Ashkelon Schools Post 94.7% Bagrut Rate and Broad Innovation Drive
Ashkelon's educational system achieved a 94.7% matriculation eligibility rate and a 0.5% dropout rate for 2025, significantly outperforming national averages through integrated academic excellence and emotional support.
Ashdod's neighbor to the south, Ashkelon, continues to demonstrate remarkable educational achievements, posting a 94.7% matriculation (bagrut) eligibility rate and a dropout rate of just 0.5% for the 2025 school year. According to the Ministry of Education's latest data, these figures significantly surpass the national averages, reflecting a comprehensive municipal strategy that blends academic excellence with robust emotional and social support from kindergarten through high school.
The city's educational network currently serves 39,095 students across 312 kindergartens, 30 elementary schools, and 15 middle and high schools. Municipal data highlights a steady upward trajectory: bagrut eligibility rose from 92.8% in the previous year to 94.7%, comfortably eclipsing the national average of 77.9%. Furthermore, the proportion of students earning honors bagrut certificates nearly tripled over six years, climbing from 6.3% in 2019 to 18% in 2025, well above the 14.4% national benchmark.
Technological Excellence and Innovation
Ashkelon's curriculum places strong emphasis on STEM and technological literacy. Participation in advanced "Tech Bagrut" tracks—comprising 5 units of mathematics, 5 units of physics or computer science, and 5 units of English—reached 13.9% in 2025, outperforming the 11.6% national average. Additionally, 86.8% of students earned technological certification, 57.1% qualified in 5-unit English, and 41% pursued advanced 4-to-5-unit mathematics tracks.
To foster early digital literacy, elementary schools have integrated artificial intelligence and programming into daily learning. Programs such as "A Password for Every Pupil" in fourth grade, "Unicorn" in fifth grade, and "Exilium" in sixth grade introduce students to robotics, virtual reality, and project-based problem solving. In middle schools, the IDF's Unit 8200 collaborates on the "Bridges" initiative to teach foundational tech skills.
Comprehensive Emotional Support and Inclusion
Recognizing that emotional well-being is vital for academic success, Ashkelon has expanded its psychological and social safety nets. Approximately 80 kindergartens feature neuro-motor therapeutic sport programs, mindfulness, and animal-assisted therapy. In elementary schools, specialized intervention programs help students process wartime trauma, while quiet rooms and calming spaces provide sanctuary during stressful school days.
Combating bullying and social exclusion remains a top priority. Programs like "Safe School" and "Hero Kids" empower students to foster positive social climates and inclusion during recesses. Meanwhile, municipal initiatives such as the "Rakia" leadership program train local educators and vice-principals to step into administrative roles, ensuring high-quality leadership continuity from within the city's own ranks.
