Ultra-orthodox High Schools (Yeshivas)

The participation of ultra-Orthodox men in employment and higher education in Israel has been growing continuously for over a decade. These significant processes in ultra-Orthodox society point to a growing potential of ultra-Orthodox parents wanting to send their children to institutions that offer the entire curriculum of core studies, including matriculation.

On this background, the development of ultra-Orthodox high schools as a normative track for high school education in the ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) society is crucial for expanding the accessibility of ultra-Orthodox youths to higher education and employment possibilities. This, alongside the continued, parallel existence of the “small yeshivot” track (the prevailing framework for youths aged 14–17, which is not supervised by the Ministry of Education and in which only holy studies are permitted). The research on ultra-Orthodox high schools examines the phenomenon of establishing new ultra-Orthodox high schools, their characteristics, target audience, and their acceptance by the public. At the same time, the research analyzes the demand for ultra-Orthodox high schools in the upcoming years. It presents several possibilities for expanding and making accessible a quality track of yeshivot aimed at the mainstream while also formulating operational recommendations.