How does the Israeli school system work?

The system includes the Gan (kindergarten, compulsory and free from age 3), the Yesodi (primary, 6 years), then secondary leading to the Bagrut. Olim children are entitled to integration classes (Kitot Klita) guaranteed by law.

Are there English-language schools in Israel?

Yes, several international and bilingual establishments exist in major cities. Enrollment is not automatic: plan ahead. The Aliyah File lists all schools by selected city.

How do I get a foreign diploma recognized?

The Council for Higher Education (VATAT) reviews the recognition of foreign diplomas. The processing time is several months. For regulated professions, specific procedures apply per ministry.

Education – Aliyah Israel | Kings David Home

The Israeli education system is recognized for its quality and accessibility. Children of Olim benefit from specific support for learning Hebrew and school integration. Understanding the options available is the first step to preparing for the school year.

Structure of the Israeli school system

Free

Kindergarten (Gan) — ages 3 to 5

Pre-school education is compulsory and free from age 3. Public school hours often end at 2pm.

Gan Hoova (compulsory): ages 3–5
Tzaharon (after-school care): paid
Registration via the local municipality

Grades 1–6

Primary school (Yesodi) — ages 6 to 11

6 years of primary education. Integrated Ulpan classes are legally guaranteed for Olim children.

Subjects: Hebrew, math, science, arts, PE
Language support guaranteed for Olim
Public, dati (religious) or independent schools

Grades 7–12

Middle + High school (Hativi / Tikhon)

Secondary education leading to the Bagrut (Israeli equivalent of the Baccalaureate), required for university.

Bagrut by subject choice: science, humanities, arts
Some high schools offer the French Bac or IB
International program options available

Higher education

9 recognized research universities. Admission: Bagrut + Psychometri (national aptitude test).

Technion, Weizmann, Hebrew U, Tel Aviv U, BGU...
Courses in English at most universities
Specific Olim fee reductions and grants

Integration and resources for Olim

Priority

Absorption classes — Kitot Klita

Enable Olim children to acquire Hebrew quickly before joining regular classes.

Duration: approx. 1 year depending on level
Right to additional tutoring hours
Gradual transition to regular classes

English-language schools

International and bilingual establishments:

American International School of Israel (Kfar Shmaryahu)
Hebrew Academy (Holon) — English/Hebrew bilingual
Jerusalem American International School
Several English-medium programs in major cities

⚠️ Registration is not automatic — plan ahead. Tuition fees vary by school.

Diploma recognition (VATAT)

The Council for Higher Education reviews the recognition of foreign diplomas. Processing time: several months.

Submit your file to VATAT as early as possible
Regulated professions: specific procedures per ministry
Contact: vatat.ac.il

All schools in your target cities

Section 9 lists all establishments — English-language, bilingual, public, religious — in each city you selected, with direct contact details.

✓ Complete list of schools by selected city (section 9)
✓ English-language and bilingual schools identified with direct contacts (section 9)
✓ Enrollment steps integrated in your personalized timeline (section 8)

See schools in my cities →

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