Newsletter

Sign up to our newsletter

The Russian Schools: Elementary and High Schools

Migdal Ohr Russian schools are designed to meet the intellectual capacity and needs of students from the former Soviet Union. Because all Russian high school students live in dormitories as theri full-time homes, we go the extra mile to help build pride and self esteem. Students enjoy social and cultural programs, field trips, seminars, and specialized courses, all of which help ground and anchor the students, prepare them to become leaders in their respective fields, engender a sense of Jewish identity, and instill the love of Israel.

The schools include:

Machshava School: Progressive School for Communication and Art

This elementary school, comprising grades 1-8, is for boys and girls from the former Soviet Union who are now living in the Galilee. The curriculum includes all mandated subjects as well as courses in Judaism, Torah, moral education, and Jewish traditions; enhancement programs include craftsmanship, film, and the art of communication. Staffed by specialists in the various fields, this school enjoys a particularly high academic standard. It is the only gender-mixed school in the Migdal Ohr system, operating as such by a special "permit" from Rabbi Y.D. Grossman, who perceived it as necessary to meet the needs of the children's families.

Click for top

Midreshet HaGalil: The Galilee Academy for Boys

Established in 1993, this school has the capacity to house and educate over 500 boys, grades 8 through 13. Most of the students are either orphaned, from broken homes, or from single-parent families originating in the former Soviet Union.

The school features three highly specialized faculties: science (including biology, physics, and chemistry); Technology (computer programming, electronics, and hardware); and Free Arts (geography, sports, and music.) Upon mastering a curriculum rigorous in both secular and Judaic studies, graduates receive a vocational degree in electronics, metal working, or computer graphics. The school's post-graduate academic program specializes in electronics and engineering.

The academic excellence of The Galilee Academy and the achievements of our matriculating students have resulted in increasing demand for admission. Accordingly, we have expanded the school, adding dorms, classrooms, laboratories, a kitchen and dining room, and a synagouge.

Click for top

Ulpanat HaGalil for Girls

Ulpanat HaGalil is a junior high and high school, serving grades 8-13. More than 400 exceptionally gifted girls-many from broken homes, one-parent families, and orphans from the former Soviet Union-attend annually, each with full dormitory privileges. These students have an intensive school day, with a curriculum that includes all the courses mandated by the Ministry of Education as well as technology, mathematics, science, and Judaic studies. The girls from this school matriculate with honor.

Click for top

Yad Chana

The Yad Chana YEshiva High School for Boys (grades 9-12) was established in 1994 to meet the needs of boys from the former Soviet Union who arrive in Israel without their families. Located in Afula, this school is open year round. On vacations and holidays it creates a home-like environment for the boys.

The cirriculum offers high level Jewish studies and prepares students for the mational matriculation exams mandated by the Ministry of Education. Each boy majors in one of five faculties: mathematics, English, physics, computers, history, or Talmud. Yad Chana student exam scores surpass the national average, making graduates excellent candidates to pursue higher learning and to combine Judaic studies with academic studies or military training.

Migdal Ohr further supports Yad Chana students by paying for a parents' visit durign the time the child is in residence. Many of the parents go on to make Aliya.

Click for top