When can my child start Religious School?

Temple Sinai Religious School begins with Kindergarten and continues through Confirmation class, 10th grade. Children are eligible for Kindergarten the same year they enter Kindergarten in secular school. (We do not have a pre-K program, although the Nursery School provides early childhood care.) We strongly encourage children to begin in either Kindergarten or first grade (space becomes limited in older grades).

We require that all children be enrolled by third grade since that is when we begin to teach Hebrew formally. We are unable to enroll students new to religious education after third grade, but can accept students transferring from other schools when space is available.

When does Religious School meet?

There are two sessions on Sundays: 8:30-10:45 AM and 11:15 AM-1:30 PM.  Families are given a choice of sessions, and most requests can be honored.  Kindergarten through third grade meet only on Sundays.  Beginning in fourth grade, students attend twice a week.  Students and families may choose which weekday option to enroll in for Hebrew studies during the week (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays).  Several time slots are available in order to allow more flexibility for families.  7^th graders attend on Sunday evenings 5:00-7:00 pm and 8-9^th graders have a choice of different tracks which meet on different days and times. 10^th graders (Confirmation) attend on Sunday mornings 11:15 am-1:30 pm. 

Does my family have to join the Temple in order to send my children to Religious School?

Temple Sinai members have priority for enrollment in Religious School. When space is available, a family may enroll a child in the school for one year as a non-member. After the first year we require membership for all Religious School families. We encourage your active participation in the congregation because we believe that children do best in school when their families are involved.

Does Temple membership ensure my child a place in the Religious School?

Please contact the Religious School directly to determine whether there is currently room available in the school before joining the Temple. Registration begins in April. In June, based on enrollment, we decide whether or not to add a class in the primary program, K-3. Once classes are filled, usually by July, new Temple Sinai members do have priority over non-members and can be put on a waiting list, but are not guaranteed a space in the school once classes are filled.

Will my children be in the same class as their friends?

We do the best that we can to place children with their friends. The registration packet has a place to note your child’s friends. Make sure that you contact your child’s friends and tell them to write your child’s name on their registration form.

Tuition: When is the registration fee due?

For the 2009-2010 school year, member tuitions vary according to class, ranging from $700 for Grades K-3 to $1450 for Confirmation. Non-member tuition is $1700. Tuition covers all books, art, and classroom supplies. Temple Sinai will bill you for your Religious School dues. To complete your registration, 60% of the tuition must be paid by August 1. The remainder is due by December 31. In addition, Religious School tuition balances (from previous years) must be paid in full at the time of registration for the next academic year.