About Elementary School
The Jerusalem educational system includes about 90 elementary schools, among them neighbourhood schools with a connection to the local community.
All the elementary schools in Jerusalem are self-managed. The concept of self-management broadens the pedagogical and administrative autonomy of the principals of the educational institutions by empowering and developing the managerial and educational staff, which are intended mainly for the development of educational activity in the school.
The system is characterized by a range of schools that vary widely in the socio-cultural demographics of their student populations and educational styles.
The Jerusalem Ultra Orthodox Education Department is the central body that handles the educational needs of this community in Jerusalem. It integrates city services and the Ministry of Education to address the educational needs of this population.
What is Elementary School?
- Generally from Grade 1 to Grade 6
- Some schools (Haredi) Grade 1 to Grade 8
- Most schools teach reading Hebrew in Grade 1 and not before.
- Most schools do not provide food, parents are expected to provide food.
- Most schools do not have school uniform
- School is 6 days a week, Friday until12pm
- Many schools finish early on Tuesdays (Youth movements programs)
- Many children take “Chugim” after school programs in sports, art, hobbies
Schedule
- The school day starts early in Israel, ensure that your children eat something before they start the school day
- Most school start between 8.00 and 8.30am, Religious schools start the day with Tefilla.
- First break of the day around 10:00 am meal, parents provide sandwich and a fruit
- Classes until 11.30, another 15 minute break
- Mamlachti schools generally have a shorter school day, finishing around 1.30pm.
- Mamlachti Dati have a longer school day, finishing around 3.30-4.00pm