TVT Community Day School is a Jewish community day school in Irvine serving TK (Transitional Kindergarten) through grade 12, formerly known as Tarbut V’Torah. This page covers TK through grade 8 and answers three questions: how to apply to the Lower School and Middle School, what each division costs in tuition and fees, and what to expect from the programs, schedules and commute in these years. For high school (grades 9-12) admission, courses and college outcomes, see the guide overview.
For the school overview, international students, application timeline and commute, see the TVT Community Day School school page.
The ISEE is the Independent School Entrance Examination, administered by ERB (Educational Records Bureau) in six levels by entry grade: Primary 2, Primary 3, Primary 4, Lower, Middle and Upper. A Shadow Day is a visit day on which the applicant attends classes alongside current students.
Above the route: the on-campus step and ISEE level for each entry grade, from the Apply page checked October 5, 2026. TK and kindergarten have an interactive group assessment; applicants to grades 1-5 may be asked to attend a student visit; grades 6-8 also have an interview or Shadow Day. Below the route: 2026-27 tuition by division.
TVT Community Day School Lower School and Middle School: Grades, Campuses and Daily Schedule
The TVT Community Day School Lower School serves TK through grade 5 at 5200 Bonita Canyon Drive, Irvine; the Middle School serves grades 6 through 8 and, together with the high school, forms the Middle & Upper School at 5 Federation Way, Irvine. Both addresses are in Irvine’s 92603 ZIP code and sit next to each other on the map, and the school website describes a 21-acre campus. The Lower School Division Head is Sarah Escobar, and the Middle & Upper School Division Head is Josh Adler. According to the Upper School Profile 2026-27, the school enrolled 802 students as of August 11, 2026; the school website does not publish separate enrollment figures for the Lower School and Middle School.
The two divisions keep different schedules and after-school arrangements. The table below is based on the FAQ page on the school website and the 2026-27 Tuition & Fee Schedule.
Lower School (TK-grade 5)
Middle School (grades 6-8)
From the school FAQ. The Lower School starts 30 minutes later on Wednesday, and the whole school dismisses early on Friday.
| Lower School schedule (TK-grade 5) | Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.; Wednesday 8:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.; Friday 8:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Middle School schedule (grades 6-8) | Monday through Thursday 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Friday 8:45 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. |
| Lower School after school | Explorers after-school enrichment and extended care until 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 5 p.m. on Friday, for an additional fee; the fee schedule lists the amount as to be determined, charged per class per semester |
| Middle School after school | Students may study in the library until 4:30 p.m., and families may also use aftercare at the adjacent Merage Jewish Community Center |
| Lunch | Kosher lunch is available for purchase in all divisions, provided by Flik Dining at $8 to $10 and supervised by a mashgiach (kosher supervisor) |
| School bus | The school website has no bus or transportation section, and the fee schedule lists no transportation fee |
The whole school dismisses early on Fridays, in keeping with the school-wide Kabbalat Shabbat (the student-led service welcoming the Sabbath) held every Friday morning. Families with children in both the Lower School and the Middle School need to plan pickup around two different dismissal times.
How to Apply to TVT Community Day School for TK Through Grade 8
The TVT Community Day School online application for 2027-28 opened October 1, 2026, and February 1, 2027 is the priority deadline for all grades and for new families’ financial assistance applications; after the deadline, the school continues rolling admission while space remains. The Apply page on the school website divides the process into three groups: TK and kindergarten, Lower School grades 1 through 5, and Middle and Upper School grades 6 through 11. The table below summarizes the differences by grade, based on the Apply page as checked on October 5, 2026.
| TK and kindergarten | Grade 1 | Grades 2-5 | Grades 6-8 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age requirement | TK applicants must turn 4 by September 1 | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Campus visit | Optional | Optional | Optional | Not marked optional |
| Entrance test | No written test | ISEE not required | ISEE required | ISEE required |
| Student visit or assessment | Interactive group assessment: children connect with teachers through play and activities | May be asked to attend a student visit, joining a peer classroom and interacting with teachers | May be asked to attend a student visit, joining a peer classroom and interacting with teachers | Interview or Shadow Day |
| Decision | Early March | Posted in myTVT in early March | Posted in myTVT in early March | Posted in myTVT in late February |
Application steps (TK through grade 8)
- Submit the online inquiry form; the school then invites the family to schedule a campus tour. The Lower School open house is Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 9:30 a.m., for families exploring TK through grade 5; the Middle & Upper School open house is Thursday, October 8, 2026 at 9:30 a.m., for families exploring grades 6 through 12; both are held during the school day
- Complete the online application in the admissions portal and pay the nonrefundable application fee (amount not listed on the school website)
- Submit all supporting documents listed in the admissions portal
- Families seeking financial assistance apply separately through Clarity; financial assistance applications are not reviewed until the admissions application is complete
- Applicants to grades 2 through 8 register for the ISEE; TVT's school code is 054346, and scores must come directly from the testing company
- Once materials are complete, the admissions office schedules the group assessment, the student visit, or for grades 6 through 8 the interview or Shadow Day
- Receive the decision: early March for TK through grade 5 and late February for grades 6 through 8; rolling admission continues after March while space remains
- Within 10 business days of an offer, return the enrollment contract online with the nonrefundable enrollment deposit or initial payment
The school website explains admission decisions in three points. First, the Apply page states that the Admissions Committee bases its decision on submitted information, class dynamics, assessments and observations, adding historical data for grades 1 through 8. Second, the FAQ states that test scores are one part of a child’s story, and that student visits, report cards, teacher questionnaires and faculty and administration feedback are of equal importance. Third, qualified siblings of current students receive priority but must meet the same admission criteria. Hebrew knowledge is not required for admission.
The ISEE level depends on the entry grade: applicants to grades 2, 3 and 4 take Primary 2, Primary 3 and Primary 4; applicants to grades 5 and 6 take the Lower Level; and applicants to grades 7 and 8 take the Middle Level. Registration and test sites are listed on the ERB website.
TVT Community Day School Lower School and Middle School Tuition and Fees
TVT Community Day School tuition for 2026-27 has three tiers by division: $37,285 a year for TK through grade 5, $41,085 for grades 6 through 8, and $47,385 for grades 9 through 12 (Affording TVT page on the school website and the 2026-27 Tuition & Fee Schedule), with textbooks and supplies included. The table below lists the items in the fee schedule that apply to TK through grade 8.
| Item | 2026-27 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TK-grade 5 tuition | $37,285 a year | Textbooks and supplies included |
| Grades 6-8 tuition | $41,085 a year | $3,800 a year more than TK-grade 5 |
| Grade 4 activity fee | Included in tuition | Covers the History of California trip and grade-level activities |
| Grade 5 activity fee | Included in tuition | Covers the Astro Camp trip, grade-level activities and a yearbook tribute |
| Grade 6 activity fee | $1,190, one-time | Covers an overnight field trip, dances, grade-level activities and the yearbook |
| Grade 7 activity fee | $1,600, one-time | Covers a Central Coast overnight field trip, dances, grade-level activities and the yearbook |
| Grade 8 activity fee | $3,915, one-time | Covers an out-of-state trip, a class trip sweatshirt, group activities such as dances, grade-level activities and the yearbook |
| Laptop | Family-provided | Students in grades 8 through 12 must bring a laptop daily that meets minimum requirements and has Microsoft Office |
| Athletics | $255 to $465 per sport | Grades 4 through 12 |
| Middle and Upper Learning Lab | $5,175 a year | Testing center included; optional |
| Explorers and extended care | To be determined | Charged per class per semester |
| Kosher lunch | $8 to $10 | Provided by Flik Dining |
| Tuition Protection Plan (TPP) | $355 per student | Required for deferred payment plans, recommended for payment in full, purchased at enrollment |
The fee schedule notes that the grade 6, 7 and 8 activity fees, athletics fees and the Learning Lab are reduced for families receiving financial assistance in proportion to the award. Payment options and financial assistance rules are the same from TK through grade 12, as shown below.
| Payment options | Tuition may be paid in a single payment, or in 3 payments (April, July, October), 9 payments (April through December), or 11 payments (April through February) at no additional cost; a 10% initial tuition payment is due when the enrollment agreement is signed. Families on a deferred payment plan must buy the Tuition Protection Plan (TPP), and it is recommended for families paying in full; TPP costs $355 per student and must be purchased at enrollment |
|---|---|
| Financial assistance | All financial assistance is need-based, assessed through the third-party Clarity platform, and must be renewed each year; Clarity charges a processing fee that the website does not list. The Upper School Profile 2026-27 reports more than $5.8 million in need-based assistance this year to 37% of families; the Affording TVT page states more than $5 million each year and 33% of families. For families receiving aid, some auxiliary fees (such as Learning Center and athletics fees) are reduced by the same percentage |
| Financial assistance timeline | New families: the application opens December 1 and is due February 1, and awards are posted in myTVT in late February or early March together with the admission decision and enrollment contract. Returning families: the application opens in early November, is due December 1, and awards are released February 1. Aid applications are reviewed only after the admission application is complete. When parents are divorced, separated, or remarried, all parents, including stepparents, must submit Clarity applications and documents; families whose finances change suddenly after an award (divorce, job loss, investment losses) may file an appeal |
| Financial assistance and admission | The FAQ page states that TVT does not consider a family's financial circumstances in making admission decisions |
The FAQ adds that assistance in later years is not guaranteed, but that TVT strives to maintain a consistent level of support based on continued financial need and available resources. The school website does not publish the range of individual family awards.
Total Tuition at TVT Community Day School from TK Through Grade 8
At 2026-27 rates, tuition at TVT Community Day School from TK through grade 8, ten years in all, totals $384,250: $260,995 for the seven years of TK through grade 5 and $123,255 for the three years of grades 6 through 8. The chart below shows total tuition through grade 8 and through grade 12 by entry grade; each tick marks the running total at that point.
These figures use 2026-27 rates and do not include annual increases; tuition in later years follows the amounts the school publishes each year. The chart covers tuition only. It excludes the grade 6 through 8 activity fees, which total $6,705, as well as athletics, after-school care, lunch and the Tuition Protection Plan. Families receiving financial assistance will pay less than the amounts shown.
TVT Community Day School Lower School Academics and Jewish Learning
The Lower School page and the Jewish Life & Learning page on the TVT Community Day School website describe the following approaches and programs for TK through grade 5.
- Mathematics: the Beast Academy curriculum, with what the school website describes as 3+ pathways for mathematics.
- Reading: instruction based on the science of reading, covering phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and text decoding; students in grades 4 and 5 take part in the Battle of the Books competition.
- Science and engineering: science units organized around design thinking, each ending with a hands-on project; students in grades 3 through 5 begin the engineering and computer science program.
- Small-group instruction: students work in small groups at least twice a day, with individual feedback from teachers.
- Character and social-emotional learning: the Responsive Classroom® approach, with a dedicated Lower School counselor.
- Hebrew and Jewish Studies: Jewish Studies begins in TK; Hebrew is taught four times a week and is required from TK through grade 8; Lower School students are grouped by level and receive pullout support.
- Jewish milestones: the grade 1 siddur (prayer book) ceremony, the grade 4 Torah reading program and the grade 5 Holocaust Diaries.
- Activities beyond class: Lower School clubs meet before, during and after school; the Explorers after-school program offers courses such as VEX Robotics, Digital Art & Games, Chess, Musical Theater and Baking; the school website lists 40+ opportunities for learning and enrichment outside the classroom and 8 outdoor discovery spaces.
- Athletics and service: grade 5 has a co-ed soccer team; Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) service projects include organizing supplies at Family Promise OC, cleaning Bolsa Chica Beach and reducing food waste.
The question families who are not Jewish ask most often concerns religious expectations. The FAQ states that TVT is a pluralistic Jewish day school that welcomes families of all faiths and encourages families who are not Jewish to take part in school traditions and celebrations. The Jewish Life & Learning page states that students are not expected to observe Judaism in the same way but are expected to participate with curiosity and respect. Jewish Studies and Hebrew are on the schedule every year, and the school celebrates more than 10 Jewish holidays each year.
TVT Community Day School Middle School Courses, Math Placement and Languages
The TVT Community Day School Middle School Course Catalog for 2026-27 lists every course by grade for grades 6 through 8, and students take 8 courses per semester. The table below summarizes the courses by grade.
| Subject | Grade 6 | Grade 7 | Grade 8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | English 6 | English 7 | English 8 |
| History | Ancient World History | Medieval World History | Early United States History |
| Science | Earth Science | Life Science | Physical Science |
| Jewish Studies | Jewish Studies 6 | Jewish Studies 7 or Honors Jewish Studies 7 | Jewish Studies 8 or Honors Jewish Studies 8 |
| World languages | Hebrew, level set by the department | Hebrew; Spanish 1 available as an elective | Hebrew; Spanish 1 or 2 available as an elective |
| Electives | Intro to Film, Intro to Engineering, Visual Arts, Vocal Music Ensemble, Garage Band, Broadcast Journalism, Leadership, Tikkun Olam | Film 1, Vocal Music Ensemble, Garage Band and Advanced Garage Band, Visual Arts, Broadcast Journalism, Leadership, Tikkun Olam, Physical Computing & Robotics, Engineering Design & Modeling | The grade 7 electives plus Film 2 |
| Physical education | PE 6, with a health and wellness component taught by the school counselor and school nurse | PE 7; Independent Study PE (ISPE) available by application | PE 8; Independent Study PE (ISPE) available by application |
Middle School math is placed by stage, not age. The catalog states that placement is decided during the second semester by the whole math department, based on student grades, standardized test results, teacher recommendations and placement test results. Honors and AoPS (Art of Problem Solving) courses are both accelerated, but their goals differ: honors courses teach mathematical concepts at a high level for use in science and engineering, while AoPS courses build mathematics from its foundations, prove most essential theorems and tackle competition-level problems, suiting students who regularly do mathematics outside class. The catalog shows four anticipated Middle School math sequences.
| Track | Grade 6 | Grade 7 | Grade 8 | Grade 9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Math 6 | Pre-Algebra | Algebra 1 or Algebra Foundations | Geometry or Algebra 1 |
| Honors | Math 6 | Pre-Algebra Honors | Algebra 1 Honors | Geometry Honors |
| Accelerated honors | Pre-Algebra Honors | Algebra 1 Honors | Geometry Honors | Algebra 2 Honors |
| AoPS | AoPS Pre-Algebra | AoPS Algebra 1 | AoPS Geometry, Counting & Probability | AoPS Algebra 2/Trigonometry and Precalculus |
The grade 8 math course sets where a student starts in grade 9; for how far each track reaches in high school, see the Math Pathway.
Other Middle School features include grade-level retreats at the start of the year, three in all according to the school website; three engineering and computer science electives; Middle School students mentoring in Lower School classrooms; grade 6 leading the school-wide Simchat Torah festival; and grade 8 leading the Middle School Yom Hazikaron (Israeli Memorial Day) assembly. The FAQ lists Middle School teams in girls basketball, soccer and volleyball; boys basketball, flag football and soccer; and co-ed cross country. College counseling begins in grade 8.
For world languages, the Middle School Course Catalog lists only Hebrew and Spanish, with no Chinese course; Spanish 1 is an elective in grades 7 and 8, and Spanish 2 in grade 8.
Commuting from Irvine Neighborhoods to the TVT Community Day School Lower School and Middle School
The TVT Community Day School website has no bus or transportation section, and the 2026-27 fee schedule lists no transportation fee, so families of students in TK through grade 8 provide their own transportation. These are straight-line distances to the school from Irvine neighborhoods where many Chinese-speaking families live. Actual drive times will be longer; time the drive once during school hours.
- Turtle Rock0.9 mi
- Northwood6.4 mi
- Woodbury6.7 mi
- Portola Springs8.2 mi
Destination: TVT Community Day School (Irvine 92603)
Straight-line distances measured by EDUBUS from each neighborhood's center; check actual drive times with a navigation app.
The Lower School dismisses at 2:30 p.m. on Fridays and the Middle School at 2:50 p.m., compared with 3:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on other weekdays. Families who need later pickup can use the Explorers program in the Lower School, and library study or aftercare at the adjacent Merage Jewish Community Center in the Middle School.
Questions to Ask on a TVT Community Day School Lower School or Middle School Visit
When you visit TVT Community Day School, confirm these points with the admissions office.
- Application fee and Clarity processing fee: the school website says only that the application fee is nonrefundable and that Clarity charges a small fee, without listing amounts.
- Student visits for grades 1 through 5: the Apply page says applicants “may be asked” to attend; confirm whether one is required for your child’s entry grade.
- Class sizes and openings by grade: the school website publishes only the school-wide 8:1 student-teacher ratio, not class sizes or openings by grade.
- Explorers and extended care fees: the 2026-27 fee schedule lists the amount as to be determined.
- The grade 8 out-of-state trip: the fee schedule says only that the $3,915 activity fee includes an out-of-state trip, without naming the destination or dates.
- Closures for Jewish holidays: the school website says the school celebrates more than 10 Jewish holidays a year but does not list closure dates on a readable page.
- International students: the Admissions, Apply and FAQs pages make no mention of F-1 status, the I-20 or ESL courses.
To compare TVT with other private elementary and middle schools in Orange County, see the Irvine-area private elementary school rankings and private middle school rankings. For high school courses, see Courses and Course Planning; for AP courses, see AP Courses and Course Strategy; and for UC admissions data, see the UC admissions page.
TK to Grade 8 at TVT Community Day School: Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child need to take a test to apply to TK or kindergarten at TVT Community Day School from Irvine?
There is no written test. According to the Apply page on the school website, TK and kindergarten applicants take part in an interactive group assessment once the application and supporting documents are complete: children connect with teachers through play and activities so the school can get to know them. TK applicants must turn 4 by September 1. The online application for 2027-28 opens October 1, 2026, the priority deadline is February 1, 2027, decisions are communicated in early March, and admitted families return the enrollment contract within 10 business days.
Which grades from 1 to 5 must take the ISEE when Irvine families apply to TVT Community Day School?
Applicants to grades 2 through 5 must take the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Examination); TVT's school code is 054346, and scores must come directly from the testing company. Applicants to grade 1 do not take the ISEE. Applicants to grades 1 through 5 may be asked to attend a student visit, joining a peer classroom and interacting with teachers. The ISEE is leveled by entry grade: applicants to grades 2, 3 and 4 take Primary 2, Primary 3 and Primary 4, and applicants to grade 5 take the Lower Level. Decisions are posted in myTVT in early March.
How much does a year at the TVT Community Day School Lower School and Middle School cost for an Irvine family?
Tuition for 2026-27 is $37,285 for TK through grade 5 and $41,085 for grades 6 through 8, with textbooks and supplies included. Under the 2026-27 Tuition & Fee Schedule, the grade 4 and grade 5 activity fees are included in tuition; grades 6, 7 and 8 carry one-time activity fees of $1,190, $1,600 and $3,915, covering overnight field trips or an out-of-state trip. Athletics cost $255 to $465 per sport, and kosher lunch costs $8 to $10. At current rates, tuition from TK through grade 8, ten years in all, totals $384,250.
How does an Irvine child with no Hebrew background learn Hebrew at the TVT Community Day School Lower School and Middle School?
Hebrew knowledge is not required for admission. Hebrew is a required course from TK through grade 8; Lower School students take it four times a week, are grouped by level, and receive pullout support, while Middle School students are placed by proficiency, with the level set by the department. Students in grades 7 and 8 may also take Spanish as an elective; the Middle School Course Catalog lists no Chinese course. The FAQ on the school website states that the school welcomes families of all faiths and that families who are not Jewish are encouraged to take part in school traditions and celebrations.
For Irvine families with two working parents: when does the TVT Community Day School Lower School dismiss, and is there after-school care?
The Lower School (TK through grade 5) runs 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 8:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on Wednesday, and 8:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Friday. The Explorers after-school enrichment and extended care program runs until 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 5 p.m. on Friday for an additional fee; the 2026-27 fee schedule lists the amount as to be determined. The Middle School runs 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:45 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. on Friday; students may study in the library until 4:30 p.m., and families may also use aftercare at the adjacent Merage Jewish Community Center. The school website has no bus or transportation section.
Can Irvine families applying to the TVT Community Day School Lower School apply for financial assistance?
Yes. Financial assistance applies to all grades, is entirely need-based, and is assessed through the third-party platform Clarity. Applications for new families open December 1 and close February 1, and awards are posted in late February or early March with the admission decision and enrollment contract. The school website states that TVT does not consider a family's financial circumstances in making admission decisions, and aid must be reapplied for each year. The Affording TVT page states that 33% of families receive financial assistance and that over $5 million is awarded every year.
