The educational system differs in every country. Below is an overview of the various Israeli educational frameworks in order for you to know where to register your children.
Day Care Centers are operated by women’s organizations, community centers and frameworks under the supervision of the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs and Social Services. Mishpachtonim (day care in a private home) or caretakers might be a solution as well.
Day Care Centers working under the supervision of the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs and Social Services differ from privately operated Mishpachtonim in the following ways:
Nursery Schools and pre-kindergartens are operated by Misrad HaChinuch and are free of charge. Some nursery schools also include pre-kindergarten activities that help children prepare for compulsory kindergarten.
Kindergarten (gan chova) is compulsory for every child.
Gan Chova is compulsory for every child.
Children attend Beit Sefer Yesodi from grades 1-8. Please note that in some areas grades 7 – 9 are called Chativat Beinayim – חטיבת ביניים – Junior High School.
High school covers grades 9 – 12. (and as noted above, sometimes 10-12)
Parents must register their children for all educational program options via the local municipal authority, except for Tichon where the student can be registered directly with the school.
In addition, the general subsidies given to all families with children in kindergarten and grades 1-2 in afternoon programs, varies from city to city and are subject to government regulation.