For all you parents looking for a preschool that suits your kids, we’re hoping to add a little something to aid in your search. Parents of children who attend various preschools on island have filled out a series of questions about the schools for the benefit of the rest of us. We welcome more than one voice on each school since everyone has a different experience, so please feel free to add in your two cents in the comments.
If your child attends a school that has not been reviewed on this site, please contact our Submissions Manager for the template.
CONTRIBUTED BY JOHN ROBINSON
Name of the school: Golden Mind Achievers International Preschool
Address: 1177 Aza Yoshihara, Chatan, Okinawa Japan
Phone: 098-989-9808
Email: admin@goldenmindachievers.net
Ages Accepted: 6 weeks to 6 years old
Ages of Your Kid(s) in this School: mine’s under 2 yrs old, but they accept ages 6 weeks to 6 years old
Golden Mind Circle
Admissions/Enrollment:
What is the current number of students? 42 students
Is enrollment open/year-round enrollment or per semester? Year-round
Does my child have to be potty-trained to attend? No
Can I bring my child in for a pre-enrollment visit? Yes
Days and hours:
What are the school’s hours? Monday to Friday from 6am to 6pm
Is the school on a Japanese or American schedule? They observe American Holidays
How flexible is the school with pickup and drop-off times? Child must be dropped off and picked up on the schedule the child is enrolled in.
Golden Minds Coloring
Costs:
What are the registration fees? One time fee of 5,000yen
What are the tuition fees?
Infant to 2 yrs: 40,000yen a month Full time
Mon to Fri 9am to 3pm: 35,000yen a month
3 days a week 9am to 3pm: 30,000yen a month
3y.o to 6 yrs: 38,000yen a month Full time
34,000yen a month for 9am to 3pm
If any, what are the assessment and school supplies fees?
For 1-2 yr old: 5,000yen
For 2-3 yr old: 10,000yen
For 3-6 yr old: 20,000yen
Are there any discounts offered for referrals, siblings, volunteering, working there, etc.? 5% discount on additional siblings
Is there a late-pickup fee? 500yen per hour
How and when does the school require payment (in yen, dollars, etc.)? Monthly due is every 18th of the month. For example, May’s tuition is due April 18. They accept yen and dollars.
Golden Minds Easter
Parent Involvement and Interaction:
During programs like Easter egg hunt, Halloween party, Thanksgiving party and Christmas party Notice is given to parents ahead of time so they can attend. Parent involvement and interaction is highly encouraged.
Does the school encourage spontaneous visits from parents? Yes
How do you communicate with parents? Through daily reports, newsletters, and face-to-face interaction (during drop-off and pick up).
Is there a daily report or other process for informing parents of what children did during the day (naps, BMs, snacks, etc.)? Yes, they have a booklet assigned to each child.
Are there parent/teacher conferences? Twice a year , but you can always request a conference as needed
Classroom Structure and Size:
How are the kids grouped? Age and their level
What’s the teacher-child ratio in each group?
Infant room : 8 kids to 2 teachers/assistant
2y.o to 3y.o: 15 kids to 2 teachers/assistant
3y.o to 4y.o: 20 kids to 2 teachers/assistant
4y.o to 6y.o: 20 kids to 2 teachers/assistant
How many full-time teachers do you have? Seven full-time teachers
How many assistants? Two assistants
Golden Minds Lunch
What is the school’s educational philosophy? Per school administrator: “To provide high standard principles of education in all areas of learning through a mixture of Montessori and international school curriculum. We are dedicated in providing an exceptionally loving, nurturing, safe, and fun environment while learning. “
Is the school program developmentally-based or does it have an academic focus? Both. The lessons and activities are academic and developmentally based.
Is there a playground for the children to play on? Yes, there’s an outdoor playground. They also close the entrance and exit gates (as needed) so the kids can ride trikes or do school/outdoor activities (like Easter egg hunt).
What do the children do on any given day? They play, learn (through lessons and educational activities), listen to music, sing and dance, and watch educational shows.
Are there extracurricular activities or field trips? Occasional field trips and activities during certain holidays.
How does the school discipline children? They use the Montessori method where self-discipline is promoted, taught, and practiced. They talk to the children about the misbehavior and explaining the effects of good or bad behavior and how their behavior affects themselves and others. In the event that a child needs to be separated from other kids, the child sits with a teacher instead of being alone.
How does the school comfort children? They use a nurturing approach – they hug and give individual attention.
Final Comments or Observations about the School:
This is a fairly new preschool/daycare. Our child has been going there since February and we’ve been happy so far. We mainly want our child to socialize with kids around his age and Golden Mind Achievers delivers more than that. They have fun and educational activities for the kids. Since this is also a preschool, the older kids have classroom time with set curriculum. Our child is in the infant room, and they also have learning time.
The teachers are very nice and caring. When my child arrives in the classroom, they immediately greet him. At pick-up time, they always update us on what our child did all day. They also always say “bye-bye” to our son. Best of all, our child is always happy being there.
Directions: From Kadena, go on Hwy 58 towards Lester. After the Lester main gate (Starbuck’s Gate), turn left at the light (there’s a foot bridge at this intersection). Follow the road. Once you pass by Family Mart on the right, you’ll see the colorful gates with the school name on the wall (Golden Mind Achievers)
Address: Chatan-cho Aza Yoshihara 1177 Okinawa, Japan
This was a nice school! My kids went here until they were able to go to school. The staff was is so nice and they really care about our children. They learn so much while they are there. My kids still ask about there school. They loved going there and I knew my kids were safe and taking care of!
My daughters (18mths and 3 years) have been goingto GMA for about 18mths and I abssolutely love it! my hhusband and I are mil to mill so it was imperitive for us to find a good daycare that we could entrust the care of our children for 10-12 hrs a day and we found that at GMA. First off they actually teach our girls, Japanse, cooking, letters, words,colors, edicate, and basic skills like answerng a telephone. They playout side, go on field trips, my daughter gos to swim lesson with the school. Theey make friends, they love their teachers, , 100% better than CDC. my 18 mth old talks, knows basic sign language, can count to ten in ennglish, japanese, and spanish! Lets just say she is definatly above her peers. I love the school I love the staff. Thank you GMA for taking such good care of my girls!!!!
My name is Amber Duncan and my daughter (age 3) currently attends Golden Mind Achievers, with my son (currently 15 months) set to start this December (when he is 18 months). This school has been nothing short of amazing for my daughter. She started off as a very timid little girl and has really grown into her own while attending (approx. 1 yr). I have the full belief that this is because of the staff at Golden Mind. They are absolutely incredible with my daughter and make her feel so welcome that she looks forward to school everyday. Her knowledge base has grown extensively, I had put her in school because she seemed bored at home. She is definitely not bored anymore! I do not know what comments were posted previously that were seen as “spam” but this school does not need to “fluff” itself at all. Ask any of the parents (including past) and you will find that no one (or extremely few as compared to other schools) has a bad word or negative feeling about this school or its teachers and staff. We have a full year left here on island, more if we extend and I can not see one reason why I would ever pull my daughter (and eventually my son) from this nurturing environment.
These comments here appear to be scripted! At some point in a comment, it gets confusing if the commenter is a parent or an employee of the school. She probably confused herself too. It is misleading and it is not funny! These people can’t even write! It’s terrible and it’s not helping the goal of this site.
I just went through all the comments on this post – thanks for bringing this to our attention. I have removed many comments that came from the same IP address or email address as these are considered spam. If you left a comment on this post that was removed and should not be considered spam please feel free to comment once more. Thanks.
My son goes to Golden Minds and LOVES it! The staff really cares about the kids and it is evident everytime I drop my son off. My son loves his teachers and loves going to school! He has learned so much that I didn’t know it was possible at his age. He has been going there for almost a year and I wouldn’t even consider changing schools. We are lucky to have such good people take care of our son when we are at work. Thank you to Golden Minds Preschool and teachers. I would HIGHLY recommend this school if you are considering placing your child out in town!
Hi Tawnia, I saw your post of Golden Minds. I’m considering them for my 4 year old son. What I really want to inquire about is if he’ll learn to start recognizing letters, numbers, writing his name? Maybe even learn sounds. I’m just thinking that if I’m going to pay for school, I’d like to know that he won’t be drawing and playing all day. What has your experience been like? Thanks for your input. Grace
Grace, not only do they learn everything you mentioned in English, but they learn some of it in Japanese too! Definitely not a coloring and playing school all day. They do play and have fun too but they have school work and a schedule every day. I’ve never been happier with a school. He will definitely stay there until we PCS because he loves it, he’s learning and the staff and teachers are great! Highly recommended!!
I am a mother of 2 girls and also Active Duty, so is my husband who is always being deployed. GMAIP has been my saving grace most of the time during early or late shifts, the 0600-1800 is definitely a winner!
Whenever my husband is deployed, my girls get very sad, but due to the care and support they get from the school staff, they are able to cope with the longing for their father most of the time. I am very pleased and very grateful for GMAIP, It was such an easy transition from when we got here on Okinawa from Virginia back in April 2012 due to GMAIP’s flexibility and support for parents like me yet, they keep discipline and instill discipline, order, knowledge-gaining in a fun and caring way. Thank you Mrs. and Mr. Tan for all the support.
Golden Mind Achiever’s International Preschool caters both International and Montessori method of teaching. Not only that they have dedicated teachers, (who are also “legitimate” licensed teachers from the Philippines).
My daughter, who is currently enrolled in 4-6 years old academic program, is learning a lot. They have commendable structured learning curriculum. It’s evidently not just a day care, but an excellent preschool that thrives children for learning.
The owner Miss Cathy, is very approachable, and she works hand in hand with the current principal Miss Beth; whom has childhood and development background.
As a parent, it gives me the peace of mind, knowing that I am sending my daughter to a preschool that meets even above my own expectations.
It’s worth checking for you parents out there, who are hunting for a good preschool for your children.
they said they are school , but to my observation when ive been there its just a day care, my child needs a more structured and more organized school environment for learning
Hi there we just moved here about a week ago and am looking forward to going to see this school i sat and read all the reviews and am very much happy that this school is so close we are going to be living on foster my almost 3 year old will hopefully attending this school soon i am also looking forward to being a volunteer here during holidays etc:)
I really love GMA and would recommend them to anyone looking for a great daycare/preschool. I brought my daughter there at 6 weeks old. She had just had surgery and was very small and fragile. Her teachers took such good care of her and she flourished at GMA. The staff is all so friendly and the kids are well taken care of. When the CDC on base finally had a spot for my daughter I declined and kept her at GMA. It was well worth the commute from Kinser because of the peace of mind I had with the staff and school. I really enjoyed the amount of family interaction the school provided. The schools Christmas program was outstanding. My family will miss GMA.
where is this school located? thank you
I really love this school and the teacher’s. Both my kids go here! I have a 4 year old son and a 1 year old little girl. They both love going to the school. They are always happy to go. The teachers have a smile on their faces all the time! My son has learned so much from the ladies at this school. He has to start school late because of his birthday, but they teach the kids so well he is so ready for school right now! He can write his first and last name, knows his colors, numbers and he does math very well. They teach them different languages as well! My little girls is talking and singing. She is learning so much. I know my kids are in great hands with the school! You should really take your child to this school! Thanks Ms. Cathy for everything. Keep up the great work!
My sons are both in GMA. TheY are 5 & 3 y/o & I love the fact that they are both in the same class. My 5 y/o, to begin with, already knows how to read when he get into the school & while he’s there, he got better at reading & can work on his writing & drawing skills very efficiently. He also started doing homeroom stuffs like folding clothes & washing dishes. I like that they make the curriculum very versatile. My 3 y/o has also improved a lot. Especially being 3 isn’t easy!lol kidding aside, he learned to write his name, recite the alphabets & count 1-100! His improvement is really amazing & started working on arts with precision. The teachers are very much knowledgable of their work & very efficient with those who needs one-on-one coaching. Ms. Catherine, the owner is very accommodating & she makes sure that the kids are learning in a good pace. She sits in the class to observe their activities & make notes inorder to improve whatever needs to.
My experience with them is very favorable & as well as my boys. I am highly recommending GMA to anyone who wants quality education fr their li’l ones!
P.S. their cost is also very affordable compared to other pre-ks out there.plus, plus!!!
My 21 month old son has been attending GMA for a few months now and we just couldn’t be any happier. They have exceeded my expectations by sending home a daily written report of everything from his diaper changes to his mood for the day. They are very friendly, caring and so understanding. My son has been sick a few times and has missed days, but they allow me to bring him in to make up for lost days of work for me. I feel very confident in the teachers and staff and have noticed a big improvement with my sons ability to interact with other kids. They’re even potty training and they brush his teeth daily. I would recommend using their meal plans because my son has definitely become more adventurous with his food since we initiated that. I love this school and we will surely miss it when we PCS!
I have 2 children who attend Goldenmind Achievers and my husband and I are very happy with this preschool! Their curriculum is wonderful and they are always finding new ways to improve it along with keeping the days fun for the children. All of the teachers are very friendly and extremely caring and loving to each child, they quickly learn each childs needs and are very attentive to them. Even the owner is active in knowing each child and makes us all feel at home every day we go. The school is always very clean and the home cooked lunches are a big plus, they’re healthy and our kids get to try new foods which I find important. Its amazing how much both of my kids have learned in the 4 months they have been there. We really feel very lucky to have found such a great school for our boys. It can be tough moving to a new country and having to trust others with your precious children and at Goldenmind I always know they are in safe and caring hands! I highly recommend this school to anyone who is looking for a great place for their child to learn, thrive and enjoy their days!!
I have been with the school since last year and recommend them to everyone. As a Active Duty mom they have been amazing with my daughter, she loves going in the morning and I feel she is overly loved and cared for. The price is very good for a daycare here in Okinawa, and they make lunch every day, so the kids eat a warm meal which is very important to me. I have never had any problems and all of my requests have been listened to and done no questions asked.
Good Luck to everyone…
Congratulations on your upcoming move! Okinawa is a great place to be stationed at. It has so much to offer. Been here 8 yrs and not once did we feel bored.
Golden Mind is a very nice preschool/daycare with very friendly staff. Definitely check it out when you get here.
Thank you so much for the review! We will be arriving in mid-August with our 2 year old and I am scouting out preschools for her. Thus far, she has been home with me and we home school. She does need interaction with other children though. 9am – 3pm seems like a long day for her, but we will keep this school in mind for sure!