Secular Jerusalem girls-only school defies critics — and fills its waiting list

The Inbar School, a state-funded, girls-only institution in Jerusalem, has overcome initial skepticism and criticism to become highly successful, attracting hundreds of applicants annually. Opened seven years ago with 17 students, it now enrolls around 300 and has a waiting list twice its capacity. The school's first graduating class achieved a 100% matriculation rate, with half graduating with honors. Principal Miriam Leibowitz-Ashraf states, "Creating a separate learning environment provides fertile ground for advancing gender equality," fostering an environment where girls can develop self-confidence and excel academically, socially, and ethically. The school emphasizes public speaking, leadership, and gender studies, with students engaging in outside-the-classroom learning and meeting female role models. Graduates and parents praise the school for empowering girls and building confidence without the distractions of a coeducational setting, noting that students maintain interactions with boys outside school hours.