Finding the right school as an expat can genuinely make or break your child’s academic experience. As a parent, you want to ensure your child receives an education that not only meets academic standards but also feels familiar and supportive, especially when living in a foreign country. Most schools in Israel teach in Hebrew or Arabic, which can be a challenge for English-speaking families seeking a seamless transition for their children. Fortunately, there are schools throughout the country that provide instruction in English, offering an American or British-style education that might be more aligned with the curriculum your child is used to.

Whether you’re looking for an elementary school, middle school, or high school, the task of finding a suitable school can be daunting. This guide will help you navigate through the options available in Israel. It features a comprehensive list of full-time programs where English is the primary language of instruction. Each school provides a unique learning experience and caters to different needs, such as varying grade levels, religious affiliations, tuition costs, and boarding availability. If you know of any other schools that should be added to this list, feel free to share them in the comments section below!

English Schools in Israel

Givat Haviva International School

Location: Givat Haviva (East of Hadera)
Grades: 11-12
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
Accreditation: International Baccalaureate Organization
Religious Affiliation: unaffiliated
Starting Tuition: $25,000 USD
Financial Aid: Available
Coed/Boys Only/Girls Only: Coed
On-Campus Boarding Availability: Yes
Google rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Givat Haviva International School is one of the top choices for families looking for an inclusive, pluralistic, and academically challenging environment. It actively fosters a Shared Society atmosphere, bringing together students from diverse backgrounds—Israeli, Palestinian, and international. The school’s mission is to cultivate leaders who understand and appreciate different perspectives, which is crucial in today’s globalized world. One notable aspect is their commitment to providing education to students from all financial backgrounds. They seek donations to cover the costs for those who may not afford the tuition, ensuring that no qualified student is left behind due to financial constraints.

Walworth Barbour American International School

Location: Even Yehuda (Adjacent to Netanya)
Grades: K-12
Curriculum: U.S. Standard
Accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
Religious Affiliation: unaffiliated
Starting Tuition: 61,400 NIS
Financial Aid: Available
Coed/Boys Only/Girls Only: Coed
On-Campus Boarding Availability: Yes
Google rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars

Walworth Barbour American International School stands out as a highly reputable institution, offering an American-style curriculum for students from kindergarten to 12th grade. It is well-regarded for its strong academic program, supportive faculty, and vibrant international community. Located near Netanya, it’s a top choice for families residing in the central region of Israel. With its long history of providing quality education to expat families, it has built a strong reputation over the years.

English Schools in the Tel Aviv Area

Eastern Mediterranean International School

Location: Kfar Yarok (Tel Aviv adjacent)
Grades: 10-12
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
Accreditation: International Baccalaureate Organisation
Religious Affiliation: unaffiliated
Starting Tuition: $32,000 USD
Financial Aid: Available
Coed/Boys Only/Girls Only: Coed
On-Campus Boarding Availability: Yes
Google rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars

EMIS is recognized for its strong academic curriculum and emphasis on global citizenship. Students from over 50 countries come to study here, making it one of the most diverse schools in the country. The curriculum encourages critical thinking, creativity, and leadership skills. As a boarding school, it offers a residential experience that enables students to build strong friendships with peers from different cultural backgrounds.

King Solomon School

Location: Kfar Yarok (Tel Aviv adjacent)
Grades: Preschool-12
Curriculum: U.K. Standard & Israeli Standard
Accreditation: Israeli Ministry of Education
Religious Affiliation: Jewish
Starting Tuition: 60,000 NIS
Financial Aid: Available
Coed/Boys Only/Girls Only: Coed
On-Campus Boarding Availability: No
Google rating: 3 out of 5 stars

The King Solomon School offers a blend of the U.K. and Israeli curriculums, which is ideal for families looking for a bilingual education that incorporates aspects of both British and local education standards. Its Jewish affiliation means that it also integrates Jewish traditions and values into daily school life, making it suitable for families who want their children to have a culturally enriching experience alongside a rigorous academic education.

Tabeetha School

Location: Jaffa
Grades: K-12
Curriculum: U.K. Standard
Religious Affiliation: Church of Scotland
Starting Tuition: 14,000 NIS
Financial Aid: Contact the school
Application Fee: Contact the school
Coed/Boys Only/Girls Only: Coed
On-Campus Boarding Availability: No
Google rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Employee rating (Glassdoor): 3 out of 5 stars

Tabeetha School, located in Jaffa, has a rich history as one of the oldest international schools in the region. It offers a British curriculum and serves a diverse student body from various religious and cultural backgrounds. Although affiliated with the Church of Scotland, the school maintains an inclusive environment that welcomes students from all faiths and traditions.

TreeHouse International School

Location: Herzliya Pituach
Grades: Preschool-12
Curriculum: U.S. Standard
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Religious Affiliation: unaffiliated
Starting Tuition: 82,000 NIS
Financial Aid: Contact the school
Coed/Boys Only/Girls Only: Coed
On-Campus Boarding Availability: No
Google rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Employee rating (Glassdoor): 2.2 out of 5 stars

TreeHouse International School prides itself on providing a challenging American curriculum with a personalized approach. They offer smaller class sizes and individual attention, ensuring that each student receives a tailored educational experience.

English Schools in Jerusalem

Anglican International School Jerusalem

Location: Jerusalem (Center)
Grades: K-12
Curriculum: UK Curriculum, International Primary Curriculum, International Baccalaureate
Accreditation: Middle States Association, International Baccalaureate Program, and Council of British International Schools
Religious Affiliation: Anglican Church
Starting Tuition: 62,600 NIS
Financial Aid: Contact the school
Coed/Boys Only/Girls Only: Coed
On-Campus Boarding Availability: No
Google rating: 3.4 out of 5 stars

This school offers a well-rounded education based on British standards. It provides a strong sense of community, making it an ideal option for families who seek an academically challenging yet nurturing environment.

Jerusalem American International School

Location: Jerusalem (South)
Grades: Preschool-9
Curriculum: U.S. Standard
Accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
Religious Affiliation: unaffiliated
Starting Tuition: 46,350 NIS
Financial Aid: Available
Coed/Boys Only/Girls Only: Coed
On-Campus Boarding Availability: Yes
Google rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars

This institution offers an American curriculum in a culturally diverse setting, ensuring that children receive a high-quality education while feeling part of a vibrant community.

Jerusalem American School

Location: Jerusalem (North, Beit Hanina)
Grades: Preschool-12
Curriculum: U.S. Standard
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA)
Religious Affiliation: unaffiliated
Starting Tuition: ~7,500 NIS
Financial Aid: Contact the school
Coed/Boys Only/Girls Only: Coed
On-Campus Boarding Availability: No
Google rating: 3.4 out of 5 stars

The Jerusalem American School focuses on academic excellence and character development, providing a solid foundation for students aiming to continue their education in the U.S. or other English-speaking countries.

In Conclusion …

Finding the right school for your child as an expat in Israel is an important decision that can significantly impact their educational journey and overall experience in a new country. The schools listed here offer a diverse range of curricula, teaching styles, and environments, providing families with various options that cater to different needs and preferences. From the internationally recognized programs at Givat Haviva International School and Eastern Mediterranean International School to the American curriculum at Walworth Barbour American International School and Jerusalem American International School, there is a school that can match the educational expectations of every family. Additionally, schools like Tabeetha and King Solomon offer unique opportunities for students to immerse themselves in multicultural communities while receiving high-quality instruction in English.

When choosing a school, consider factors such as curriculum, tuition, religious affiliation, and the level of cultural integration you wish your child to experience. This guide is designed to serve as a starting point, but visiting schools, speaking with administrators, and engaging with current families can provide more insights into what each institution has to offer. Remember, the goal is to find a school where your child will thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Feel free to share your thoughts or any additional schools we might have missed in the comments section – your input could be invaluable to other families on the same journey.