Petah Tikva School for Autistic Students Wins National Education Award
The "Shachar" elementary school in Petah Tikva, part of the "Olive Educational Center" network, has been awarded the prestigious National Education Prize for the 2025-2026 school year. The award follows a rigorous and lengthy evaluation process, beginning with a recommendation from the Ministry of Education's supervision, followed by selection by the Haredi district award committee, and culminating in a national review by a multidisciplinary committee.
"Shachar" school, established in 2012, is a Haredi elementary school catering to students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder across various functioning levels. The school is recognized for its uncompromising professionalism, integrative approach, and pedagogical depth tailored to each student's individual abilities and needs. The educational and therapeutic staff operates as a synchronized professional unit, with teachers, pedagogical coordinators, paraprofessional coordinators, speech therapists, occupational therapists, emotional therapists, behavioral analysts, a counselor, a psychologist, and a social worker collaborating closely.
The school has developed unique pedagogical protocols in areas such as language and math education, life skills development, independent learning, and augmentative and alternative communication. Progress is systematically monitored with the goal of fostering student independence. School principal, Hadva Cohen, expressed pride and excitement over the award, emphasizing the crucial role of the staff in achieving such significant results.
Rabbi Shaul Rotenberg, CEO of the "Olive Educational Center," which operates dozens of special education institutions nationwide with approximately 1,700 staff members, stated that the award reflects the center's professional and personalized management of curricula designed for each student. He highlighted the staff's unwavering professionalism and integrative work. The network prioritizes moderate and responsible growth despite increasing demand, with a vision to continue investing personally and professionally in every student.
