FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

QDo I have to be a member of Congregation Emanu-El in order to enroll my child?
AYes. All families must become members of the congregation prior to enrolling in Youth and Family Education.

QHow old does my child have to be to enroll?
AStudents 3 years old and above may enroll. Our programs span 3 years old through high school.

QIs there a parent participation component to the program?
AFamily Education is at the heart of everything we do. Parents participate in grade level Family Education programs throughout the year as well as a variety of other family learning opportunities.

QWhen are classes held?
AYouth and Family Education programs for preschool through 6th grade meet on Wednesday afternoon or Sunday morning.

Weekday Torah classes for 4th through 7th grade meet on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday afternoon.

QHow many days a week does my child attend?
AStudents in preschool through 3rd grade attend sessions once a week. Students in 4th grade through 7th grade attend two sessions per week. A variety of educational opportunities are available for students in 8th through 12th grade. Contact the education office.

QHow many students are in each grade and what is the student-teacher ratio?
AEach grade/havurah may have as many as 70 students registered. Students meet in small kitot and hevrutot of 8-10 students with one teacher.

QIs it possible to come to observe classes?
AIf you are interested in observing classes, please contact the Youth and Family Education office to arrange this.

QI have a child in an upper elementary grade (4th, 5th, 6th) who has never studied Hebrew. Will that be a problem?
AStudents who have not studied Hebrew are provided with additional support during class. We also help to find a private tutor and work closely with the tutor to ensure that students feel comfortable and gain the skills necessary to keep up with the class.

QI am Jewish, but my spouse is not. We want to provide our child with a Jewish education. Can we enroll?
AOur congregation and student body reflect the diverse religious, cultural, ethnic and socioeconomic background of the San Francisco metropolitan area.

QHow do I enroll?
AAfter becoming members of the congregation, contact the Youth and Family Education office for a registration packet.

QWhere are the chairs?
AWe have implanted informal education inside of a formal structure. Our school should feel like camp.