Home

News

Media

FAQ

Inspiration

Jewish

Calendar

 FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

 Here is an FAQ about homeschooling in general:

 Here are answers to questions about homeschooling in Israel:

Is homeschooling legal in Israel?

  • Yes! Officially, for each child you need permission from the Ministry of Education. Many families are currently homeschooling without such permission, and have not been forced to send their children to school. How much they have been hassled has varied from case to case. Many have had no problems at all.

    The latest official guidelines from the Israel Ministry of Education are online in Hebrew at: http://www.education.gov.il/edun_doc/sf8ak3_1_26.htm
How do I get permission to homeschool?

  • You write a letter to your local Ministry of Education representative requesting permission. The Ministry's guidelines say that you are supposed to explain your reasons, although some have received permission with a terse letter stating their intention to homeschool. You should include your child's name and ID number, as well as your own.

Are there any conditions?

  • Homeschoolers in Israel who have received permission have been required to maintain some contact with their local education authorities. The nature of this contact has varied from case to case.

What about the Bagrut?

  • Many (non-homeschooling) high school students in Israel prepare for their matriculation exams by paying a private company to teach them what they need to know to pass the tests. These same institutions are available to homeschoolers as well. There are also many students who do not take the Bagrut in the context of high school, but rather through an independent study framework. The fact is that a young person who wants to take the Bagrut may do so, and may do well, without having attended high school.

What about learning Torah?

  • Many homeschooling children in Israel learn Torah with their parents. Some parents hire a private teacher for Limudei Kodesh, or find a friend or relative who is willing to tutor their child.

    Others allow their child to choose when and how much Torah to study, and in what context.

We're English speakers. How will my children learn Hebrew?

  • From their friends and neighbors. From interacting with the outside world. You can also find a tutor or teacher for them. If you study Hebrew and speak it at home (even if you're just learning), your children may want to also.

    You can also read to them in Hebrew, which is probably the same way they did or will learn to read English.

How many families are homeschooling in Israel?

  • No-one knows exactly. Probably hundreds of families.

Has anyone done a formal study of homeschooling in Israel?

What kind of support groups exist in Israel?