The Schools

Core concepts of the Hand in Hand Educational model: A-B-C-D-E

Jerusalem School

Galilee School

 

Wadi Ara School

("Bridge Over the Wadi")

 

Beersheva (Hagar) School

Academics
Hand-in-Hand is committed to academic excellence. The curriculum extends beyond state requirements, offering small classes, quality art and music instruction, and a creative approach to learning that makes children want to come to school.
In addition, students choose from a rich array of enrichment courses according to interest, from astronomy to zoology.

Bilingualism
Hand in Hand's bilingual approach is based on internationally tested models. Jewish and Arab children learn side-by-side in classrooms team-taught by two teachers, one Arab and one Jewish. Each teacher speaks exclusively in his or her mother tongue, assuring that pupils' primary linguistic role model is a native speaker. The two teachers complement, paraphrase, and dialogue with one another.  By the end of first grade, pupils have mastered both the Arabic and Hebrew alphabets and are reading at a first grade level on a par with the Israeli national average. Ultimately, pupils become completely proficient at speaking, reading, and writing both languages.

Civics
While most Israeli school children study democracy as an academic subject, Hand in Hand's students learn democracy through experience. In daily interactions, students learn to live with difference, complexity and even contradiction.  They develop the ability to be flexible, solve problems, make themselves heard, and listen respectfully to others. Pluralism, equality and democratic process are more than subjects - they are a way of life. The microcosm of society at the classroom level is a constant reference point for theoretical studies in the foundations of civil society including democracy, pluralism and human rights. 

Diversity
Multi-cultural programming familiarizes students with the cultural treasures abundant in the traditions of Jews, Christians and Muslims, in a manner that arouses curiosity and encourages tolerance. This programming incorporates the diverse holidays, culture and historical perspectives represented in the student body and beyond. Hand in Hand schools also present a unique opportunity for learrning together the shared values and teachings of the Muslim, Jewish and Christian  traditions through ancient stories, sayings and teachings: responsibility for the needy, helping others, welcoming guests, abolishing oppression, caring for the earth, and much more.

Educate the Whole Community
The education at a Hand in Hand school extends well beyond the walls of the classroom - it is a family and community venture. School steering committees include representatives from local volunteer organizations and municipal governments, assuring a constant flow of ideas and activity from the school to the wider community, and vice versa. The schools host programs open to parents and the public-at-large that promote coexistence including lectures, film series, Arabic language classes, dialogue groups, seasonal and holiday events.