hettena

Special school


On 10/6/2019, we will go on an annual trip for the senior class.Read More


  • Date:06/10/2026 03:07 PM - 06/10/2026 03:07 PM
  • Location Ein Hemed, Mevaseret Zion, Israel (Map)


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About us
The Hettena School is a special education school of the Ministry of Education and the Jerusalem Municipality. The school was founded in 1978 in the Mamilla neighborhood of Jerusalem and is named after the Hettena family who helped establish it. In 2006, the school separated from the mythical building in the Mamilla neighborhood and moved to the Kiryat Yovel neighborhood, and is currently located opposite the pastoral landscape of Ein Kerem. Hettena is intended for students aged 3-21 with complex multiple disabilities: low-level cognitive developmental disabilities combined with motor and physical difficulties, visual and hearing impairments, various syndromes and challenging medical conditions, including traumatic brain injury. The school has two kindergarten classes (ages 3-6), junior division classes and senior division classes. Each age group has its own wing with adapted yards. The school combines professional and meticulous teaching and treatment with a family and personal atmosphere, dedicated and loving care from a veteran and experienced staff. The school's students participate in a variety of classes: a gardening program in the greenhouse, dog training classes, a program of trips around Jerusalem, including museums, the zoo and the botanical gardens, as well as hydrotherapy treatments in the "Roga al Hamayim"  pool in the Gilo neighborhood. In the afternoon, the school operates a unique joint playroom for students and their siblings. The school has an intensive therapy program which includes: physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and treatments through music, art, medical clown care and animal-assisted therapy. Most of the treatments are done in classrooms, others in treatment rooms which are concentrated on a designated therapy floor within the school. Hettena is a state school, open to all segments of the population from the Jerusalem area and the surrounding area. Jewish, Arab and Christian students study here, and the staff is likewise multicultural.

  • Music therapy

  • physiotherapy

  • communication

  • Occupational therapy

  • Educational program

  • Animal therapy

  • Art therapy

  • Vision program


  • Optimusic Room and Virtual Reality

  • gardening

  • Dog training

  • Snoezelen

  • Siblings' playroom

  • Loading kiosk

  • Hydrotherapy

  • Medical clowning


Sharon Cohen Shahar

School principal

Michal Koren

School vice principal

Mira Cohen

School secretary

Sharon Kaminetsky

School counselor

Nahum Yehieli

School counselor

Avi Bar

Paramedical Coordinator and ICT Coordinator

Revital Ezra

Educator and social coordinator

areshet gutel reifman

Physiotherapist and mobility specialist

Hannah Seri

Art teacher and tour guide

June Harris

educator

Shamrit Greilsmer

Music teacher

Shifra Avidan

Assistant

Nurit Mizrahi

Assistant

Robin Yakubovich

Music teacher

Rotem Ben Tulila

Educator and ICT Coordinator

hava almio

Assistant

Chaya Perlman

Educator

gali biri

Transportation assistant and manager

Iris Cohen

Assistant

Evelyn Nikodim

Assistant

Ronnie Norden

Physiotherapist

Tami Ben Abu

Medical clown takes care of gardening and helps

Shavie Ashkenazi

Kitchen Manager

Tal Doron

Physiotherapist

Shoshi Itzhaki

Science teacher

Tsvia Ayala Sharvit

Assistant

Liha Dabush

occupational therapist

Ilanit Israeli

Speech therapist

Abigail Ben Tulila

Assistant

Ahuva Botach

Supplementary kindergarten teacher

Naama Lipshitz

Kindergarten Teacher

Gideon Sperling

occupational therapist

yom tov Sror

housefather

Inbal Feldman

Physiotherapist and hydrotherapist

Susanna Samuelov

Assistant

Herut Belmesh

Assistant

Nofar Sharabi

Educator

Marwa Atton

Assistant

Shirley Stark Nimrod

Emotional therapist using animals

Stav Levy

Supplementary teacher and hydrotherapist

Most of the core

Assistant

Nechama Plaut

Supplementary teacher

Shirin Alian

Assistant

Shahad Qarin

Assistant

Naomi Peretz

Assistant

Aviad Ozeri

guard

Grace Khoury

School nurse

This is ugly.

School nurse

Amani Honey

School nurse

Melina Ben Harush

Kindergarten Teacher


Dudu and Orit Yumtovian “The Hettena School is a family to us. ❤️” The Hettena School has been a loving and supportive family, walking with us every step of this challenging journey. The staff’s dedication and compassion shine through in everything they do, always prioritizing the well-being of both the students and their families. The atmosphere is warm and joyful, with a wide range of activities and programs that enrich the students’ experiences. The educational and paramedical teams are highly skilled, working with professionalism and care while maintaining close collaboration with parents. We thank God for the privilege of having our son, Yishai, in such a wonderful, embracing, and loving place. With heartfelt gratitude, The Yumtovian Family ❤️

For us, the Tana School is much more than a school setting, for about 5 years it has been a home and a family! The dedicated staff does everything and more wholeheartedly and unconditionally to give the maximum to the students. Fun activities and experiential learning, investing all their energy so that our children smile and are happy and joyful every moment of the day. Always expressing concern, caring, inclusive, and also a listening ear when needed, ready to be there for us even outside of working hours, and always with a smile, a hug with empathy, warmth and love. They say you don't choose a family, but we definitely chose this family, and there is no doubt that this is the best choice we made for the benefit of our daughter. The Yaish Family

The Youssefian Family We are the proud family of Eden, an 11-year-old girl with 235% disability, cerebral palsy (CP), severe intellectual disability, and mobility challenges that require a wheelchair. When searching for a school, we weren’t just looking for a place that could support Eden’s development—we wanted a place that would nurture her, believe in her, and surround her with love. That’s when we found the Hettena School. From the moment Eden joined Hettena, she has received not only professional care but also warmth, patience, and unwavering support. And the results have been nothing short of miraculous. Eden, who once relied entirely on a wheelchair, can now walk with light support. She has begun trying foods she once refused to touch. She understands choices, expresses preferences, and can point to a picture of her mother when asked. She is even beginning to learn letters and words. But above all, she goes to school and comes home with a smile, and for us, that is everything. Today, as we mark our seventh year at Hettena, our gratitude knows no bounds. Entrusting Eden to this incredible school has been one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. The staff gives their heart and soul to every child, working hand in hand with parents to ensure meaningful progress. They go above and beyond in every way, providing not just education and therapy, but a true sense of belonging. For any parent looking for more than just a school—a warm, loving home where their child will be supported, encouraged, and truly cared for—we wholeheartedly recommend the Hettena School. With endless appreciation, Eden’s Family ❤️

Since our Susan joined the Hettena School, she has been embraced by a supportive and nurturing environment that fosters her growth and development. The dedicated staff provides personalized support, empowering her to overcome challenges while ensuring she feels a true sense of belonging. Hettena is more than just a place of learning—it is where she gains essential life skills and builds meaningful social connections that will stay with her for years to come.

The Tana School is a warm home with a family atmosphere.. The staff there is amazing, gives a good feeling and is always interested in what else can help and advance the child. The relationship with us is important to them, and we also have difficult and challenging moments, they are there for us. And most importantly, the trust I have with the team. I put the children in the morning calmly and knowing that my children are well there and that they are taken care of for everything ️ Thank you to the entire Tana team. I appreciate and admire you for the holy work you do and my children are blessed with you! The Tyree Family

The Tahan Family I write these words with deep appreciation and immense gratitude for the incredible work you do every day for my eldest daughter. After 11 years in your kindergarten, I can clearly see the profound impact the staff has had on her growth and development. From the moment we became part of this family, we have felt the warmth, care, and dedication you show her. We know that this is one of the main reasons she feels so loved and secure at school. Your unwavering dedication and patience give us, as parents, an invaluable sense of trust and peace of mind. Every child in the Hettena School receives individualized care and attention, and you always find a way to meet their unique needs with understanding and adaptability. To us, school is not just a place of learning—it is a safe, nurturing, and loving environment where children with special needs can truly thrive. Thank you for your tireless commitment, your patience, and every effort you make to empower our children. Thank you for giving our daughter the opportunity to grow, learn, and flourish in such a positive and supportive space. With heartfelt appreciation, Talia, Ella’s mother


Why is art therapy good?

Why is art therapy good?

Art therapy is very suitable for emotional treatment in children. Art therapy provides children with a safe and calm environment to express themselves. Through creation, an emotional therapist can learn about what they are going through and the emotional issues they are dealing with.

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3 min read
What is augmentative and alternative communication? (TATC)

What is augmentative and alternative communication? (TATC)

Pictures from school life illustrating the use of social media and communication

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1 min read
The importance of changing posture for children with physical disabilities

The importance of changing posture for children with physical disabilities

The importance of changing posture for children with physical disabilities

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1 min read
What is proper breathing?

What is proper breathing?

How do you help with optimal breathing?

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1 min read
Correctly seated in a wheelchair

Correctly seated in a wheelchair

כיצד הושבה נכונה בכסא גלגלים תוכל לעזור?

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1 min read
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  • Emanuel Olsvenger 50, Jerusalem, Israel