Accreditation
ISACS — Japhet School is an accredited member of the Independent Schools Association of the Central States. The purpose of ISACS is to promote the development of strong learning communities characterized by high achievement, social responsibility, and independence of governance, programs and policies. This goal is achieved through a rigorous accreditation process, targeted professional development programs, and focused support services. Japhet’s most recent certificate of accreditation (our fifth, on a cycle that repeats every seven years) was received in 2021 and is dated through 2028.
AIMS — Japhet is a member of the Association of Independent Michigan Schools, which is a non-profit organization of primary, elementary, and secondary schools whose purpose is to support and advance independent education in Michigan. AIMS provides leadership and support to member schools in developing and maintaining the highest possible standards of educational programs and professional and ethical conduct. All Japhet staff members participate in the full-day, bi-annual AIMS conference in the fall.
Awards
National School of Character Award — Japhet School was honored as the first independent school in the country — and the first school in Michigan — to receive a National Schools of Character Award. The annual National Schools of Character Award is presented to K-12 schools that demonstrate exemplary programs that encourage the social and ethical development of their students, while maintaining strong academic standards. It was developed to recognize outstanding character education initiatives that yield positive results in student behavior, school climate and academic performance. The Award is sponsored and administered by the Character Education Partnership (CEP) in Washington, D.C. Since becoming a National School of Character, Japhet School has hosted our own annual character conference for teachers and parents, and we have been invited to be teachers-of-teachers as other schools and districts strive to launch their own character education initiatives.
Michigan Schools of Character — The first Michigan Schools of Character were recognized in 2009. As a National School of Character, Japhet does not apply for this award; however, Japhet staff chair the Michigan Department of Education program that sustains the MSOC program. The Michigan Schools of Character program is a state branch of the CEP.
Michigan Green School — In 2009, Oakland County named us a “Michigan Green School” and since that time we have reached the very top “Evergreen” status as a Green School. As a school we practice environmental responsibility by recycling (paper, plastics, batteries, cell phones, toner, etc.), reusing magazines and newspapers, offering ecological resource materials in the library, integrate the study of environmentally sound practices into the curriculum, planting Michigan-native plants in our gardens, collaborate with businesses and environmental organizations, and more.
Outstanding School in America — Target Corporation.
Individual Teacher Awards — Japhet educators have won awards for their individual talents as teachers, such as Metro Parent magazine’s Golden Apple teacher award, American Music Foundation award for curriculum integration, and Teacher of the Year award by the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
