Ohana International School: Where Connection and Confidence Thrive
When I asked Shelley Sacks–a preschool educator with nearly five decades of experience and the founder of Ohana International School–why she has dedicated her career to teaching preschool, she said, “I feel like the child in me can live here, in the school, each and every day. When you teach children, I believe that you need to be a child in your classroom; and experience everything through the eyes of a child. When you plan your lessons, they must relate to your students from the eyes of a child, from the senses of a child and from the heart of a child.”
This vested interest in students’ wellbeing is what makes Ohana International School stand out as a nurturing environment for social and emotional development and more. Socialization and self-confidence are the pillars to the school’s educational philosophy, laying the foundation for children to remain present in the physical world as our reality becomes more digital every day. Founded in 2010 and located in Minato Ward, Tokyo, Ohana International School emphasizes in-person connection–to the students, to the parents and to the community.
Heartfelt Approach to Education
Ohana’s curriculum consists of three courses; Buds (15 months to 3 years), Petals (2 ¾ to 4 years) and Flowers (4 to 6 years). In every cohort, children are encouraged to build strong social and emotional skills. In one of the classes, each morning, students engage with a Feelings Board, a reflective exercise where they learn to identify and articulate their emotions. Sacks and her staff prioritize their students’ emotional well-being through these types of awareness exercises, helping to build foundational skills in self-regulation and emotional intelligence. “Of course, every school cares about the children,” says Sacks. “But I’m not driven by certifications or branded trends. I’m driven by a desire to make sure children feel safe internally and externally.”
Ohana’s curriculum emphasizes art, language, music and listening skills, providing a well-rounded education that encourages self-expression and creativity. Every child creates a hardcover portfolio documenting their year—filled with art projects, milestones and special moments—giving students the opportunity to reflect on their learning, and parents have a tangible keepsake of their child’s growth.
Keeping Connections Personal
Ohana International School’s investment in the students extends to the parents as well. While technology is used sparingly in the classrooms to encourage more face-to-face relationship-building and social skills development, the teachers make extensive use of the ClassDojo app. Through this platform, the Ohana staff is able to communicate with parents about upcoming events and schedules. Every day, teachers upload a journal entry, complete with photos, documenting the day’s activities, so parents can stay connected to their children, and they know what is happening in their child’s classroom, even if they do not attend school that day.
Parents also play an integral role in the Ohana educational experience. The school’s open-door policy encourages families to take part in classroom activities and participate in International Months. During these two months each year, all parents are invited to share information about their home countries and cultures with the class. “This also gives the students a chance to learn about their own backgrounds, and to learn from their parents in a new way,” says Sacks.
Although parent participation is optional, Ohana International School parents are generally highly supportive, and Sacks has built strong, personal relationships with many of them. Back when Ohana first opened, Sacks recalls how the school received a plethora of gifts and donations from parents. “We didn’t have to buy a single thing except the furniture,” Sacks recalls.
Clear Commitment
When Sacks once spoke to a parent about what makes Ohana different from other international preschools, this parent said, “Ohana is the only school with a heart.” If Ohana has a heart, that heart indubitably belongs to Sacks.
In speaking with Sacks about her reasons for founding the school, it was unwaveringly clear that her commitment to education stems from her devotion to nurturing her students. Sacks emphasized the importance of instilling children with confidence, independence and a strong sense of self. “Ohana School is a great choice if you want your child to receive an education that deeply emphasizes social responsibility, respect, accountability and self-confidence,” she said.
For international families in Japan, finding the proper preschool for their children is a particular challenge. Language barriers, cultural differences and a variety of educational systems can make it difficult to navigate the options available, but for parents who are prioritizing their child’s wellbeing, Ohana International School offers a unique, heart-centered alternative. This goes hand in hand with their curriculum that embraces aspects of Reggio Emilia, a student-centered education model that emphasizes self-guided curriculum and experiential learning that takes place through Emergent Curriculum. What the children bring to the classroom has so much value in all learning experiences.Ohana International School classes run until 2pm Monday through Friday. In addition, they offer half-day programs until 12:30pm, a rich after school class program until 3:30pm and extended care until 6pm. Summer school courses run for six weeks starting in June, and a one-week winter course is also available.