About Our School

Welcome to Mendel Elementary School

Joan K. Mendel Elementary School has students in grades PK, PSCD (Preschool Services for Children with Disabilities) to Grade 5 with an enrollment of approximately 500 students.

The staff includes over sixty well-trained professionals teaching academics, special education and such specialties as art, music, physical education, MLP, AAPS and Japanese culture.

A school nurse, two counselors, a trained school psychologist, and two speech pathologists are also available to attend to student needs. Joan K. Mendel Elementary School has developed a learning environment that rivals and exceeds the standards set by most U.S. schools.

To ensure these high standards, the school maintains accreditation with the North Central Association Commission on School Improvement (NCA CASI) and its parent organization, AdvancED.

About Joan K Mendel

Joan K Mendel (1931-2006) was an exceptional presence in the Yokota educational community for 34 years. When she wasn’t teaching she could be found rescuing stray animals and surrounding herself with the loving faces of the children of Aiji-no-Ie Orphanage.

In 1973 when Yokota East Elementary school opened, Ms. Mendel was one of the first teachers on staff at the school.

Although she never had children of her own, she served as a parent, mentor, and friend to hundreds of children here in Japan. Ms. Mendel volunteered her time at the Aiji-no-Ie Orphanage in Tokyo. She handled collections of clothing, food, and supplies. Ms. Mendel also started a sponsorship program between Yokota East Elementary and the orphanage which continues today.

She was a compassionate person, an exceptional teacher, and a wonderful friend. Ms. Mendel made such an impact on her fellow colleagues and community that it only seemed right to dedicate the school in her name and honor her legacy. When you visit Mendel elementary school, take a look around and you are sure to see Ms. Mendel and the dreams she left behind becoming a reality.