Educational Frameworks
Pre-School Education
Ages 0-3: Day Care Center
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:
- Day Care Centers are subject to supervision and strict regulations
- Depending on your personal economic situation and in case both parents are working, it’s possible to receive a subsidy for Day Care Centers.
Ages 3-5: Pre-Kindergarten
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.
School Education
Ages 5-6: Kindergarten
Kindergarten (gan chova) is compulsory for every child.
Ages 6-12: Primary School
Children attend primary school from grade 1-6.
Ages 12-15: Junior High School
Junior high school/middle school covers grades 7-9.
Ages 15-18: High School
High school covers grades 10-12.
Important Note:
Registration
Parents must register their children for pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, primary school and junior high school via the local authority and according to their place of residence. For high school, students can register directly at school.
Afternoon Care
Government provided free education applies to children aged 3-6 until 14:00. Parents that want to add an afternoon framework (Tzaharon, in most places until 16:30 including a warm lunch) can do so and apply for a discount at the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs and Social Services.
Based on their personal and economic situation parents might get a discount. To be eligible for this benefit, both parents must be working.