About

History Link to this section

The Clarendon Second Community program was founded in 1972 by parents who wanted to extend the cooperative nursery school model – in which parents are key resources on both the classroom and administrative levels – to a public elementary school. Over the years, the school has developed a tradition of collaborative learning built on strong relationships among students, teachers, and families. Second Community continues to evolve as a leader in defining ways for teachers and parents to partner in achieving excellence in education.

Philosophy Link to this section

Clarendon Second Community’s mission is to cultivate a high-quality learning environment that respects children as individuals and enables them to realize their full potential. We believe in educating the whole child, with attention to social, emotional, physical, as well as intellectual growth. As a collaborative school, we seek to develop a strong sense of partnership and positive relationships among all members of the community: children, teachers, staff, and parents. 

Our core values include:

1. All students should learn to live and work in a world that is characterized by interdependence and cultural diversity.

2. All individuals are entitled to be treated with dignity and respect.

3. All individuals can learn and are both potential learners as well as teachers.

History

In 1973, concerned members of the Japanese-American community came together with a shared goal — to give affirmation to their culture and ancestry. From this spirit emerged the Japanese Bilingual Bicultural Program (JBBP), a program that has served as a national model for integration of language and cultural studies in elementary school education.

In its initial decade, JBBP was located at a number of sites. In 1982 JBBP moved to the Clarendon site, sharing the site and resources with the Second Community Program. At this new site, JBBP has prospered.

The JBBP program embraces children of non-English speaking Japanese families, Japanese-American children, as well as children from other backgrounds. This culturally-diverse environment nurtures respect for people different from oneself, an important ingredient in the learning experience.

Clarendon JBBP promotes educational excellence while fostering an appreciation of international diversity. It is one of the few public elementary school programs in the nation where children can learn about Japanese language and culture. At the same time, Clarendon’s JBBP students excel in the standard California state curriculum, consistently scoring in the top ranks of San Francisco elementary school students on standardized tests.

Clarendon JBBP continues to flourish because of the strength of the people who dedicate their time and energy to it. A shared commitment to providing every child the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed, is at the center of our program, paving the way for future generations.The Japanese Speaking Society of America first made a request to the San Francisco Unified School District to establish a Japanese Bilingual and Bicultural Program in 1969.

OUR MISSION

• To help Japanese Americans/Japanese speaking students stay connected to their heritage and to provide opportunities for non-Japanese students to learn and love Japanese language and culture

• To provide indelible experiences for students so that they may become life-long learners of Japanese language and culture

• Through opportunities and experiences, foster an appreciation for all cultures and languages amongst students and enhance their awareness of social justice and the importance of respect for all

OUR PHILOSOPHY

The Japanese Bilingual Bicultural Program focuses on integrating Japanese language and culture into the school day and school year. The success is supported by the dedication of the teachers, program coordinators, parents, volunteers, and alumni, who always come back.

JBBP believes that cultural studies are essential to expanding children's awareness of the world and its rich possibilities. As such, JBBP provides students a window on global issues, international diversity, and world geography. While Japanese language and culture is the center of our program, the love of the language and culture is used to help children appreciate the language and culture of others. JBBP is committed to a vision of education that:

• Embraces cultural diversity and respect for others

• Builds social and community relationships

• Promotes emotional and physical development through sports and group activities

• Nurtures creative expression and communication abilities through the arts

• Fosters intellectual growth

• Develops solid problem-solving skills