Education in Israel encompasses compulsory education, which spans from kindergarten through 12th grade, and higher education, which is characterized by a public university system and significant government subsidies. The school education, which corresponds to what is internationally termed primary and secondary education, consists of three tiers: primary education (grades 1–6), middle school (grades 7–9), and high school (grades 10–12). The academic year begins on September 1 and ends on June 30 for elementary pupils and June 20 for middle and high school pupils. The Haredi yeshivas (religious schools of the ultra-Orthodox Jews) adhere to a separate schedule run by the Hebrew calendar, commencing on 1 Elul. The Israeli school system includes various tracks such as state-secular, state-religious, independent religious, and Arab schools. There are also private schools, including democratic schools and international schools like the American International School in Israel. The system features also integrated schools that educate Jewish and Arab students together. The Israeli education is lauded for its high academic standards, particularly in science and technology, and for its role in driving the nation's economic growth. The integration of Jewish and Arab students in some schools is seen as a progressive step towards coexistence. However, there are concerns about disparities in resource allocation between Jewish and Arab schools, and the low participation rate of Haredi students in mainstream education and the workforce. Efforts to integrate Haredi students into higher education and professional fields have seen mixed results. Additionally, recurring strikes by teachers and students over budget cuts and wages, represent ongoing challenges within the system.