The Israeli education system offers a very high standard of education, and is strongly underpinned by the goals of imparting civic values, knowledge of Jewish heritage, technological and analytical skills, and a broad general knowledge base to students.

Every school is different, but generally, schools are much more informal in comparison to American or British schools. The socio-economic status of a neighbourhood greatly affects the atmosphere in its schools. Teachers and principals are addressed by their first names. The curriculum tends to be broader than that found in North American schools, and puts an emphasis on math, science, and foreign languages. Kindergarten and elementary schools attempt to follow a progressive model, valuing experience and social exchange, as well as creativity, play and emotional development.

Hebrew is the main language spoken in institutions of higher education.  Arabic is the language of instruction at three teacher-training colleges. Some programmes and courses are taught in English.

The academic calendar year follows the Jewish calendar.

There are four types of schools:

• Public schools - religious (Jewish) and secular schools
• Schools of the Orthodox (Agudat Israel) - operates outside the public school system, but is assisted by government funds
• Public schools for Arabs
• Private and international schools - The American School; Catholic and Protestant organisations

The Israeli public school system includes the following levels:

Elementary and Middle Schools
 - Grades 1-6

Israel provides free and compulsory elementary education for all children aged between five and 15 years old. Tuition is free; however, textbooks and school supplies usually need to be purchased. Other fees are required for extra-curricular activities, such as school trips, English lessons, parties, etc.

Secondary/High School
- Grades 7-9

There is also an established national system of public secondary schools (high schools). Most high schools have an independent and recognized legal status, run by public bodies and local committees. Funding is received from the Ministry of Education.

Higher Education
- Grades 10-12

In order to gain admission to an institution of higher education, students need a full matriculation certificate ('bagrut') from the national Ministry of Education. This is acquired by achieving passing grades in a required minimum set of examinations, in both compulsory subjects and electives. Receipt of a bagrut, and high test scores, greatly influences one's acceptance into elite military units, academic studies, and employment.

The other requirement for admission is the national academic admissions psychometric examination. Equivalent to SAT examinations in America, the psychometric examination consists of three components: verbal aptitude (administered in Hebrew or Arabic); quantitative aptitude; and English ability. The institutions of higher education in Israel merge the candidates' bagrut grades and their psychometric scores into a single composite score, which is then used to determine whether they will be accepted or rejected.