Who comes to Derech?
First year students are usually between the ages of 18 and 19, and come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Some have a yeshiva backgrounds, others have never learned. The common denominator is that they are motivated to learn, grow, ask deep questions on any topic, and connect on a mature level to Torah, the Jewish people, and Eretz Yisroel.
Do I need an interview to apply?
Yes. Aside from completing an application online, all applicants must have a personal interview with a member of our recruiting team.
What are the dates for the Derech academic year of 2023-2024?
The Derech academic year of 2024-2025 begins in August 2024 and ends in June 2025.
What are tuition costs?
Tuition for the 2024-2025 academic year is $27,500.
Is financial aid available for your program?
There are a number of sources for scholarships and financial aid that we work with regularly:
Please contact us for more information on any of these scholarships.
After I apply, what's the next step?
After your application has been received, it will be evaluated by our admissions committee. Upon acceptance you will receive an email welcoming you to Derech and an invitation to register as a new student for the coming year.
How do I register for the program?
The registration form will be sent via email along with your letter of acceptance. The form needs to be printed and signed, then scanned and sent to [email protected] You will also need to send a $1,500 US nonrefundable registration fee to our NY office. This fee is used towards your tuition and counts as your first payment.
Where are you located?
We are located in the Maalot Dafna neighborhood of Jerusalem on the Ohr Somayach campus. Our address is 22 Shimon Hatzadik Street. It takes about 10 minutes to walk to Meah Shearim, 20 minutes to Jerusalem’s City Center, and 25 minutes to the Old City and the Kotel (Western Wall). Many major bus routes and the light rail are right outside our campus doors.
Can you describe a typical class?
The classes have a high teacher to student ratio. Small class sizes allow for more one on one attention and are geared to the needs of each student. The typical class has more of an informal educational style with a round table discussion feel.
Can I get university credits?
Derech is affiliated with Ohr Somayach. Credits are given for attendance and participation in addition to academic performance. While Ohr Somayach is not an accredited institution of higher learning recognized by the US Department of Education, its degree may be accepted by certain universities for graduate school programs in the US and abroad.
Does Derech have security on campus and during trips?
On our main campus there is a 24 hour security guard. The campus is gated with coded locks at each entrance. It is under constant surveillance, with cameras at every entrance. When necessary, travel limitations are placed on the students, as well as early curfew and any other relevant security measure. We follow the MASA security regulations and have medical and armed escorts for all trips.
Does the yeshiva provide meals?
We serve three meals a day even on days that there is no programming (vacation and holidays). There are also several restaurants, supermarkets and shopping centers close by.
First year students are usually between the ages of 18 and 19, and come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Some have a yeshiva backgrounds, others have never learned. The common denominator is that they are motivated to learn, grow, ask deep questions on any topic, and connect on a mature level to Torah, the Jewish people, and Eretz Yisroel.
Do I need an interview to apply?
Yes. Aside from completing an application online, all applicants must have a personal interview with a member of our recruiting team.
What are the dates for the Derech academic year of 2023-2024?
The Derech academic year of 2024-2025 begins in August 2024 and ends in June 2025.
What are tuition costs?
Tuition for the 2024-2025 academic year is $27,500.
Is financial aid available for your program?
There are a number of sources for scholarships and financial aid that we work with regularly:
- MASA
- NCSY
- FAFSA (Through our joint program with Yeshiva University or Hebrew Theological College )
- Oorah
- Jeff Seidel Student Center
- Your local Jewish Federation
Please contact us for more information on any of these scholarships.
After I apply, what's the next step?
After your application has been received, it will be evaluated by our admissions committee. Upon acceptance you will receive an email welcoming you to Derech and an invitation to register as a new student for the coming year.
How do I register for the program?
The registration form will be sent via email along with your letter of acceptance. The form needs to be printed and signed, then scanned and sent to [email protected] You will also need to send a $1,500 US nonrefundable registration fee to our NY office. This fee is used towards your tuition and counts as your first payment.
Where are you located?
We are located in the Maalot Dafna neighborhood of Jerusalem on the Ohr Somayach campus. Our address is 22 Shimon Hatzadik Street. It takes about 10 minutes to walk to Meah Shearim, 20 minutes to Jerusalem’s City Center, and 25 minutes to the Old City and the Kotel (Western Wall). Many major bus routes and the light rail are right outside our campus doors.
Can you describe a typical class?
The classes have a high teacher to student ratio. Small class sizes allow for more one on one attention and are geared to the needs of each student. The typical class has more of an informal educational style with a round table discussion feel.
Can I get university credits?
Derech is affiliated with Ohr Somayach. Credits are given for attendance and participation in addition to academic performance. While Ohr Somayach is not an accredited institution of higher learning recognized by the US Department of Education, its degree may be accepted by certain universities for graduate school programs in the US and abroad.
Does Derech have security on campus and during trips?
On our main campus there is a 24 hour security guard. The campus is gated with coded locks at each entrance. It is under constant surveillance, with cameras at every entrance. When necessary, travel limitations are placed on the students, as well as early curfew and any other relevant security measure. We follow the MASA security regulations and have medical and armed escorts for all trips.
Does the yeshiva provide meals?
We serve three meals a day even on days that there is no programming (vacation and holidays). There are also several restaurants, supermarkets and shopping centers close by.
