All Israelis, from preschoolers to senior citizens, benefit from a wide variety of educational programs. School attendance is mandatory from age 5 to 16 and free through age 18. Almost all three- and four-year-olds attend some kind of preschool program, though they are neither compulsory nor free.
The school system is based on the ongoing need to absorb and integrate new immigrants and educate children from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds - Jewish, Arab and Druze, religiously observant and secular. Accordingly, schools are divided into state schools, attended by the majority of pupils; state religious schools, which emphasize Jewish studies, tradition and observance; Arab and Druze schools, with instruction in Arabic and special focus on Arab and Druze history, tradition and culture; and private schools, which operate under various religious and international auspices. At high school level, students may select an academic, technological, agricultural or military framework. Individuals with special educational needs are accommodated according to their ability and handicap in the regular education system, with additional help, or at separate facilities.
To meet the requirements of the different types of schools, a wide range of programs and teaching materials are available in many subjects. Each year a special topic of national importance is chosen to be taught in depth, aimed at enhancing students' understanding and appreciation of values such as democracy, environmental conservation, the Hebrew language and peace.
The administration and financing of the education system is shared by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport, the Ministry of Science and Technology and the municipalities. The ministries are responsible for curricula, educational standards, teacher training and supervision of school personnel and school construction, while local authorities deal with school maintenance and acquisition of equipment and supplies.
HIGHER EDUCATION plays a pivotal role in the development of the country. In the academic year 2004-2005, 257,000 students were enrolled in Israel's institutions of higher learning, with about 48 percent attending universities, some 30 percent studying at various colleges and 21 percent participating in courses through the Open University. A wide range of programs - from bachelor degree to post-doctoral levels - in the sciences and humanities is available at Israel's eight universities, while the colleges offer academic courses as well as specialized training in fields such as elementary school teaching, music, art, fashion design and physical education. Additional tracks leading to vocational diplomas are available at several institutions.
ADULT EDUCATION. Tens of thousands of adults are enrolled in educational programs, some to improve basic knowledge and skills, many more to upgrade professional training, expand the scope of their learning and explore new interests. For new immigrants, special ulpanim offer intensive Hebrew language courses, usually of five months' duration, after which most newcomers can deal with everyday communication.