Education in Israel

Education in Israel
Education Ministry
Education Minister of IsraelYoav Kisch
National education budget (2015)
Budget45.5 billion [1]
General details
Primary languagesHebrew & Arabic
System typeState & Private
Literacy (2014[2])
Total97.8%
Male98.7%
Female95.8%
Enrollment
Total1,445,555
Primary828,732
Secondary259,139
Post secondary357,685
Attainment
Secondary diploma85%[4]
Post-secondary diploma49%[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.

  1. ^ Moti Bassok (8 October 2014). "Cabinet approves $88 billion budget for 2015". Haaretz. Retrieved 4 July 2015.
  2. ^ "The World Factbook". Globalis.gvu.unu.edu. Archived from the original on June 13, 2007. Retrieved 2017-07-18.
  3. ^ "Key Facts For Israel". Keepeek. Retrieved 29 May 2016.
  4. ^ "Education OECD Better Life". OECD. Archived from the original on 31 May 2016. Retrieved 29 May 2016.
  5. ^ "Education" (PDF). Ministry of Aliyah and Integration. The Publications Department. 2019.