Valley Beth Shalom Schools050

Valley Beth Shalom, the venerable Encino synagogue, has developed one of the city's most extensive lineups of private education programs. While the schools follow Conservative Jewish practice, VBS and its first-rate facilities offer a lot to students of all backgrounds. However, temple membership is required to attend the schools.

In general, the programs celebrate all major Jewish holidays and most US holidays (Christmas, St. Valentine's Day, Easter, and Halloween are not observed). The school calendar runs from September through June. School hours are 7:55am to 3:15pm. Extended day care and after-school programs are available.

Starting with its Infant & Toddler Program, VBS provides classes for children and their working parents, grandparents, or parents with physical disabilities. The Toddler and Transition classes are not only beneficial in helping children separate from their caregivers, enrollees often have a better chance of being accepted into the preschool program.

The Valley Beth Shalom Nursery School boasts accreditation by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs and the Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater Los Angeles. The program, directed by Audrey Freedman-Habush, is designed for children between the ages of 30 months and five years.

Emphasizing creative expression, Jewish identity, and an exploration of the child's world, the nursery school keeps the atmosphere fun and nurturing. The classrooms are fully stocked with age-appropriate materials, and the play area includes top-of-the-line equipment.

The Harold M. Schulweis VBS Day School, founded in 1978 and named after the synagogue's renowned head rabbi, combines secular and Judaic studies. Among the curriculum highlights are a literature-based reading program, a hands-on science program, and a performing arts program.

Students ages five though 12, in kindergarten to sixth grade, can avail themselves of the Hebrew learning lab, daily hot (kosher) lunches, science and arts fairs, and a PE program that features sports, fitness, and dance.

Parental involvement is encouraged via an active parent organization. VBS also offers middle school placement counseling.

The VBS Hebrew School offers religious and language training to children not already enrolled in the day school. Students from grades K to 12 can attend the one to two day per week classes.

VBS has a Parent Education program that includes numerous workshops in parenting kids from toddlers to teens.

In addition, the synagogue hosts many family-oriented events throughout the year. Check our calendar for information about concerts, fairs, and more.