Israeli Families Face 5.2 Billion Shekel Annual Burden on School Payments

Every year, the Knesset Education Committee debates parental payments to schools, with consensus on reducing or abolishing them, yet the committee consistently approves the fees while promising future action. Recently, the committee unanimously approved the Ministry of Education's parental payment schedule for the upcoming school year. The only mandatory fee is a 69-shekel personal accident insurance per student; all other payments are labeled "voluntary" but effectively mandatory, as non-paying students cannot participate in trips, parties, or other activities.

The approved maximum fees vary by grade, from 253 shekels in kindergartens up to 1,372 shekels in 12th grade, covering cultural programs, trips, parent-teacher associations, and graduation events. These amounts exclude additional costs such as extra curricula, specialized tracks, seminars, after-school programs, and boarding. According to the Knesset Research and Information Center, household spending on parental payments in 2025 is estimated at approximately 5.2 billion shekels, with 1.9 billion shekels comprising the committee-approved mandatory and voluntary fees. Trips alone account for 663 million shekels annually.

Advocates and experts have long pushed to reduce or regulate these payments to address social inequality. The Child Welfare Council condemned the fees as a regressive education tax that deepens disparities and discriminates against students. Council CEO Vered Windman emphasized that the payments contradict the principle of equal education and exacerbate economic hardship, especially following three years of war. The committee's legal advisor, Tami Sela, also acknowledged broad agreement on the need to reduce fees.

Education Ministry Director-General Meir Shimoni noted no fee increases this year and highlighted a 50 million shekel subsidy fund to support needy students. He encouraged schools to reduce costs by limiting trips or negotiating cheaper transportation. The ministry allocates 180 million shekels for student welfare, including 100 million for trip scholarships. Parent Association Chair Oren Ozen called for the state to significantly reduce parental payments and fully fund annual trips and cultural programs to ensure equal participation regardless of family income. However, he acknowledged current budget constraints due to ongoing security challenges, which limit the state's ability to cover all parental fees. Consequently, many students miss out on activities due to financial difficulties, while wealthier families can afford private tutoring and enrichment, widening educational gaps.