Schools for English Speaking Children in Israel
Schools for English Speaking Children in Israel
When an American family moves to Israel, the children usually adapt faster than the parents, yet the first months in a new school can be demanding. Lessons are in Hebrew, class sizes and teaching styles differ from what they knew, and the social world of Israeli children moves quickly. At the same time, Israel offers a wide range of schools, including state secular, state religious, independent religious and a small number of international options, with growing support for English-speaking newcomers. This guide outlines the main choices and explains why parents often select a school first and then look for an apartment within its catchment area.
The Main School Streams
Most Israeli children attend public schools within one of several streams. The state secular stream, mamlachti, and the state religious stream, mamlachti dati, are the most common for American families. There are also Haredi independent networks and a range of schools with special emphases such as arts, science or democratic education.
Each stream shapes the curriculum, the atmosphere and the social circle, so it is worth visiting more than one before deciding.
Catchment Areas and Registration
Public school placement is typically managed by the municipality according to your registered address. That means the apartment you buy or rent can determine which schools are available. Some cities offer open registration zones or special programs with their own admission process. Contact the municipal education department early, because registration for the following year often takes place well in advance.
Support for New Immigrant Pupils
The Ministry of Education provides support for new immigrant children, which may include extra Hebrew lessons, adapted exams for a period and help from dedicated staff. The level of support varies from school to school, so ask each principal how they integrate English-speaking pupils in practice, and whether other American children are in the same grade.
English Programs and International Options
Some schools run enrichment programs for native English speakers so that children keep their reading and writing at native level. In areas with many American families, such as Ra'anana, Beit Shemesh, Modiin and parts of Jerusalem, these programs are more common.
A small number of international schools exist, such as the Walworth Barbour American International School in Even Yehuda, which teaches in English. They are usually private and suit families who expect to stay for a limited period or want continuity with an American curriculum.
Questions to Ask on a School Visit
How many English-speaking children are in the school and in each grade
What Hebrew support is given, and for how long
How are new pupils paired with classmates in the first weeks
What after-school activities and youth movements are nearby
How do teachers communicate with parents who read little Hebrew
Teenagers Need Extra Thought
Younger children tend to absorb Hebrew quickly. Teenagers face a harder path because of the matriculation exams, the bagrut, and the social stakes of high school. Some families choose schools with strong absorption programs, or boarding and youth village options designed for immigrant teens. Talk openly with your teenager about the options and involve them in the visits.
Choosing the Apartment Around the School
Once you have a preferred school, look at apartments within its zone and within a safe walking or cycling distance. Consider the route itself, the traffic, the availability of a school bus and how far the nearest park and youth movement branch are. A slightly smaller apartment near a good school often makes for a happier first year than a larger one across town.
Frequently asked questions
Can my children attend school in Israel in English
Most schools teach in Hebrew. A few private international schools teach in English, and some public schools offer English enrichment for native speakers. Many families find that Hebrew schooling with good support works well.
When should we register for school
Registration for the next school year usually opens well before it begins. Contact the municipality as soon as you know your likely address, even if the move is still some months away.
Are there schools that combine religious and secular pupils
Yes. A number of schools and networks offer a mixed religious and secular environment, and they have become more common in several cities. Visit to see whether the approach fits your family.
Does renting before buying help with schools
Many families rent for a year near a chosen school. This gives time to confirm the fit before committing to a purchase in the same area.
Elkayam Group
Elkayam Group (Kobi Elkayam Real Estate Ltd, Rival Street 37, Tel Aviv) is a family firm now led by its third generation, with an heritage stretching back to the forties. Through development, urban renewal and TAMA 38 work, we follow how neighborhoods near good schools change over time, and we are happy to talk it through in English, Hebrew or French.
Tell us which schools you are considering and we will discuss the surrounding buildings.
+972-53-658-4252 · support@kobielkayamrealestateltd.com · Rival St 37, Tel Aviv