← Back to lessons
Beit sefer yesodi covers grades 1-6 (alef through vav), ages 6-12. The school day typically runs 8am-1:30pm, with longer hours in afternoon programs (tzaharon). Subjects include Hebrew (ivrit), arithmetic (mathematica), English starting in grade 4, Tanach, Israel knowledge (yedi\'at ha-aretz), science (mada), gym (chinuch gufani), art (omanut), and music. School streams: mamlachti (secular), mamlachti dati (religious), Arab schools, and haredi (private). Olim register their children via the iriya (city hall) and Misrad HaChinuch (Ministry of Education).
Cultural note, Israeli elementary school is often described as more relaxed than American or European counterparts: fewer hours, less homework, and much more social play. Olim children typically receive 30-60 hours per year of taisha (Hebrew tutoring) directly at school. Parent involvement is high, most schools run a weekly vaad horim (parent committee). Lunch: most kids bring a sandwich from home; some afternoon programs serve a hot meal. Recess (hafsaka) happens every 45 minutes, lasting 15-30 minutes between classes. Class size is typically 25-35 students.
Grades & Stages
Subjects
Staff
Daily Schedule
School Vocabulary
A Parent-Teacher Meeting
An oleh parent meets with their 3rd-grader\'s morah.