Frequently Asked Questions

What colleges and universities do TVT graduates enter? Since our first graduating class in 2001, TVT graduates have been accepted to programs from Ivy League schools to prominent liberal art colleges, from the University of California to foreign universities. Some examples are Yale, Stanford, MIT, Cornell, University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins, Brown University, USC, University of Michigan, Brandeis, Georgetown, UCLA, UC Berkeley and many, many more.

Do you have to be Jewish to attend TVT? Students may matriculate if they are Jewish by birth or choice, or one parent is Jewish or actively engaged in becoming Jewish through a recognized synagogue conversion program.

What happens if my child does not know Hebrew? Hebrew is not a pre-requisite to attend TVT. At each grade level we have systems in place to meet the needs of each student’s level of Hebrew. In the Lower School, starting in 2nd grade the students are arranged within the class according to the appropriate level (beginning, intermediate and advanced). Additionally, we have Hebrew Resource Specialists and a pull-out program for those that need even more personalized instruction. In the Middle and Upper School, each student takes the level of Hebrew that is right for them- from beginning to advanced.

How involved are parents at TVT? Parents can participate in activities at school on a regular basis. TVT has an active PTSO (Parent, Teacher, Student Organization), Room Parent & Grade Parent program, Parent Ambassadors, and a variety of committees with parent volunteers. In the Lower School, additional opportunities include: volunteering in the classroom, Art Masters, field trip chaperones, weekly Kabbalat Shabbat services and holiday celebrations. In the Middle and Upper School, opportunities include: Booster Club, holiday celebrations, and coaching opportunities.

What extracurricular activities do you offer? All three schools offer a variety of after-school activities; however, this is just a sampling. Lower School: student government, Spanish, Future Scientists of America (FSEA), MathCounts, drama, sportsorama, newspaper, dance and chess. Middle School: Student Council, Film Club, Spirit Squad, Guitar Club, Traveling Theatre Club, MathCounts, Spanish Club, Chesed Corps. Upper School: JSA, Mock Trial, ASB, Film Club, Surf Rider Foundation, National Honor Society, Guitar Club, Green Club, Make a Wish Foundation, Chesed Corps.

Do you have after school care? In addition to our own after school enrichment programs on campus, many of our parents utilize the after-care programs at the Merage Jewish Community Center located adjacent to our campus. Students are signed out and escorted by the JCC counselors for seamless transition. Please call 949-435-3400 or go to http://www.jccoc.org/ to reach the JCC directly.

What sports programs do you offer for students (JV and Varsity)?  JV girls (grades 6-8) can compete in Volleyball, Basketball and Soccer. JV boys can compete in Flag Football, Basketball and Soccer. Varsity girls (grades 9-12) can compete in Volleyball, Basketball, Tennis, Softball. Varsity boys can compete in Basketball, Volleyball, Baseball, and Golf. Varsity Cross Country, Swimming and Soccer are co-ed.

From which schools do most of your students matriculate? Our students come from a wide variety of private and public schools across the country. Although many of our Kindergarten applicants come from the Merage JCC and local synagogue preschools, we do not have any one particular “feeder”.

What is the selection process? Each applicant submits an application and provides historical data specific to the grade level of entry. Applicants for Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten participate in a screening on campus called “A Taste of Kindergarten” and interact with administrators, teachers and the school Psychologist. Applicants in grades 1-5 visit the school for a day in a peer level classroom and are assessed during their visitation by the grade level teachers, Admissions Director and the school Psychologist. Applicants in grades 6-12 sit for the ISEE as well as spending a shadow day with a peer at TVT. During this visit, they will be observed by faculty and participate in an interview with an administrator.

How much weight do you give to test scores? We look at test scores as a piece of the puzzle. Report Cards, Teacher Questionnaires and faculty and administration feedback are of equal importance.

Do siblings get special consideration? Qualified siblings get first priority for available spots but must fulfill the same admissions criteria as non-sibling applicants.

Do you offer financial aid and how do we apply?  Financial Aid is available to qualifying families. If you plan to apply for Financial Aid, please request a form from the Admissions Office as soon as possible. If you prefer, you can apply for aid online at www.nais.org. by clicking the SSS option on the left hand side of the home page. If you have any questions, or need assistance, please contact Cheryl Taitz in our Business Office, at (949) 509-9500 x1106 or ctaitz@tarbut.com.

Will a financial aid applicant receive the same consideration as a family not applying for financial aid? Absolutely. Applications for Financial Aid are kept confidential and not handled by the Admissions Office.
When will we be notified of the school’s decision? Decision letter and calls are typically made the first week of April.

Do you have buses available? We currently have bus transportation for the Long Beach area and are looking into expanding the service in the near future.

Do students bring their lunch or is there a lunch program? Students may either bring their lunch or purchase a lunch from our program. Please note, we are a Kosher campus and students are not allowed to bring meat to school.

What time does school start and end?  Students in grades K-5 begin their day at 8:00 am and end at 3:15 pm. (Please note: Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten have the option to leave at 2:30 or 3:15). Students in grades 6-12 begin their day at 7:50 am and end at 3:00 pm. On Friday, in honor of Shabbat, the entire school ends their day at 2:30.

What percentage of the day is spent on Hebrew and Judaica? Twenty-Five percent of the day is spent on Hebrew and Judaica and seventy-five percent of the day is spent on secular studies.