Shalom School provides a top-quality general studies education. Terra Nova academic tests are administered in the spring. Shalom School students continue to outscore all public schools, higher achieving suburban public schools and even independent private schools that require a strict level of academic testing for admittance. Shalom School test scores are in the 95-98 percentile nationally.

Upon graduating from Shalom School will my child be prepared to attend a public school?

Absolutely. The general studies education they receive from Shalom School generally puts them above the equivalent grade in other schools; therefore, they transition with ease. In fact, Shalom School graduates who move on to public schools are consistently rated as the top students there. Also, history has shown that Shalom School students, who have requested admissions to special programs such as Rapid Learner, I.B., or Magnet Schools, have been eagerly accepted and rank at the top of their classes.

Will going to a Jewish Day School segregate my child from the "real" community of many religions, backgrounds and ethnicities?

No. Shalom School celebrates the many differences in our culture. Part of the school's educational program includes an intense study of cultures around the world. Multi-cultural Day is one of the biggest events at the school. The children also learn about world leaders, such as Martin Luther King, Jr. Our students and their parents come from a wide variety of backgrounds and locations. Our staff includes speakers of more than a half dozen languages.

Do Shalom School students do the same extracurricular activities as students in other schools?

Yes, and more. Shalom students learn a second language, study art, take regular field trips, work in computer labs, plant gardens, put on plays, hold science fairs, participate in the school band and student government, to name just a few of the extracurricular activities provided.

Do Shalom School teachers recognize learning differences and keep pace with them?

Yes. Because Shalom School classes are smaller than those in other schools, our teachers can give small group and individualized instruction. There are also professionals to provide assistance for the highest performer and for those that need additional review.

In the Infant/Toddler and Preschool classes, what is your staff to child ratio?

The State of California requires staff to student ratios of 1:4 for infants, 1:6 for Toddlers, and 1:12 for Preschoolers. Our ratios meet or exceed those requirements.

Do you have to be Jewish to attend Shalom School?

No. Shalom School accepts all children without regard to religion, ethnic background or beliefs. In fact, Shalom School has a number of non-Jewish children in our program and many multicultural and interfaith families.

Are all classes taught in Hebrew?

No. English is the primary language spoken on campus. We encourage our teachers to speak in Hebrew during Hebrew language classes. We find that the children learn the language much easier this way. We also believe that studying a second language at an early age helps students learn other languages later in life.

Is Shalom School Reform? Orthodox? Conservative?

We seek Jewish identity and observance in every form. We teach the children respect for each other's practices and beliefs. We are sensitive to all levels of Jewish observance. Shalom School has a "dairy" or "pareve" only policy for snacks and lunch. Students take part in traditional prayers and celebrations. We observe the Jewish holidays, and do not observe holidays rooted in other religions, such as Halloween.

Is Shalom School affiliated with any Sacramento area synagogues?

No. Shalom School has its own independent Board of Trustees. Shalom School is affiliated with the National Jewish Community Day School Network, the Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education, and RAVSAK.

Common Questions about Shalom School

Transportation: Students from a wide area attend Shalom School, including Laguna, Roseville, Carmichael, Gold River, Folsom and Rancho Murieta. Many families carpool with others. Day care (including an afternoon homework room option) is available before and after school to accommodate parents’ work schedules.

Daily Schedule: Shalom School has two class periods daily for Hebrew and Judaic Studies. When you consider that twice-weekly after-school Hebrew School and Sunday Religious School are not required, it is actually a less demanding schedule.

School-sponsored Sports: All Shalom School students take P.E. four days a week with a wide variety of fitness and coordination-development activities.

Jewish Education: Shalom School is a community school in which all children and families of the community are welcome. Our student body consists of students from Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox movements, as well as non-Jewish families. The program is geared to create and sustain a sense of community among the students, staff, and parents. It is a place where a child can receive a high quality Jewish education in a warm, supportive, and nurturing environment.

Hebrew: Hebrew instruction is available at all levels of proficiency. New students are not required to have previous Hebrew language education, but may be required to receive tutoring.

Kashrut: Moderately priced kosher school lunches are available. Children may bring their own dairy lunches and snacks from home. Special treats for the class in honor of birthdays, etc. must be kosher. Guidelines are contained in the Parent Handbook.

Scholarships: Shalom School awards scholarships equaling approximately 10% of Shalom School’s annual budget. About 21% of our students receive scholarship assistance. In an effort to ensure that financial obstacles are overcome, we look forward to increasing the number of students taking advantage of our scholarship program. It is our goal that every child accepted is able to attend, regardless of financial status. Scholarships are available for students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Flexible payment plans may also be available.

Class size: Teacher/student ratios at Shalom School are very favorable, by any standard. Class size and the number of teachers per class is determined each year according to the needs of the students.
Additional Learning Resources: Resource specialists are available for those students requiring academic assistance. Peer assistance is encouraged. Teachers are always willing to help every student succeed at Shalom School.

Social Life: Opportunities for making friends abound. Shalom School has a variety of after-school clubs: Art, Computer, Drama, Mathletes, Rhythm, and Keyboard. Grades 4 through 6 enjoy class trips which combine education with fun.

Educational Enrichment: Preschool through 6th graders enjoy class field trips which combine education with fun. In addition, students in grades 4 through 6 have the opportunity to participate in a class overnight trip. Special assemblies are planned once a month and every Friday students from all K-6th grades participate in a variety of special "Chugim" (elective) activities. Library, art. music, and student leadership opportunities are provided throughout the week for all students in our Kindergarten - 6th grade program.