Learning a new language changes the way a child sees the world. At Kavod Charter School, that journey begins in TK. We are a tuition-free, non-religious San Diego public school where TK-8 explorers learn modern Hebrew every day, with Spanish added in middle school.
As a Hebrew charter school in San Diego, we hear a lot of great questions from families. Why Hebrew? Who attends Kavod? Do I need to speak the language? Check out all of these great questions and more below as we answer the questions we hear most, so you can see how our language program helps every explorer grow.
Why Does Kavod Teach Modern Hebrew?
At Kavod, Hebrew is a world language and an academic subject, just like Spanish, French, or Mandarin at other schools. Here is what that looks like:
- Stronger thinking skills. Bilingual students build better memory, focus, and problem-solving skills.
- A new way to read. Hebrew uses its own alphabet and reads right to left. Switching between systems helps explorers become flexible, creative thinkers.
- Connected learning. Hebrew is woven into the school day across subjects, so explorers practice it in real ways, not just during one class.
- A global mindset. Learning a new language helps students understand other cultures and see how connected our world is.
- Doors to the future. Speaking more than one language opens up career and travel opportunities later in life.
Our name says it best. Kavod means honor and respect in Hebrew, and respect is at the heart of everything we teach.
Who Attends Kavod?
Kavod is a public school, and our doors are open to every family. We are non-religious. Our explorers come from many different cultural, language, and faith backgrounds, and that variety makes our community stronger.
What brings Kavod families together is a shared love of learning. Parents choose us for our rigorous academics, the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, and the chance for their children to become bilingual. Many also tell us they love our caring, accepting community.
Respect for each other is part of daily life here. Events like our Cultural Fair invite explorers to celebrate traditions from around the world and learn from one another. It is one more way we live our motto: respect makes a world of difference.
What Does It Mean to Be a Seal of Biliteracy Pathway School?
California awards the State Seal of Biliteracy to high school graduates who show strong skills in English and at least one other language. It appears on their high school diploma and transcript, and it stands out to colleges and employers.
As a Seal of Biliteracy Pathway School, Kavod puts explorers on the road to earning that seal long before high school. Here is how the pathway builds over time:
- TK-5th grade: Daily modern Hebrew lessons build a strong foundation in speaking, reading, and writing.
- 6th-8th grade: Explorers continue Hebrew and begin Spanish as part of the IB Middle Years Programme.
- High school credit: Middle schoolers have the opportunity to earn high school credit in Hebrew and/or Spanish before they ever start 9th grade.
Do Families Need to Speak Hebrew?
Not at all. While many of our families come from Hebrew speaking homes, the vast majority do not. Our explorers start learning together, and our teachers are experts at guiding new language learners.
Here is how we support every explorer:
- Dedicated, certified teachers who make Hebrew lessons lively, hands-on, and fun for young minds
- A low teacher-to-student ratio, so every explorer gets attention and encouragement
- Differentiated instruction that meets each student where they are
- Steady practice woven into the school day, so new words become familiar quickly
Ways to Support Hebrew Learning at Home
You do not need to know Hebrew to help your explorer succeed. Try these simple ideas:
- Ask your child to teach you one new Hebrew word each day.
- Label a few household items with sticky notes in Hebrew.
- Celebrate progress, like reading a new word or singing a song from class.
When your child becomes the teacher, their confidence grows, and the whole family gets to learn along with them.
Where Does Spanish Fit In?
During middle school, Kavod explorers add Spanish to their schedule alongside Hebrew. They build on the strong language skills they’ve developed through years of daily Hebrew, so learning a second world language comes naturally.
Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in San Diego. Learning it in middle school gives explorers a valuable skill they can use right here at home, plus the chance to earn high school credit in Spanish before they start 9th grade!
See Modern Hebrew in Action
The best way to understand our language program is to see it for yourself. Walk through our classrooms, hear explorers speaking Hebrew and Spanish, and meet our teachers who make it happen. Tours are led by our middle school ambassadors, who can tell you firsthand what it’s like to grow up bilingual at Kavod.
Schedule your tour today and discover why respect makes a world of difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hebrew taught as a world language at Kavod?
Yes. Kavod is a non-religious public charter school, and modern Hebrew is taught as an academic world language. Students learn to speak, read, and write Hebrew the same way students at other schools learn Spanish or French.
Is Kavod tuition-free?
Yes. As a public school, Kavod is 100% tuition-free for families.
Who can enroll at Kavod?
Kavod is open to all families. If we receive more applications than available spots, a public lottery is held. The Lottery Window for 2027-2028 is now open and will close at the end of February 2027. Families who apply after the deadline will be placed on the waitlist in the order in which they apply. Families can apply via the SchoolMint portal. Our lottery will be held in March 2027.
What grades learn Hebrew and Spanish?
All explorers in TK through 8th grade learn modern Hebrew. Spanish is added as a full class in 6th through 8th grade.
Can my child join Kavod in a later grade without knowing Hebrew?
Yes. New students are supported in catching up with Hebrew, and the upper grades are leveled to support new and advancing students in the language.
About Kavod Charter School:
Kavod is a tuition-free public charter school in San Diego committed to growing the next generation of bilingual, globally aware leaders who will make the world a more respectful place. We offer modern Hebrew and Spanish to diverse TK-8th graders alongside a rigorous curriculum, the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, and enriching electives. As a non-religious, dual language elementary and middle school, we are consistently ranked as a top 5% charter school in California and the nation. Kavod means respect – we believe respect makes a world of difference. Enroll with Kavod today!
