Ultra-Orthodox Girls Outperform National School System in International Exams

In a surprising turn of events, female students in Israel's ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) education system have surpassed their counterparts in the national public school system in the latest PISA international assessments. Haredi seminary students scored an average of 465 points in reading, compared to 427 points for girls in the national system, a significant gap of 38 points. Notably, the historical disparity in mathematics has been completely erased, with Haredi girls now holding a 9-point advantage, and parity achieved in science scores.

These results stand in stark contrast to the overall decline observed in the Israeli education system, which saw average scores drop to 436 in reading, 433 in mathematics, and 442 in science. These national figures represent a deficit of nearly two academic years, with approximately 46% of students falling below basic proficiency in mathematics and 41% in reading.

Rabbi Eliezer Sorotzkin, CEO of the Independent Education network, attributed the Haredi students' success to the immense dedication and uncompromising professionalism of their educators, as well as the strong social and value-based foundation provided by their institutions. He emphasized these qualities contribute to educational excellence even during times of national crisis.

The achievements align with a broader trend of growth in the Haredi education sector. Recent data indicates that nearly 19,000 Haredi graduates are currently pursuing higher education, with an additional 67,000 already integrated into the workforce. Studies show that Haredi individuals with academic degrees experience higher employment rates and significantly greater earning potential.

Furthermore, six Haredi educational institutions in Beit Shemesh have recently joined an initiative to provide students with advanced scientific and technological tools through a partnership with the Davidson Institute of Science Education, the educational arm of the Weizmann Institute of Science. This indicates a growing commitment within the Haredi sector to incorporating STEM education.