Questions to Ask When Interviewing Schools

The following is a suggested list of questions to ask when interviewing a school. While they are looking you over,
you should be looking them over as well!

Does this school meet my child’s educational needs?

Does the school have special programming such as a resource room
(kita mekademet), a slower overall track (kita ma’avar), or mainstreaming
(kita shiluv)?

What is the percentage of Olim Chadashim in the school
and from what countries?

What is the school’s experience with new Olim?

What are the school’s academic expectations for your child
during his/her first year?

What types of internal supports are offered (i.e. Ulpan, a buddy system, etc.)?

What supports are offered for parents? (Does someone from the
administration meet with the Oleh parent body to explain situations,
encourage, and so forth ? )

Where is the school located in relation to your neighborhood?
How do children arrive and who is responsible for their transportation?

What is the physical layout of the school? Is it wheelchair accessible?
Is it in a building? Caravans?

Where do the children play during recess?

How does the school manage special food allergies such as peanuts?

Does the school encourage parent involvement? If so, whom does one speak to?

What are the school’s goals for their students? If you are interviewing an
elementary school: What type of high schools do kids attend after graduating?
What types of post high school programs are encouraged?

What, if any, youth groups are encouraged through the school?

Is there a uniform?

Is there dress code to be kept outside of school hours? Are parents expected
to keep to a specific dress code ( i.e. hair covering or length of sleeves
for women)?

Does the high school of your choice offer a full bagrut diploma? How do they
help an older oleh (11th grade) manage?
Will they support a student taking a GED?

What types of special programming does the school offer that adds “life”
to the school year?

What is the daily schedule?

What are the hours of Gemarra studied daily (where relevant)?

Is there tracking for classes such as math, English, and Gemarra?

Does the school foster warm teacher/student relationships?

How many children are there per class?

What is the school’s tuition?

Are scholarships available?

Remember: Aliyah is a process. It doesn’t happen overnight – or even over one year. As with all milestones in life, children progress at their own rate. Encouragement and empathy are different forms of support, yet both are important to give and receive during the first years of Aliyah. A school administration that is sensitive to the needs of the new Oleh will understand this and give your child the tools to achieve success in his new environment!

Submitted by Miriam Naiman
Regional Social Services Coordinator
Educational Consultant for the Nefesh B'Nefesh Department of Social Services