What is Medaka no Gakko?

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Medaka no Gakko, established in 1982, is a parent cooperative Japanese cultural and educational summer program for elementary school children who have completed grades K-6.  It is located at, but not associated with the Palo Alto Buddhist Temple.

The purpose of the program is to develop a greater awareness and appreciation of Japanese-American/Japanese values and culture for young children.  Some of these concepts include the importance of family, respect for elders, group harmony, simplicity, and the love of nature.  Activities include arts/crafts, language,music, cooking, social studies, literature, physical exercise, and demonstrations from local artists and performers.

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Can you describe the curriculum?

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Seven teachers, a language/music instructor, and curriculum director(s) design and implement classroom activities.  Teachers have various interests and talents in the Japanese culture, and enjoy working with young students.

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What are the hours?

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Monday through Friday from 8:45am-1:00pm for three weeks

during the summer, usually late June through early July.

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What is a typical day like?

 

Taiso Exercise  

Class Time       

Recess          

Language

Class Time

Lunch Time

 

What is the cost of the program?

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The cost for the three weeks is $550 per child if you register by February 1, 2024, and $600 per child after February 1st.

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When do I apply?

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Online applications will be emailed in January and will be due on February 1, 2023. Please contact us at MedakanoGakkoPaloAlto@gmail.com if you would like to be added to the email list for notifications. We highly encourage applicants to proceed using the online registration link.

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Who can apply?

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Medaka no Gakko welcomes children of all ethnicities who have completed K-6 grade.

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Does my child need to be able to speak Japanese before enrolling? 

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No.  All classes are taught in English.  We do have a fabulous Japanese language teacher who instructs the children for approximately 20 minutes  per day.

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Do you have extended care (before and after class)?

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We do not currently offer care before class, but do have an extended program called Kaeru which runs from 1:00-4:00 p.m. each afternoon. Cost for Kaeru is $450.