Back to School Costs Add Up for Israeli Parents

As the school year begins in Israel, parents face significant expenses beyond school supplies, with costs for after-school care, extracurricular activities, and other child-related expenses accumulating rapidly. These costs, often paid weekly or monthly, can substantially increase a family's budget.

After-school programs, known as 'Tzharon,' are a major expense for working parents, with prices varying based on the program, days, and hours. For the 2025-2026 school year, subsidized programs for first and second graders can cost around 918 shekels per month, while non-subsidized options can reach 1,040 shekels. A family with two children in after-school care could spend 1,800 to 2,000 shekels monthly, and with three children, this figure can exceed 2,700 shekels before other activities.

Extracurricular activities, such as sports or arts classes, add further costs, typically ranging from 200 to 250 shekels per month for many programs. Some can cost up to 360 shekels for twice-weekly sessions. A single class at 240 shekels a month amounts to 2,880 shekels annually. Two classes double this, and three classes approach 8,640 shekels per year per child, excluding additional fees.

These advertised prices often don't reflect the total cost. Parents should inquire about registration fees, equipment, uniforms, insurance, competition fees, and other potential charges. It's crucial to understand the total annual cost, not just the monthly fee, and to clarify cancellation policies and what happens during school holidays or if a child decides to stop attending.

Additional expenses include birthday party gifts, transportation to activities, and babysitting services for parents unable to pick up children. A child with after-school care and two classes can incur monthly costs of about 1,480 shekels, totaling nearly 14,800 shekels over a ten-month school year, before other incidentals. For families with multiple children, these costs can quickly reach tens of thousands of shekels annually. Experts advise parents to calculate the total monthly outlay for all child-related expenses and to scrutinize all fees and terms before committing to programs.