FAQs

List of 11 frequently asked questions.

• Q: What is the Valley Beth Shalom Harold M. Schulweis Day School philosophy, and how will it benefit my child?

  At Valley Beth Shalom Harold M. Schulweis Day School, we believe that we are all on a lifelong journey of discovery shaped by academic achievement, spirituality, community, and personal growth. Therefore, our objective as educators is to create a superior elementary school-level foundation for this journey. In both philosophy and practice, we lay the groundwork upon two converging paths: a highly academic curriculum that emphasizes achievement through individual learning approaches; and an impressive Judaic program that embraces the knowledge, language, heritage, rituals and values central to Jewish identity.

• Q: How do students develop the necessary General Studies skills when engaged in a dual curriculum?

  Students spend two-thirds of the day in General Studies. During this time, the curriculum is focused and enriched to assure that students meet California State Curriculum guidelines and beyond. The Modern Hebrew and Judaic Studies Programs complement the development of strong skills through reading, writing, analyzing and oral presentations. Students are benefiting from learning a second language at an early age.

• Q: How does the school address individual learning styles?

  Valley Beth Shalom Harold M. Schulweis Day School addresses a spectrum of learning styles by utilizing a variety of teaching methodologies. Small class size and teaching assistants make it possible for more individualized and small group work. In addition, learning resource specialists and accelerated learning teachers help to support students to expand, enhance and reach their learning potential.

• Q: What is the ratio of students to teachers?

  Our classes range between 15 and 22 students. Classes are led by credentialed teachers and teaching assistants. In addition, the students interact throughout the day with a staff of specialists.

• Q: What is the tuition?

  Tuition for the 2018-19 school year is $26,450 per child, with an additional $1,250 new student fee, a $125 VBS Day School Parent Organization annual membership fee (per family), and a $125 supplemental fee per student to provide each child with a yearbook, a school shirt, a DVD for the Generations' Day presentation, and to cover fees for the Emergency Preparedness Plan. Tuition and fees are subject to change for the 2019-2020 school year.

• Q: Is tuition assistance available?

  Tuition assistance is available to families who demonstrate financial need. FACTS for tuition assistance is used to determine a family's level of need. Visit www.vbsds.org/tuitionassistance for information.

• Q: How much homework should we expect at the end of the day?

  Homework provides the opportunity to practice newly-acquired skills and develop independence and learning over time. Our teaching teams work closely together to coordinate homework assignments to stay within appropriate grade-level guidelines. Each grade has a set amount of time dedicated to homework during the week. Minimal homework is given in Kindergarten as teachers feel it is appropriate to develop the habit of home study. Homework ranges in grades one to four from 20-45 minutes per night, and grades five and six from 45-60 minutes per night.

• Q: How is technology integrated into the curriculum?

  The Day School has a cutting edge program that integrates technology throughout the curriculum including: SmartBoards in every classroom, a one-to-one Chromebook laptop program in 6th grade, one-to-one iPads in grades 2-5 and iPad carts in grades K and 1, a new Boudai Family Innovation Lab space, an award-winning robotics program, and cross-curricular multi-media projects. Students are at the forefront of meeting the challenges of our rapidly changing technological world.

• Q: Does the school serve meals? Is there a kashrut policy?

  A kosher hot lunch program is available to all students throughout the school year. Organized and served by the Parent Organization, hot lunches are both tasty and nutritious. Students bringing sack lunches and snacks from home are required to bring dairy or vegetarian foods.

• Q: Are there after school programs?

  Students can choose to participate in a variety of after-school clubs including drama, chess, science, dance and more. The Day School athletic program for 4th-6th graders provides the opportunity for students to participate on teams and play sports in the private school league. Kids Place, a supervised after-school childcare program, is offered until 6 PM Monday through Thursday and 4:45 PM on Friday.

• Q: Where do students enroll after graduation?

  Valley Beth Shalom Day School's strong academic foundation prepares students to continue their secondary education at the areas' most competitive college preparatory schools. Approximately 98% of our students continue on to private schools or to a public school magnet program.
  
  Our recent graduating classes have been accepted to:
  

  • Brentwood School 
  • Campbell Hall
  • Harvard-Westlake
  • Heschel Day School
  • Milken Community High School 
  • Oakwood School 
  • Sierra Canyon
  • Viewpoint School
  • Public and Charter Middle Schools