Choosing a school for your child(ren) is one of the most significant decisions that needs to be made in the Aliyah planning process. Understanding the way the school system works in Israel will help you make a quality decision. Many Olim are accustomed to a private day school system in which registration takes places at the local school without any governmental intervention. In Israel, all schools are under the supervision of the local Machleket HaChinuch (Department of Education). Therefore, registration is more of a bureaucratic process than in North America or in the UK.

The following are guidelines for the registration process for preschool, elementary and high schools. Please note that there may be some variation in these guidelines for specialized schools and in certain cities. The registration process in the Charedi sector is different. The parents must request an application directly from the preschool, elementary school, Yeshiva Ketana, or Seminar (girls’ high school). Registration for the school only takes place once the student has been accepted to the school. Some schools are part of a network (Beit Yaakov, etc.). In these schools, the application process and registration are done through the central office of the school network.

Preschool (Gan) and Elementary School

Required Documentation:
  • Mispar Zehut (identity number) of each child and the parents.
  • Passport numbers of the child and parents are accepted in lieu of the Mispar Zehut.
  • Proof of residence in the city needs to be provided via a copy of the Arnona (municipal tax) statement that includes the family’s name.
    1. If the family is living in a rental, you will need to provide a rental contract which includes the parents’ names that is valid for one full year.
    2. If a family is not in the country during the registration period, they can give power of attorney to an Israeli citizen, provided that each child and the parents have a Mispar Zehut and proof of residence.
Fees:
  • There is no registration fee; however there is a deposit which will be applied to the first month’s tuition.
  • Please contact your local Iriya or board of education to check if there are fees for Gan (for 3-5 year olds).
  • There is a 400-450 NIS annual fee for Gan Chova (kindergarten). A Horaat Keva (standing bank order) form from the bank must be submitted.
  • While Gan is free, there is an additional fee for Tzaharon (afternoon program). Payment for Tzaharon is made directly to the organization running the Tzaharon and the price is determined locally.
  • Tuition for elementary school ranges from 500 – 4000 NIS per year (depending on type of school)
Location:
  • In most cities, registration can be done online https://www.cityedu.co.il/v2/CityEdu.aspx?CustomerID=274000&PageID=26002&group=2) or in person.
  • First time registration (for Olim and new residents of the city) must be done in person at the local Machleket HaChinuch (Department of Education) in order to present necessary documentation.
Time Frame:
  • Registration information is sent out in the mail in December.
  • Registration takes place in January – February.
  • Note: registration does not ensure placement in a particular school. The placement letter, which is sent out in June/July, names the particular school where the child will be placed for the upcoming school year. Placement is dependent on your address and religious affiliation.
  • After the placement letter is received, the parents are allowed seven days to appeal the decision.
  • A family may submit a request to register their child in a gan or school that is not in their district in addition to registering their child to the district school

Junior High and High School

Required Documentation:
  • Mispar Zehut of each child and the parents.
  • Passport numbers of the child and parents are accepted in lieu of a Mispar Zehut.
  • Proof of residence in the city needs to be provided via a copy of the Arnona statement that includes the family’s name.
    1. If the family is living in a rental, you will need to provide a rental contract which includes the parents’ names that is valid for one full year.
    2. If a family is not in the country during the registration period, they can give power of attorney to an Israeli citizen, provided that each child and the parents have a Mispar Zehut and proof of residence.
  • Non-regional schools only require a Mispar Zehut (or passport number).
Fees:
  • 75 NIS registration fee for the national entrance exam.
  • Tuition varies: 1500 – 15,000 NIS annual fees (tuition, dormitory, additional hours, transportation).
Location and Process:
  • Registration for regional schools is done through online registration. Many schools may also require an entrance exam and interview for admission to the school.
  • Note: The online registration is to notify the school that the student is interested in applying to the school. It does not confirm acceptance.
Time Frame:
  • Mamlachti-Dati (religious): process begins in December.
  • Mamlachti (non-religious): process begins in March.
Exam:
  • Admission to local Mamlachti schools, Ulpanot, and Yeshiva high schools are according to the dictates of the particular school and/or city and do not necessarily include an entrance exam and interview process.
    1. Example: In Jerusalem, Mamlachti-Dati: students register online for up to three schools. The Machleket HaChinuch will place the students in a school according to the requests. In Mamlachti schools, students register online for their two top school choices. The Machleket HaChinuch will try to place the students in a school according to the student’s requests.

Pre-Aliyah

  • Some schools will be willing to reserve a spot for a child before the family makes Aliyah. It is most common in schools that are semi-private (both elementary and junior high-high schools).
  • In some cities that have Olim coordinators, a spot in a particular school may be able to be reserved. Even if a spot cannot be reserved, it is important for the Olim coordinator to know the grade levels of your children so that they can plan for Ulpan hours. In order to reserve a place in such a school, it is important to be in contact with the school in the winter time.
  • It is important to remember that all cities are obligated to place your child in a local school. If there is no room in the district school, the child will be placed in a neighboring district.

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