How do I choose a school when relocating with children?

Choosing the right school is often the most emotionally significant decision in a family relocation. Unlike housing or healthcare, getting it wrong has direct, lasting effects on your children's social development, academic progress, and connection to their Israeli identity.

The key decision: language of instruction

Local-language schools

• Your child attends the public or private school system of the host country
• Fastest path to language acquisition and social integration
• Generally lower cost (public school is free in most countries)
• Academic transition can be difficult; most schools will not accommodate Hebrew instruction
• Works best for younger children (under 10) who adapt language faster

English-language international schools

• Taught entirely in English
• Accepts mid-year enrollment
• International Baccalaureate (IB) or American/British curriculum options
• Easier transition for Hebrew-speaking Israeli children (many Israelis have strong English)
• Significant cost: €10,000–€30,000+/year per child in most major cities
• Strong expat social community
• Available in virtually every major city globally

Hebrew-language schools and Jewish day schools

• Several countries have Jewish day schools with Hebrew instruction (see list below)
• Usually run by local Jewish communities; combines secular and Jewish studies
• Maintains Jewish and Israeli cultural identity
• Quality varies widely by institution

International Baccalaureate (IB)

The IB is the most widely recognized international curriculum, offered in 5,000+ schools in 150+ countries. Three main programs:

• PYP (Primary Years Programme): Ages 3–12
• MYP (Middle Years Programme): Ages 11–16
• DP (Diploma Programme): Ages 16–19, recognized by universities globally, including Israeli universities

An IB Diploma means your child's academic credentials will be recognized internationally, including for university admission in Israel if they return.

Jewish day schools and Hebrew schools by city

United States:

• New York: Ramaz School, Stern School, Heschel, SAR Academy
• Los Angeles: Valley Beth Shalom Day School, Milken Community School
• Miami: David Posnack Jewish Day School
• Boston: Maimonides School, Gann Academy

United Kingdom:

• London: JFS (Jewish Free School), Yavneh College, King Solomon High School, JCoSS

Canada:

• Toronto: Associated Hebrew Schools, TanenbaumCHAT
• Montreal: Jewish People's Schools

Australia:

• Melbourne: Mount Scopus Memorial College, Emanuel School
• Sydney: Emanuel School, Moriah College

Germany:

• Berlin: Jewish community schools with Hebrew instruction available

France:

• Paris: Multiple Jewish day schools (ORT, Alliance Israélite Universelle)

Timing of the move

Schools differ in their flexibility for mid-year enrollment:

• International schools: Most accept mid-year enrollment at any time, designed for expat families who arrive throughout the year
• Local public schools: Generally accept enrollment at the start of any new term; some countries require registration by a specific date
• Jewish day schools: Vary; many are flexible given the nature of their community

The best time to relocate from an educational standpoint:

• Before the school year starts: September (US/UK/European schools) or February (Australian school year starts January/February)
• Summer moves give children time to acclimate before starting school

Costs comparison

Practical advice

1. Visit schools before the move if possible — most schools welcome tour visits
2. Online school visits are increasingly common post-COVID
3. Join Facebook groups for Israeli expats in your target city — parents share real experiences
4. Hebrew tutoring: Even in local schools, hire a Hebrew tutor to maintain language skills
5. Israeli children's books, media, and Israeli friends: Maintain cultural identity alongside local integration
6. Gap year programs: For older teens (post-high school), Israeli gap year programs (Mechina, Sherut Leumi equivalents abroad) offer structured transitions

Resources

• IBO.org: Find IB schools worldwide
• Nefesh B'Nefesh school database (for North America)
• Israeli Ministry of Education list of recognized overseas schools
• Local Israeli consulate/embassy often maintains lists of Israeli community schools