Education Ministry | |
---|---|
Education Minister of Israel | Yoav Kisch |
National education budget (2015) | |
Budget | 45.5 billion ₪[1] |
General details | |
Primary languages | Hebrew & Arabic |
System type | State & Private |
Literacy (2014[2]) | |
Total | 97.8% |
Male | 98.7% |
Female | 95.8% |
Enrollment | |
Total | 1,445,555 |
Primary | 828,732 |
Secondary | 259,139 |
Post secondary | 357,685 |
Attainment | |
Secondary diploma | 85%[4] |
Post-secondary diploma | 49%[3] |
Education in Israel encompasses consists of three primary tiers: primary education (grades 1–6), middle school (grades 7–9), and high school (grades 10–12). Compulsory education spans from kindergarten through 12th grade.[5] The academic year begins on September 1 and ends on June 30 for elementary pupils and June 20 for middle and high school pupils. The Haredi Yeshivas adhere to a separate schedule, commencing on 1 Elul.
The Israeli education system includes various tracks such as state-secular, state-religious, independent religious, and Arab schools. There are also private schools, including Democratic Schools and international schools like the American International School in Israel. The system features also integrated schools that educate Jewish and Arab students together. Higher education in Israel is characterized by a public university system and significant government subsidies.
The Israeli education is lauded for its high academic standards, particularly in science and technology, and for its role in driving the nation's economic growth. The integration of Jewish and Arab students in some schools is seen as a progressive step towards coexistence. However, there are concerns about disparities in resource allocation between Jewish and Arab schools, and the low participation rate of Haredi students in mainstream education and the workforce. Efforts to integrate Haredi students into higher education and professional fields have seen mixed results. Additionally, recurring strikes by teachers and students over budget cuts and wages, represent ongoing challenges within the system.