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 TERESA BENJAMIN
Name of School: Maranatha Baptist Academy
Address: 4 Chome-43-2 Chibana
Phone: (098) 929-2695
Website: www.maranathabaptistokinawa.org
Ages Accepted: K4 through 12th grade
Ages of Your Kid(s) in this School: daughter, 4 (school goes from K through 4)
ADMISSIONS/ENROLLMENT
What is the maximum number of students that your school has? 16 per class
What is the current number of students? 12
Is enrollment open/year-round enrollment or per semester? Regular school year enrollment
Does my child have to be potty-trained to attend? yes
Can I bring my child in for a pre-enrollment visit? yes
DAYS & HOURS:
What are the school’s hours? 8:25 – 2:45, M-F
Is the school on a Japanese or American schedule? American
How flexible is the school with pickup and drop-off times? Not flexible
COSTS:
What are the registration fees? There is a registration fee ($75), a curriculum fee ($60) and you have to buy uniforms (from French Toast), school PE shirt ($7)
What are the tuition fees? $175 (but you have to be a member of the Marantha Baptist Church)
If any, what are the assessment and school supplies fees? You have to buy the Abeka curriculum
Are any discounts offered for referrals, siblings, volunteering, working there, etc.? second, third child & cheaper
Is there a late-pickup fee? No, students must be off the property by 2:50
How and when does the school require payment (in yen, dollars, etc.)? Payment is required by the 5th of the month
PARENT INVOLVEMENT & INTERACTION:
Are there parent/teacher conferences? Yes
CLASSROOM STRUCTURE & SIZE:
How are the kids grouped? by school ages (K-4, K-5, 1st grade, etc.)
What is the school’s educational philosophy? Is the school program developmentally-based or does it have an academic focus? Christian based, ABEKA curriculum is taught
Is there a playground for the children to play on? Yes
Are there extracurricular activities or field trips? Yes
How does the school discipline children? They use time outs and trips to the principal’s office. Parents are called to come and [discipline] the child on a second visit to the principal’s office in the same day
FINAL COMMENTS OR OBSERVATIONS ABOUT THE SCHOOL:
This is a great school, if you want to join our church. Ashley is only 4 and can write her name in cursive. She not only is learning her numbers, letters, words, etc, but she is also learning about Jesus, how to pray, and be a good Christian. I am so glad we found this school and Church. Ashley will be attending Kindergarten and 1st grade there, instead of Stearley Heights Elementary School, while we live on Okinawa.