Parents of Schoolchildren Will Have to Dig Deep - Amounts Named

The Knesset approved the scale of parental payments in schools for the 2026/27 school year, keeping amounts at last year's level. Only the accident insurance payment is mandatory—69 shekels. Maximum fees range from 253 shekels in kindergartens to 1,372 shekels in 12th grade. Refusing voluntary payments may deprive a student of excursions and events, but needy families can receive a discount.

The Knesset approved the scale of parental payments in schools for the 2026/27 school year. The Education, Culture, and Sports Committee approved the amounts proposed by the Ministry of Education, keeping them at last year's level. Only the payment for student accident insurance remains mandatory—69 shekels per child. Other payments are formally voluntary, but refusal may deprive a student of participation in excursions and collective events. Families with financial difficulties can apply for a discount. Maximum amounts depend on age: for kindergartens—253 shekels, for grades 1–2—540, for grades 3–4—565, for 5th grade—691, for 6th grade—901, for grades 7–8—1,026, for 9th grade—1,167, for grades 10–11—1,219, and for 12th grade—1,372 shekels. The amount includes excursions, a 'cultural basket', the 'Shelah' program, contributions to parent committees, and graduation events. The base amount does not include extended day, boarding schools, and additional programs. Earlier, 'Kursor' wrote about a new circular regulating communication between parents and teachers.