The Japhet School is a preschool-8th grade private school in the Metro Detroit suburb of Clawson, Michigan. Founded in 1973, it is an independent school that serves children in preschool through 8th grade. Its mission is to nurture and prepare children for life by integrating character education with a strong academic program. The school provides small classes, which are purposefully designed as “blends,” or two-grade classrooms. This setup enables teachers to get to know their students very well, and provide a differentiated curriculum to challenge students with academic material that is appropriate for them. Japhet is a small school, and fewer than 100 children attend Japhet School each year.
Integrated with academics is Japhet School’s award-winning character education curriculum, which aims to build a peaceful community within the school and give Japhet students a foundation of character. Japhet is a National School of Character, and was the first school in Michigan—and the first independent school in the country—to receive this award. Despite Japhet's small size, large neighboring school districts have engaged Japhet School educators to train their own teachers in Japhet's character education method.
Families come to Japhet for many reasons. Some are drawn to its emphasis on character education. Many seek a challenging curriculum not restricted by age or grade. Others come for an affordable and nurturing private school, without the teaching of a specific faith. All families benefit from Japhet teachers’ ability to see the unlimited potential in every child.
