School With A Heart
Bringing the Japanese American community Together since 1989.
Kokoro no Gakko – or “School with a Heart” in English – is a one week summer program dedicated to the culture and arts of Japan and founded to pass on an understanding of Japanese American culture. Children between kindergarten and 6th grade learn traditional Japanese customs and practices through hands-on activities, including bonsai, ikebana, origami, calligraphy, cooking, language arts, singing, and much more. The program closes with an Open House showcasing the cultural skills acquired by the students, a raffle, and potluck dinner. Gakko is held at the Watsonville Buddhist Temple and is a parent-cooperative venture, thriving on the support from all the children’s families and the generosity of the classroom and resource-specific senseis.
Dates: June 22 – June 26, 2026, 9 AM – 3 PM
Enrollment: Students who have completed kindergarten through 6th grades
Tuition: $400 per student ($380 for additional siblings) if registration and payment is received by April 1, 2026 or $450 ($427.50 for additional siblings) thereafter. A hot lunch, with a vegetarian option, each day is included with tuition.
Themes
Each program consists of its own annual theme and activities, so your child has something new to anticipate with each year.
Supplies you own
You’ll be able to utilize or recycle supplies you already have at home to complete lesson activities. We’ll provide you with alternative options as well.
Age-level learning
Our programs are curated for school grade age groups, so every lesson offers the appropriate level of engagement.