Dar Al Kalima Lutheran School

Dar Al Kalima
Constructive Dialogue. Belonging. Teamwork. Love. Justice. Faith. Hope.

These seven values are the foundation of the educational ministry happening every day at Dar Al Kalima school, located in Bethlehem. Students at Dar Al Kalima (DAK) face a rigorous academic curriculum that is complemented by a rich academic support system. Education at DAK is not considered complete without the numerous extra-curricular programs. Conflict resolution courses, music therapy, Model United Nations, dabke, environmental club, and peer mediation workshops all add to the holistic experience that is education at DAK.

The Dar al-Kalima Evangelical Lutheran School emphasizes holistic education in order to build an informed generation equipped to undertake responsibilities, adapt to our ever-changing environment, and be the leaders of tomorrow that contribute meaningful solutions to challenges facing our society. The holistic approach at DAK addresses the mental, physical, psychological, spiritual, and social needs of each student to prepare our future citizens to best serve tomorrow’s world.

Dar al-Kalima Lutheran School adopts a non-traditional approach to learning and education. We do not believe in the “talk and chalk“ approach, or the conventional system of grading, which does not provide a true and effective evaluation of the child. Instead, Dar al-Kalima School works diligently to provide the child with an opportunity to grasp and digest the material in a way they understand. Students apply what they learn to real life situations. Our end-goal is to build a comprehensive and modern Palestinian society informed by education that is fortified by critical and creative thinking.

Mission
The school believes in peaceful co-existence among all people, including harmony and tolerance among Palestinians, both Christians and Muslims. Dar al-Kalima provides top-quality education to all students, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or ability to pay tuition fees.

The school aspires to reinforce in the students a number of core values: peace, faith, love, constructive dialogue, teamwork, and belonging. It also encourages the students to be self-motivated, creative, innovative, and critical in their problem-solving.

Special Activities
Central to the Dar al-Kalima experience is the unique Complementary Program that aligns with the ELCJHL’s holistic educational approach. During the last hour of each school day, a wide variety of courses and clubs are offered to students based on personal interests and talents.

This school year’s offerings include environmental club, table tennis, modern and folkloric dance, swimming, mosaic, choir, band, and an English-language club that teaches through interactive games. These activities provide opportunities for exercise and personal growth that the students might not otherwise find access to in their neighborhoods. It is Dar al-Kalima’s hope that these opportunities will spark a love of learning that will last a lifetime.

Dar al-Kalima is also amidst a decade-long project to switch all Math and Science education to be taught in English. This prepares students exceedingly well for studies abroad, international work, and provides a more in-depth English language education.

History
Dar al-Kalima Evangelical Lutheran School in Bethlehem is the newest of the ELCJHL Schools, founded in the year 2000. Dar al-Kalima is co-educational from kindergarten through the 12th grade.

Quick Facts
Students: 418

Gender: 54% boys, 46% girls

Religion: 21% Christian, 79% Muslim

Teachers and Staff: 38

Meet Our Principal

Mr. Anton Nassar, principal of Dar al-Kalima Lutheran School, holds an MA in Leadership and Ministry and brings his passion for education and faith into all that he does at the school. He hopes to form a new generation of creative educators and leaders in Palestine who believe in God and respect all people. These diverse young people are sent into the world to create hope for the future, open-mindedly facing new challenges. The students carry the values of faith, love, justice, peace, belongingness, teamwork and constructive dialogue into the world as they serve their communities. He is also a devoted member of our Christmas Lutheran congregation in Bethlehem.

Phone: +972-(0)2-276-7871

Website: www.daralkalima.com | Facebook: www.facebook.com/daralkalima

Email: info@daralkalima.com