K-12 Education
Rehovot offers a wide variety of educational options. Private daycare and nannies can be found for babies up to age 3. Public education in Israel is compulsory and free from age 3 to 18. The language of instruction is Hebrew in kindergartens and schools.
The school day in Israel may be shorter than what you are used to. Kindergartens usually operate from 08:00-14:00. School generally starts at 08:00 and, depending on the grade, until 12:30 or later. Enrichment programs for higher grades may run until 14:30 or 15:00. Afternoon programs, called zaharon, include lunch and can extend the day until 17:00.
For public education, registration opens in January each year, for the academic year beginning the following September. You can register any time throughout the year, however, places are allocated based on availability.
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Weizmann Early Childhood Center
Weizmann Early Childhood Center
The Anixter and Siem Family Foundation Early Childhood Villages provide an ideal environment for the children of scientists, students and staff at the Weizmann Institute of Science, with every detail of the children’s needs addressed: cognitive, emotional, physical, artistic and social. Visit the Weizmann Early Childhood Center website to learn more about eligibility for the program. VISIT WEBSITE
Adjustment Tips
The public frameworks operate in Hebrew. Our team will assist you on an individual basis to match your needs as much as possible. Below are some tips for children entering frameworks in Israel:
- Start by helping them understand the structure of the day.
- Share with your children that you are going through the process together. If you are learning Hebrew, let them know and let them watch you working on your language skills as well - it’s helpful for them to see that you are also new and struggling.
- Don’t put too much pressure in the first year. Help them gain confidence by focusing on their successes during the year. Be positive and encouraging. Encourage your children along the way and point out that they are making amazing progress.
- Encourage your children to hang out with other Hebrew speaking kids as well as kids who speak their native language.
- Don’t hesitate to call the caretaker/teacher or our office if you are having a problem. You need to advocate for yourself and your family and we can assist.
Afternoon Activities
Israeli children are very involved in extracurricular activities. Children may be enrolled in more than one activity such as sports, art and music. Activities are usually conducted in Hebrew, although some instructors may speak English, and run for the duration of the school year, from early September to late June. Some classes may continue in July. Below are some of the types of activities:
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Lego
- Dungeons & Dragons
- Tae Kwon Do
- Robotics
- Gymnastics
- Drama
- Chess
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Judo
Summer Camps
Elementary schools offer three weeks of day camp, usually from 08:00-13:00 for a fee. This can usually be extended to a longer day with afternoon care for an additional fee.
In addition, there are many day camps run by the municipality or privately, some based around a particular activity such as surfing, horse riding, etc.
Usually, registration for day camps does not begin before May or June. In addition, there is a summer camp on campus which runs in 3 sessions over July and August each year.
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Family testimonials
Family testimonials
You can read some of the testimonials we gathered from families that were at the institute. Family testimonials
More Information you may need
Learning Hebrew
Levels 1 & 2
We are glad to offer Hebrew lessons as subsidized courses on campus, overseen by the WSoS in all academic aspects of the courses, twice a year, In November and March. The lessons are for WSoS internationals, WSoS new immigrants, WIS international employees, WIS visiting scientists, and their spouses.
