory but common for working parents

Enrichment:

ï           Optional extra classes

ï           Music, art, sports

ï           ₪200-500 per month

Total Annual Cost (Public School):

ï           Elementary: ₪5,000-15,000

ï           Middle: ₪8,000-20,000

ï           High: ₪10,000-30,000

Financial Assistance:

ï           Lower-income families can apply

ï           Municipality provides support

ï           Varies by location

ï           Ask school social worker

Starting School: What to Expect

First Day Preparations

Supply List (ציוד רשימת):

ï           Sent in August

ï           Must be exact (down to brand sometimes!)

ï           Can be expensive (₪300-800)

ï           Parents often shop together

Uniform/Dress Code:

ï           Some schools require uniform

ï           Others: just color code (blue shirt, etc.)

ï           PE clothes usually required

ï           Label everything!

Bag & Lunch:

ï           Israeli backpacks huge (lots of books)

ï           Most kids bring packed lunch

ï           Some schools have cafeteria

ï           10:00 break (aruchat eser - עשר ארוחת)

School Supplies Shopping:

ï           Late August shopping madness

ï           Stores crowded

ï           Office Depot (דיפו אופיס), Fox, Am:Pm

ï           Can cost ₪500+

First Week

Gradual Start (Kita Alef Only):

ï           First graders: shortened days first week

ï           08:00-11:00 typically

ï           Gradually extend

ï           Help adjustment

What Happens:

ï           Class assignments posted outside

ï           Parents walk kids to classroom

ï           Meet teacher

ï           Chaotic first day (expect it!)

ï           Lots of crying (normal)

First Month Challenges

For Children:

ï           Language barrier (if new immigrant)

ï           Different teaching style

ï           Social integration

ï           Cultural differences

ï           Longer school day than may be used to

For Parents:

ï           WhatsApp overwhelm

ï           Communication in Hebrew

ï           Different expectations

ï           Involvement demands

ï           System navigation

Age-Specific Guidance

Gan (Ages 3-6)

Registration:

ï           Easiest age to integrate

ï           Kids pick up Hebrew fastest

ï           Less academic pressure

What to Know:

ï           Play-based learning

ï           Outdoor time important

ï           Nap time for younger kids

ï           Bring: hat, sunscreen, change of clothes

ï           Birthday celebrations expected (bring treats)

Cost:

ï           Public gan: Free

ï           Extended hours: ₪200-800/month

ï           Private gan: ₪1,000-3,000/month

Tips:

ï           Start learning Hebrew songs at home

ï           Playdates help integration

ï           Don't stress - this age adapts easily

ï           Teacher becomes very important figure

Elementary (Kita Alef-Vav, Ages 6-12)

Registration:

ï           Kita Alef (1st grade) most important

ï           Placement affects next 6 years

ï           Class stays together mostly

Academic Focus:

ï           Hebrew reading/writing (Kita Alef)

ï           Math (strong emphasis)

ï           English (starts Kita Gimmel/3rd)

ï           Jewish studies (varies by school type)

ï           Science, history (later grades)

Social Life:

ï           Birthday parties every weekend

ï           Class dynamics very important

ï           Lots of group activities

ï           Boys/girls start separating (grades 4-6)

Challenges for New Immigrants:

ï           Hebrew reading is first hurdle

ï           Math taught differently

ï           Social integration takes time

ï           Homework help difficult if parents don't speak Hebrew

Tips:

ï           Private Hebrew tutor first year

ï           Connect with other immigrant families

ï           Don't compare to home country system

ï           Patience - takes 1-2 years to adjust

ï           Celebrate small victories

Middle School (Chativat Benayim, Ages 12-15)

Registration:

ï           More school choice than elementary

ï           Can apply outside catchment

ï           Consider school's reputation

Academic Changes:

ï           More subjects, more teachers

ï           Increased homework

ï           Preparing for Bagrut track

ï           More independence expected

Social Challenges:

ï           Hardest age for new immigrants

ï           Established social groups

ï           Teen drama intensifies

ï           Language barrier more impactful

Tips for New Immigrant Teens:

ï           Consider international school if struggling

ï           Extra Hebrew support essential

ï           Find one friend/activity they enjoy

ï           Be patient - hardest age to integrate

ï           Therapy/counseling if needed

ï           Consider starting summer before school year

High School (Tichon, Ages 15-18)

Registration:

ï           Competitive application process

ï           Like college applications

ï           Multiple schools, ranked preferences

ï           Entrance exams common

Academic Structure:

ï           Track system (majors)

ï           Bagrut exams (matriculation)

ï           University preparation

ï           Very demanding

Challenges for New Immigrants:

ï           Academic Hebrew very difficult

ï           Bagrut exams in Hebrew

ï           Social integration very hard

ï           May need extra year

Options:

1.  Regular Israeli High School

ï           Full Bagrut track

ï           Very difficult for new immigrants

ï           Need strong Hebrew

ï           Can take extra year

2.  Modified Bagrut

ï           Some exams in English

ï           Ministry of Absorption support

ï           Still challenging

3.  International School

ï           American/British diploma

ï           English instruction

ï           Easier transition

ï           Very expensive

ï           Limited integration

4.  Pre-Army Program

ï           If close to 18

ï           Focus on Hebrew, prepare for army

ï           Lighter academics

ï           Social integration

Tips:

ï           Realistic expectations crucial

ï           May need 4-5 years instead of 3

ï           Summer intensive Hebrew essential

ï           Strong support system needed

ï           Consider alternatives if struggling

School Calendar & Holidays

School Year Structure

September - June:

ï           ~200 school days

ï           Frequent breaks

Major Breaks:

ï           **Sukkot: **1 week (September/October)

ï           **Chanukah: **Few days (December)

ï           **Winter: **2 weeks (February)

ï           **Purim: **1 day (March)

ï           **Passover: **2 weeks (March/April)

ï           **Independence Day: **1 day (April/May)

ï           **Summer: **July-August (2 months!)

School Holidays:

ï           All Jewish holidays

ï           Memorial Day, Independence Day

ï           Holocaust Remembrance Day

ï           Jerusalem Day

No School:

ï           Many random days off

ï           "Study days" (no kids, teachers work)

ï           Strike days (occasional)

Planning:

ï           Need childcare for breaks

ï           Summer: Kayitz (קיץ) - day camps

ï           Can be expensive

ï           Plan vacation time accordingly

Common Challenges & Solutions

Challenge 1: Language Barrier

Symptoms:

ï           Child frustrated, acting out

ï           Avoiding school

ï           Falling behind academically

ï           Not making friends

Solutions:

ï           Intensive Hebrew tutoring

ï           Kitat Kita if available

ï           Hebrew-speaking playmates

ï           Israeli TV shows

ï           Lower academic pressure initially

ï           Focus on social integration first

Challenge 2: Homework Overload

Reality:

ï           Israeli schools give a lot of homework

ï           Increases significantly by grade 4

ï           Parents expected to help

ï           Can be hour

Updated on: 02/02/2026