Frequently Asked Questions

In light of the many security threats around the world, what Security Systems has BYDS put in place?
The calamities of September 11, 2001 prompted the Beth Yeshurun School and Synagogue communities to pool personnel, volunteers and financial resources to activate what is considered by many to be the tightest security system protecting any of our city’s religious institutions.  Security at BYDS includes, but is not limited to, a perimeter fence, a bomb resistant wall surrounding the playground, security card only accessed gates, locked doors with buzzers for entry, on-duty security guards before, during and after school hours, several daily perimeter sweeps by security guards, parent and personnel security ID tags, and tightly organized systems for emergency lock down.

With a curriculum that includes 1 hour of Hebrew Language and 1 hour of Judaic Studies per day, what will my child be missing here that he/she would be getting somewhere else?
The question is not, “What will they be missing?” but rather, “What will they be gaining?” The Judaic Studies curriculum at BYDS requires that the children learn to read, write and begin to converse in the Hebrew Language.  Students become proficient in a language that demands a different alphabet, reads in an opposite direction and requires different verb conjugations for male and female.  Studies prove that studying any foreign language at an early age will increase proficiency in the future learning of new languages.

In Judaic Studies classes BYDS students benefit from lessons that explore philosophy, ethics, history, world events and scripture interpretations.  These classes provide countless opportunities for critical thinking and creativity, give the students a basis for a strong moral foundation, and help them to strengthen their own Jewish identities.

How do BYDS Secular Academics compare to those of other area independent schools?
Perhaps the best gauge in comparing BYDS (accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest; ISAS) to other independent schools is that a city-wide Independent School Principal meetings, middle school principals from St. John’s, Kinkaid, The Emery/Weiner School and Trafton consistently greet our principal with comments verifying that the Beth Yeshurun Day School students are always amongst the most well prepared of their most recently enrolled classes.

BYDS offers an intense, dual language curriculum that promotes academic excellence and the development of interpersonal, presentation, communication and organizational skills.  The core curriculum offers language arts, math, science, social studies and physical education.  Enrichment exploration classes include art, hands-on science, social studies and physical education.  A variety of additional enrichment activities are planned throughout the year in order to further enhance the core studies.  Furthermore, a recent study confirms that students who attend ISAS schools score significantly higher on the SAT compared with those who attend other public and non-public schools.

Why should I pay tuition for my child’s education when my neighborhood’s public school enjoys a good reputation?
Consider the tuition an investment in your child’s future.  While you neighborhood school may enjoy a reputable status, BYDS, as an independent Jewish Day School, offers what public schools cannot provide.  Among other things, examples are individualized attention due to small classes and low student-teacher ratios, the ability to modify a daily schedule so as to progress in a particular topic, the consistent encouragement of expressive thought and freedom of inquiry, the opportunity to offer innovative, hands-on and exploratory lesson plans to meet the demands of a particular group of students, and the commitment by the entire faculty to strive to instill a lifetime love of learning in each and every student.

Are there options for financial assistance?
Yes.  Both partial and full scholarships are available and are based on need.  Jewish agencies, religious institutions and community leaders encourage families to enroll their children in Jewish Day School, but also recognize the financial commitment involved.  The Jewish Federation of Greater Houston provides BYDS with scholarships funds on an annual basis. Additionally, our school Ma’ayan Annual Giving Campaign helps to keep tuition at a minimum.

If you are wavering in your decision because of financial constraints, we encourage you to apply for financial assistance.  All information remains entirely confidential, and our Scholarship Committee is committed to providing funds to those with need.

Exposure to a diverse population is a priority for us.  How does BYDS offer diversity?
The BYDS Elementary School student body has one major commonality- religious affiliation.  Otherwise, our student body is composed of highly individual students with diverse backgrounds, interests and abilities.  Many BYDS students born in other countries enter our school unable to utter a word of English.  In time, and with faculty and student assistance, these students are able to mater our language and obtain a good sense of our culture.  Both cultural diversity and tolerance are taught in every grade level at BYDS.

Furthermore, BYDS should be thought of as home away from home for your children.  We consider ourselves a community and strive to welcome newcomers, become familiar with each other’s families, encourage our children to establish lifelong friendships, and help those in need.  Because BYDS students are not required to attend Religious School after school, they are afforded more time to participate in neighborhood sporting leagues or fine arts programs where they will likely be exposed to socio-economic, cultural and religious diversity.

Where do the majority of BYDS students matriculate for Middle School?
In the past 4 years, an approximate average of 90% of our students enrolled in The Emery/Weiner School.  There are students from every graduating class who attend St. John’s School, Kinkaid, Trafton, Beren Academy, and HISD Vanguard, Gifted and Talented or Magnet Programs.  Most importantly, BYDS students are well prepared for the next step and have acquired ever important study skills and an innate love for learning.