Hi Snowbunny, I almost went to Chedvas for shanah bet, but for personal reasons I had to stay in America in the end. Rabbi Kahane, who’s the principle, is AMAZING! Chedvas has all the best teachers from all the different seminaries. There’s a big break in the afternoon for people who do college or work. They will help you find a job if you want to make some money while your there.
Here are some of the answers to your questions:
1) The hashkafah is totally different from Peninim. The only thing that Peninim and Chedvas share is the building, and also that the Meisels run both of them
2)I’m not positive, but I think the dresscode is similar to other seminaries, button down shirt and pleated skirt.
3&5) The tuition is around 14,000 for the whole yr, 7,000 for half. Rabbi Kahane is very understanding, and sometimes gives people the whole yr for the half yr price. This was the case for me, and when I told him I wasn’t coming, he offered to lower it even more, in case the reason was the money
4,6,7) I’m not really sure the answer to these questions, because I didn’t end up going, but I know Rabbi Kahane, and he’s really understanding of everyone’s need.
Good Luck with your decision!