Nine educational institutions from Beit Shemesh have been included in the Ministry of Education’s list of schools receiving the differential incentive for the 2025-2026 school year.

The achievement places Beit Shemesh sixth in Israel in the number of winning institutions, out of 436 schools selected nationwide.

Beit Shemesh is among the leading municipalities in Israel alongside some of the country’s largest cities. When taking population size into account, the achievement is even more significant. With nine winning institutions, Beit Shemesh ranks ahead of cities including Rehovot, Netanya, Petah Tikva, Bat Yam, Ashkelon and Acre.

The Nine Winning Institutions

The Beit Shemesh winners include institutions from both the State Religious and Charedi education systems. Two schools in the city reached the highest award tier.

Highest Award Tier -  9,934.79 NIS for teaching staff:

• Nitzanei Oz
• ORT Mesivta Beit Shemesh

Second Award Tier - 7,451.10 NIS for teaching staff:

• Ulpana Sha’alei Torah
• Peninei Chen

Third Award Tier - 4,967.40 NIS for teaching staff:

• Atid Shachar Beit Shemesh
• Yeshivat Sha’alei Torah
• Moreshet Dalia Chai Sarah
• Yeshivat Mishkenotecha Yisrael

Fourth Award Tier - 3,725.54 NIS for teaching staff:

• Ulpana Ahavat Yisrael

How Are Schools Selected?

The Ministry of Education determines the recipients based on a range of academic, educational and social indicators, as well as the improvement demonstrated by each institution.

The criteria include:

• Preventing student dropout
• Integrating students in special education
• High school graduation eligibility rates
• Excellence in matriculation examinations
• Eligibility for a high-quality matriculation certificate
• Social involvement

Mayor: "A Significant Achievement"

Beit Shemesh Mayor Shmuel Greenberg: "Having nine institutions from Beit Shemesh among the country’s leading schools is an impressive achievement that reflects the quality of educational work taking place in the city. The fact that Beit Shemesh is ahead of large and leading cities in Israel is a source of pride, and above all, a testament to the professional work of school principals, teachers and educational teams. We will continue investing in education and providing the system with the tools it needs to keep progressing and excelling."

Deputy Mayor and Education Commissioner Itzik Elmaliach said: "This figure demonstrates the strength and diversity of the education system in Beit Shemesh. Institutions from different sectors across the city are included among Israel’s outstanding schools, and this is a significant achievement for the educational teams and the consistent work carried out throughout the year. Congratulations to the principals and teaching staff on this well-deserved recognition."

Head of the Education Administration Yossi Goldring added: "The recognition of nine educational institutions is the result of professional work that brings together academic achievement, values, reducing dropout rates and advancing every student. We are working to further strengthen a culture of excellence and innovation throughout the city’s education system, and this achievement gives us additional momentum to continue on this path."

Beit Shemesh Municipality Spokesperson’s Office