In deciding whether to send your children to Hebrew Day School or Public School and afternoon Hebrew School it is important to look at your family s finances, its lifestyle, your children s academic abilities, the carpool or busing situation as well as where the majority of neighborhood kids go to school. Many parents feel that the best way for children to learn about their Jewish heritage, Jewish ritual, observance, values and history is by sending them to Hebrew Day School. Along with Orthodox Yeshivot, there are Day Schools run by the Conservative as well as the Reform Movements. In Day Schools the day is divided between general secular subjects and Hebrew subjects.
Schools differ as to which type of learning is emphasized.
In Orthodox Yeshivot the study of Torah is paramount. In Conservative and Reform Day Schools there is more time given to general studies. Just as in public education, schools differ in terms of the quality of the students, the teaching staff, facilities, academic expectations, condition of the school building and tuition. Therefore, a visit to the school is a necessity. Check out the classrooms, condition of the bulletin boards, the athletic facilities, the library, cafeteria, art studios, science labs, playground .