Frequently Asked Questions About JAIS
Is JAIS accredited?
JAIS is a branch of the WBAIS school, Even Yehuda. As such we are accredited by a Validation Team from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA), an American professional association that accredits colleges, universities, and schools in the United States and American Schools abroad as part of the accreditation process.
What are the class sizes?
Class sizes vary year to year. Most elementary classes range from 10-15 students. Our middle school classes range from 6-10 students.
Does JAIS accept children with special needs?
JAIS welcomes applications from students with learning differences and a variety of needs. Please contact admissions@jerusalemais.org to discuss if we are able to support your child within our existing programs, or with some adaptations. In order to support this process please send all the relevant paperwork.
What if my child does not know English?
Then you have come to the perfect place! We are a true international school and our staff have deep experience of the trials and tribulations of English Language acquisition. Your child will immediately be welcomed and put at ease, as we create the appropriate program for him/her to become actively proficient in the English language, whatever his/her starting point. All the learning, social activities and instruction will be scaffolded to enable your child to transition his/her language skills to be at a place where he/she can fully access and enjoy JAIS curriculum and life. It sounds unbelievable, but you can rest assured that this is what we do at JAIS, and this is our area of expertise.
What if my child has not studied in an American School Standards based Curriculum?
As experienced international educators all teachers at JAIS know the dynamics at play when moving between school systems, different curricula and the logistics of changing schools or hemispheres, mid-school year. We understand that all our new students at JAIS will have had different prior learning exposure and experiences, different skills and different needs and interests. But, this is what we do at JAIS! With small class sizes, we are well positioned to find out what our new students need and to adapt around their individual learning profiles to meet them at the appropriate point in their individual learning journeys. In addition to our American Standards based curriculum, we also follow the AERO curriculum which is adapted for the context of an American International school. This, and our investigative, skills-based, inquiry-approach to learning mean that students are able to access and enjoy the curriculum and be enriched beyond it , according to their own levels and paces.
What languages are offered at JAIS?
JAIS has a modern language department that offers French or Spanish for students. The aim of the program is an authentic and interactive exposure to an additional language and culture, alongside the more traditional approaches of emphasising core literacy skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking).
Where is the school located?
JAIS is located at the Goldstein Youth Village in the San Simon neighborhood of Jerusalem. The main entrance is located at 24 Sderot Shai Agnon Street, in the San Simon neighborhood. (Close to Katamon, Pat, Golomb, Malha, Beit Zafafa, German Colony and Talpiot.) Parking can be found on Shai Agnon or a side street near our other entrance on Chaim Yahil. We recommend that parents visiting the school come through our side gate entrance. Please call the school office if you need any assistance finding us. For information and a map to JAIS, click here.
Is there a school transportation Service?
The US Embassy has approved a van service provider, Amjad, who has been providing transportation for JAIS students over the last two decades. His van drivers are vetted by the U.S. Embassy security and have GPS tracking devices with several modes of communication. His van service has an excellent track record of safety and navigating the streets of Jerusalem. There are vans to and from school every day from locations all over the city.
To find out more about the service please contact: amjad.transportation@gmail.com
Where do I find the calendar for the year?
For a view of our year long academic calendar, click here.
What are the school’s hours?
The school doors open at 7:45 and students are registered in their homerooms during the window of 7.45 am – 8.00pm. School finishes at 3 pm Monday to Thursday. On Fridays we end at 12.00 pm.
Are there school uniform requirements?
Yes, students are required to wear the JAIS school uniform shirts. School uniforms can be purchased in the school office. The embroidered polo shirts cost 40 shekels. Sweatshirts cost 50 shekels. We also have lightly worn uniforms which you are welcome to take free of charge.
What’s the difference between the hot lunch program and the PTA Pizza Friday orders?
We have a lunch program for the students. The cost is about 25 NIS per lunch. The lunch program runs Monday through Thursday. As a fundraiser, the PTA sells pizza (on most Fridays.) The pizza is an additional cost, is sold by the slice, and costs roughly 12 NIS per slice. For information regarding our current lunch program please contact Miriam at pta@jerusalemais.org.
What after-school activities does JAIS offer?
JAIS offers an After School Activities (ASA) program that provides a safe environment for students to challenge themselves and learn new skills. We have an array of activities for the children after school. The activities run Monday through Thursday from 3pm-4pm, according to interest and demand. The after school program offers a combination of recreational and educational activities that rotate on a semester basis. Examples of our after school programs have included tennis, yoga, ceramic painting, chess, origami, soccer, mosaics, animation and game design, hip hop dance and baseball. Our ASA teachers focus on collaboration, teamwork, and self-confidence while facilitating a dynamic activity. For more information on our current JAIS ASA program visit our website or email our staff at asa@jerusalemais.org.
Does JAIS have a Parent Teacher Association (PTA)?
The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is a group of diverse, energetic parents looking to build the JAIS community and support activities inside and outside your child’s classroom. Every parent is a part of the PTA, so all are welcome to attend meetings and participate in events throughout the year! Coming to a meeting does not obligate commitment, but it is a great way to meet other parents and community members. Meetings are typically held the second Friday of every month. The PTA at JAIS is very strong and is another great way to become involved with the school. The PTA hosts many fun events throughout the year. One of our favorite events of the year is the PTA International Day event, which celebrates diversity in the JAIS community. Join our Facebook PTA page.
What are some ways I can volunteer to help at school?
At JAIS, we celebrate a diverse community of learners and welcome parent participation and involvement at our community gatherings and school-wide events. All parents are encouraged to participate and volunteer to support the activities and events of the PTA throughout the year. There are several officer positions in the PTA (co-chairs, secretary and treasurer) which offer great opportunities to support the school and volunteer. Each class has a PTA Class Liaison, which serves as a link between the classroom teacher and activities and the PTA. Most elementary classes have specific activities which request parent support at various levels (whether it is help during the library hour, games, science projects, special presentations, reading to students, or chaperoning a field study.) The amount of support needed varies throughout the year. Parents are often invited to be chaperones on school trips and be involved with our community service projects. We welcome opportunities to partner with parents so please inquire with the classroom teachers, the PTA or the office staff. If a parent has a special talent, area of expertise or service that would benefit the education of our students, we welcome opportunities to learn more and love to invite parents into the school. Typically, all of our JAIS parents participate in our community picnic and sports day at the beginning of the year and our international day at the end of the year.
Do you have swimming at JAIS?
We have both an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a shallow children’s pool on campus. The pool is covered most of the year, but the roof can open in the sunnier months. The pool area is heated and the temperature of the pool is around 82 degrees Fahrenheit. The children attend a swimming lesson once a week on Thursdays. The swimming program teaches water safety and basic swimming techniques. The lessons are divided into a time of instruction, lap swimming and practice, as well as free play with a variety of flotation devices.
What does my son or daughter need for swimming?
On Thursdays, we ask that students come with a swim bag containing a swimsuit (preferably one-piece for girls,) swim cap (for children with hair over one inch long), goggles, towel, flip-flops, warm clothing (or bathrobe) to wear over the swimsuit to and from the pool (especially in colder weather.) Children change in the main school building and walk to and from the pool, so it is important that they are properly clothed. For more information about our swimming program, click here.
Does my child need to bring any school supplies?
Elementary students should bring a backpack that is large enough to hold an A4 folder, a water bottle, lunch box and library books. We usually recommend having a separate bag for swim items so that school papers and books do not get wet. The school provides all other items such as pencils, paper, crayons and notebooks. Students in the middle school will use school-owned laptops and calculators.
Is there a school yearbook?
Yes! Yearbooks are given to our students (one book per child.) Additional copies can be purchased.
Will I receive a monthly/quarterly/yearly bill for tuition?
Tuition and fees are due in full on August 31st and may be paid in dollar or shekel by bank transfer, check, or credit card. Alternate tuition payments (installments) may be requested. Checks should be made out to “WBAIS.” When paying in dollars, inquire at the Cashier’s Office for applicable rates. Contact Dvora Cardozo at 09-890-1000, ext. 447 or dcardozo@wbais.net. You can also make payments by credit card through the JAIS office.