Israeli Education Ministry Issues Key Guidelines Ahead of New School Year

As the 2023-2024 school year approaches, Israel's Ministry of Education has released comprehensive official guidelines to clarify rules for parents and students. The ministry distinguishes between mandatory and voluntary parental payments, with accident insurance being the only compulsory fee for all students. Voluntary payments cover extracurricular activities such as trips, parties, and cultural events, which require explicit written consent from each parent for additional programs like Taln, as approval from parent committees alone is insufficient.

Every student in Israel is covered by local authority personal accident insurance providing 24/7 protection nationwide, including weekends, holidays, and even abroad during official school activities. The ministry also emphasizes student welfare by setting a health standard limiting schoolbag weight to no more than 15% of the student's body weight.

A complete ban on "zero hour" classes is enforced in middle and high schools, with lessons starting at 8:00 a.m., except in religious schools where classes may begin at 7:00 a.m. solely for prayer. Schools cannot punish or send students home for not wearing a uniform, and teachers must allow bathroom breaks during lessons to prevent health issues.

For young children aged 3-4 entering kindergarten, a gradual adjustment schedule is implemented: the first day ends at 10:00 a.m., the second at 11:00 a.m., and full days start from the third day onward. Returning kindergarteners begin full days immediately. Additionally, mobile phone use is completely prohibited throughout the school day in elementary and middle schools, including breaks.