After 40 years of trailblazing and innovative ideas, Japhet School is moving from Madison Heights to Clawson. The school, opening this month at 839 S. Crooks Road, offers a gym, outdoor courtyard and fenced playground.
"This will be our new home," says head of school Cathy Mohan of the location on the northeast corner of Normandy road. The school, which teaches preschool through eighth grades, had previously leased space from Lamphere Public Schools.
Japhet School is known for its unique emphasis on character education. It got its start in 1973 when six educators who were concerned with depleting values in the school system teamed up. Their goal: Create a place where kids could learn about the importance of ethics in everyday life.
That mission continues at its new locale – a former YWCA. It also features seven fresh classrooms, a reading room and high-tech infrastructure. The fresh-air courtyard is designed for play, quiet reading, community gardening and more.
"We're really looking forward to getting involved in the Clawson community," says Betsy Stecker, communications and marketing director.
The "Japhet's Journey Home" campaign, to raise $1.5 million for the property/renovation, is still going strong. The school also accepts new students throughout the year. Learn more about the school at japhetschool.org.
