A Year of Excellence Begins Across WIZO’s Schools and Youth Villages

As 6,000 WIZO students begin the new school year, there is already reason for pride.

Two WIZO schools, WIZO Nir HaEmek and WIZO Rehovot, were recognized by Israel’s Ministry of Education as part of the national differential excellence program for upper-secondary schools. The recognition is awarded to schools that made significant progress in educational, social, and academic achievement during the 2025–2026 school year.

The Ministry of Education’s differential award is not based only on grades. It reflects a broad understanding of excellence: academic achievement, prevention of dropout, integration of students with special needs, eligibility for matriculation certificates, quality matriculation, social involvement, and rates of enlistment to the IDF or National/Civil Service.

In other words, it recognizes schools that do more than teach. It recognizes schools that help students grow, belong, contribute, and move forward.

For WIZO Nir HaEmek, the award continues an impressive record of achievement and reflects the school’s ability to maintain educational excellence over time. Year after year, the youth village continues to strengthen students academically, socially, and personally, while preserving a clear commitment to values, service, responsibility, and opportunity.

For WIZO Rehovot, the recognition is especially meaningful. The school has been undergoing a true educational transformation, proving what can happen when students are given belief, structure, and a second chance. Many students arrive at WIZO Rehovot after facing challenges in other educational settings. The school’s success reflects the dedication of a team that refuses to give up on any student and works every day to help them build confidence, complete their studies, and imagine a different future.

These achievements join another important source of pride: WIZO Nahalal’s boarding school was recognized for outstanding excellence, highlighting the strength of the educational and residential framework that supports students not only in the classroom, but throughout every part of daily life.

Together, these recognitions reflect the heart of WIZO education.

“Opening a new school year is always a moment of hope, responsibility, and renewed commitment,” says Gadi Yakuv, Director of WIZO’s Education Division. “To our students, I wish a year of curiosity, growth, friendship, and achievement. To our educators, counselors, principals, and professional teams, I want to express deep appreciation for the heart, professionalism, and belief you bring every day. These recognitions are a source of pride, but the true achievement is the daily work of seeing every student, strengthening their abilities, and helping them become confident, values-driven graduates who are ready for life.”

Across WIZO’s schools and youth villages, excellence is not measured only by test results. It is measured by the student who stays in school instead of dropping out. The young person who discovers their abilities. The graduate who chooses meaningful service. The teenager who learns to take responsibility, volunteer, lead, and believe in themselves.

It is measured in the patient work of teachers, counselors, principals, and educational teams who see the whole child and understand that every achievement begins with a relationship.

As the new school year opens, WIZO sends warm wishes to all 6,000 students beginning another year of learning, growth, friendship, and discovery.

May this be a year of safety, curiosity, resilience, and achievement.
A year in which every student feels seen.
A year in which every young person is given the tools to grow.
And a year in which WIZO’s schools and youth villages continue to shape graduates who are ready not only for exams, but for life.