Elite Academy Program (Na’ale): Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elite Academy a school or a program?
The Elite Academy is a program co-funded by the State of Israel and the Jewish Agency for Israel with a network of over 50 affiliated high schools throughout Israel. A handful of these affiliated high schools are chosen as the educational options for North American students. The additional high schools serve as the educational options for European, South American, and South African students.
Does the Elite Academy have affiliation with both religious and secular high schools?
Yes. The Elite Academy hasaffiliations with both religious and secular high schools. Separate boy’s and girl’s high schools are available for religious students.
Who may apply to the Elite Academy Program?
Motivated and mature young men and women between the ages of 14 years and 9 months and 16 years and 6 months, who are entering the 10th grade and have the full support of their parents.
Can the children of Israeli citizens or children originally born in Israel apply?
Yes. Children of Israeli citizens may apply as long as they are open to the possibility of being drafted to the army upon graduation or leave the program after the 11th grade; children originally born in Israel may apply provided that they left Israel before the age of 14.
Can a student entering the 9th grade apply to the program?
No. We believe that students entering the 9th grade are not yet emotionally prepared for a prolonged stay away from home.
Can a student entering the 11th grade apply to the program?
Yes, as long as they are within the appropriate age range and are willing to repeat the 10th grade. This is actually quite common and those students who make the choice to repeat the 10th grade would be in good company.
Do applicants have to make Aliyah?
No. All students are admitted to the country on an extended tourist’s visa and need not make an Aliyah commitment of any kind. Students can, however, choose to make Aliyah when they reach the appropriate age.
How long is the program?
The three-year program spans the 10th, 11th and 12th grades. As explained above, there is no 9th grade program. (Please note: the Chabad girls program is the exception to this rule. Please ask for more information if applicable.)
Are the classes taught in Hebrew or English?
While students are initially taught in English, Hebrew is gradually integrated into the classroom give-and-take. By the time the students reach the 11th grade they are being taught, tested, asked to write reports and converse in Hebrew exclusively. (Please note: While most of our affiliate schools believe in gradual integration, some believe in partial immediate integration. Using this method, students are integrated into both classes taught in Hebrew and those taught in English [with a planned gradual progression into Hebrew] immediately upon their arrival. Seeing as this method tends to be more rigorous, additional assistance in provided.)
How much does the program cost?
Absolutely nothing. The program, which includes full airfare for the flight to school at the beginning of the 10th grade year, room and board, off-campus travel expenses, tiyulim (special trips), a budget for maintaining telephone contact with family, spending money, and laundry service, is subsidized by the Israeli government and the Jewish Agency for Israel.
Must the students live in the dormitory?
Yes. The students must live in the dormitory during the school week, but may choose to visit family and friends on the weekends. Still, students must adhere to the “In/Out” weekend schedule that requires their presence on campus during selected weekends.
Are there arrangements made for those students who do not have family with whom to spend Shabbat and holidays?
Yes. A bilingual host family from the surrounding communities is assigned to every Elite Academy student to provide them with moral support and home-away-from-home hospitality.
Is there supervision in the dormitory?
Yes. There are counselors living in the dormitory who direct activities, check to make sure that all students are following the rules of the dormitory, and are available in case of an emergency.
Do the Israeli students stay in the dormitory as well?
Yes. Due to the exceptional reputations of the high schools with which the Elite Academy is affiliated, Israeli students from all over the country choose to stay in the dormitory in order to attend them. Others, who live nearby, may also choose to stay in the dormitory during the week so as to avoid the hassle of traveling every day.
If a student’s parent(s) make Aliyah during the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade years, can the student remain in the program?
Yes. The student can remain in the program as long as there is a period of at least three (3) months between his/her arrival at school and his/her parents’ Aliyah, and he/she agrees to continue living in the dormitory during the week. Needless to say, the student can visit his/her parents on the weekends.
Can students leave the high school campus during the week?
Each affiliate school has their own unique policy. While some allow the students to leave the campus during the week in groups, others require the students to be accompanied by an administrator. In any case, students may only leave the campus at the appropriate times and may be subject to “parental questioning” (“Did you finish your homework? Where are you going?”) in order to obtain “clearance”. For further details, please contact your school of choice directly.
Do Elite Academy students receive a diploma?
Yes. Elite Academy students receive a diploma upon their successful completion of the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades with satisfactory Bagrut testing scores. The diploma is recognized worldwide.
Do students take the Bagrut tests in addition to or instead of the SATs?
It depends. Most colleges will rely on the Bagrut scores alone. There are, however, many (not all) colleges in the United States that will require SAT scores as well. In such cases, Elite Academy students should arrange for SAT preparation course and testing during the summer months. (Please note: In their 10th grade year, Elite Academy students are given a special, English Bagrut.)
Do Elite Academy schools have sports facilities?
Yes. All Elite Academy schools are equipped with sports facilities. Additionally, swimming pools are on or within walking distance of every high school campus. For further details, please contact your school of choice directly.
Will students with Israeli citizenship be drafted into the army upon graduation?
Yes. Students with Israeli citizenship will very likely be drafted into the army upon graduation (when they reach 18 years of age), but may opt instead to attend the program for only the 10th and 11th grades.
In general, can students attend the program for only a year or two?
It should be understood that the Elite Academy Program is voluntary. Although students are expected to remain in the program for the full three (3) years, we cannot stand in the way of a student who decides to return home after a year or two. We would, however, advise all students and their parents to give their transition to a new school and country some time. It may be different that what he/she is accustomed to, but in the end it will prove to be a very rewarding experience.
Do the North American Elite Academy (Na’ale) students ever meet their counterparts from other countries?
Yes. There are joint seminars for all Elite Academy (Na’ale) students on Pesach, Sukkot, and Chanukah, as well as a day of activities, dubbed “Yom Na’ale,” every year on April 19.
Would a parent report a problem or concern to the Elite Academy staff or the school administration?
In most cases, we ask that parents approach the Elite Academy staff first with any problems andconcerns. We will then direct you to the appropriate member of the school’s administration. Confidential issues, however, are between the student, his/her parents, and the school’s administration.
What would serve as grounds for dismissal from the program?
Drinking, smoking, reckless and dangerous behavior, making others feel uncomfortable, leaving school without permission or returning to school later than agreed upon, skipping class, or neglecting one’s studies would all serve as grounds for dismissal from the program.
I would be more than happy to address any additional questions or concerns.
Please feel free to contact us.
We once again applaud your commitment to your child’s Jewish education and
hope that this information has provided you with the tools necessary to make a
more informed decision.
