What does a "day in the life of a Makotoling look like?

  • 2:30-3:45pm:  Pick up from school and transported back  to the dojo.
  • 3:45-4:15pm:  Fuel (snack) time plus get ready for training.
  • 4:15-5:00pm:  Training time... in the martial arts, conditioning and meditation.
  • 5:00-6:00pm:  Quiet time for school work. Or fun community time with  peers.


Makotolings can be picked up any time after training ends. If a Makotoling needs to be picked up earlier than 5:00pm, just let the staff know. They will keep your child out of class. 

"Makoto -- and Sensei La France -- is teaching this kids to be responsible in life. How wonderful! We are so glad our grandson attends this program".  -- M. Lerch

Is Makoto a full-year program?
Makoto is a full SCHOOL-YEAR program. If you enroll, you enroll for the entire school

year. Makoto does offer a fun Summer Camp program for families who are interested in

utilizing the Makoto program year round.  But a member does not have to attend all of Makoto Summer Camps. You can choose the weeks you want to attend. 

​faqs

Makoto picks up from which schools:
​For the 2023-2024 school year, Makoto will pick up kids from:

​

​​       Beaver Creek Elementary              Shamona Creek Elementary        

       Downingtown Middle School        Springton Manor Elementary

       East Ward Elementary                    St. Elizabeth's Parish School 

       K.D. Markley Elementary                STEM

       Lionville Elementary                        Uwchlan Hills Elementary     

       Lionville Middle School                   West Chester EAST High School   

       Marsh Creek 6th Grade Center     Willistown Montessori (Malvern)

       Pickering Valley Elementary        

      

What is the latest time for pick up?
We ask that parents pick up their Makoto members no later than 6:00pm. Traffic however, does happen. If a parent is going to be later than 6:00pm, he must call his respective Makoto location to let them know. We do NOT charge late fees unless lateness becomes a habit. 

Does Makoto offer before care?
No. Makoto is an after-school program only. We do not offer before care.

Is Makoto open on minor holidays and school In-service days?
YES! Makoto follows the Downingtown School District Calendar and offers help 

(for a small additional fee) on all minor holidays... In-service days... and Spring

Break. And on these days we always take the campers somewhere fun such as

Skyzone Trampoline Park... rollerskating... Go-N-Bananas Family Fun Center...

the movies... etc. Makoto also picks up on Early Dismissal and Half days for no additional fee. 

If I enroll my son in Makoto does he need to attend five (5) days per week?
Makoto is a leadership program... not just after-school care. It is important that students attend often in order to learn and progress. We therefore, accept students who will attend three (3) or five (5) days a week. Pricing does vary depending on which weekly selection is chosen. And we do offer a special option for families who do seasonal sports, as well as discounts for employees of Citadel, Merc, Pfizer and Vanguard.