Japhet School Celebrates Arrival in Clawson with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

Japhet School, the award-winning independent school that recently relocated to Clawson from its former location in Madison Heights, will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:15 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 25, according to a news release.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony, along with Japhet's recent move, is one of many highlights commemorating the school's 40th anniversary.

Japhet purchased 839 S. Crooks Road on June 21, had it extensively renovated over summer, moved in on Aug. 28, and welcomed students for their first day of school on Sept. 6.

At the Nov. 25 ceremony, members of the Clawson Chamber of Commerce will officially welcome Japhet School to the community.

“Our construction and move-in timeline was tight – some thought it couldn't be done,” said Cathy Mohan, the head of the school. “We did it together – and our new home is filled with joy.”

Local residents remember the building as the former YWCA. Today it features brand-new classrooms, a specialists' room, reading room, full-sized gym, a freshly equipped kitchen and renovated offices. The interior is bathed in natural light and has new finishes.

The school also features a courtyard and a large fenced grassy area for play.

In early November, Mohan led students, teachers and staff in a dedication ceremony for their peace pole as it was planted in the ground outside the front door. With the words “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in eight languages, the peace pole symbolizes the importance of peace and other character qualities to the school.

Japhet, a National School of Character, features an award-winning character education curriculum which has been recognized as a national model.

Mohan said in a news release that the school community looks forward to hosting guests at its upcoming ribbon-cutting ceremony, and its doors will be open to tours that morning following the event.

Japhet School teaches children in preschool through eighth grade. Anyone who is interested in learning more about Japhet is encouraged to visit the school's website, or call to schedule a personal tour.

Founded in 1973, Japhet School is an independent school, serving children in the metropolitan Detroit area in preschool through eighth grade. Its mission is to nurture and prepare each child for life by integrating character education with a strong academic program.

The school provides small classes of fewer than 20 students in each, which enables teachers to challenge students with academic material that is appropriate for their intellectual readiness, regardless of age or grade.

The school has a special emphasis on integrated technology instruction and public speaking. Integrated with strong academics is Japhet School’s national award-winning character education curriculum, which builds a peaceful community within the school and creates leaders with integrity. Japhet was the first school in Michigan – and the first independent school in the country – to obtain the  National School of Character designation.