WAT SAN FRAN SCHOOL
WAT SAN FRAN SCHOOLWat San Fran School was founded through the vision of Maechee Neecha Thian-Ngern(Neecha Thian-Ngern), who wanted Thai-American children in the Bay Area to receive thesame opportunities she once had. Maechee Neecha and her older brother, Phra Kru PalatArnold Anandapanyo, were born and raised in the United States. Growing up with mostlynon-Buddhist peers and limited access to Thai cultural environments, they found theirgrounding in Buddhism, Thai manners, and cultural identity through their childhoodeducation at Wat Buddhanusorn School.Through this experience, they learned humility, respect, gratitude, proper Thai etiquette,and core Buddhist values. Recognizing how essential a temple school was in shaping theiridentity, they envisioned offering the same opportunity to Thai-American children today—sothey too can stay connected to their heritage and grow with cultural and spiritual grounding.Founding VisionPhra Kru Palat Arnold AnandapanyoAbbot of San Fran Dhammaram TempleMae Chee Neecha Thian-NgernWat San Fran School Founder
WAT SAN FRAN SCHOOLMission & ImpactWat San Fran School preserves Thai language, culture, classical music, and Buddhistvalues for Thai-American children in the Bay Area. Our mission extends beyondacademics: we aim to nurture respectful, mindful, and grateful young Buddhists whoembody humility, kindness, compassion, and gratitude.For many Thai-American children, the temple is the only place where they encounterBuddhism. Their schools, peers, and surrounding environment are predominantly nonBuddhist, which leaves little opportunity to learn Buddhist principles. Without the temple,these children may grow up without ever accessing the teachings of the Buddha that guidehumility, generosity, compassion, and wisdom.Our school ensures that children can learn and internalize these values from a young age,so that as they grow, these teachings remain rooted in their character.Through our Thai Language Program, Thai Classical Music Program, Summer School,and year-round Religious & Cultural Activities, students develop cultural identity, personaldiscipline, and deep respect for Thai traditions.
WAT SAN FRAN SCHOOLSchool Leadership & GovernanceWat San Fran School is led by Kru Ting, RachayaKruekrongsuk, who first joined the school as aChulalongkorn University Volunteer Teacher in 2011.She continued supporting the program for severalyears and, in 2018, became the Head Teacher andSchool Director. Since then, she has overseeninstruction, curriculum development, teacher training,and student programming, ensuring continuity andgrowth.Kru Ting is a locally based educator employeddirectly by San Fran Dhammaram Temple, receivingcompensation at the local minimum wage. Shemanages the school’s academic programs, culturalactivities, and coordination with the temple.Wat San Fran School operates under San FranDhammaram Temple and its abbot, Phra Kru PalatArnold Anandapanyo, founded under the guidanceof Maechee Neecha Thian-Ngern. For years, thetemple carried the majority of the school’sexpenses. Due to rising financial challenges, thetemple can no longer sustain the annual deficit,creating an urgent need for community and donorsupport.Kru Ting Rachaya KruekrongsukIn addition, the school receives support from Chulalongkorn University VolunteerTeachers, with 2–4 volunteers rotating each year depending on student enrollment andprogram needs. These volunteers enrich the learning environment and reinforce theschool's connection to Thailand.Volunteer Teachers year 2025From Chulalongkorn University
WAT SAN FRAN SCHOOLEach academic year, our school serves approximately 45–50 students, with enrollmentincreasing significantly in recent years. Demand now exceeds our capacity, and we nowmaintain a waiting list because we cannot accommodate all interested families.During the regular terms (Fall and Spring), the Thai language program is organized into eightlevels, and the Thai music program into six levels, with classes offered on Saturdays andSundays.Students also learn Buddhist teachings and Thai cultural values through year-round activitiesand participate in major cultural celebrations such as Songkran, Loy Krathong, and otherimportant Thai holidays. These experiences help students stay connected to their heritageand develop a strong sense of cultural identity.Student Enrollment
WAT SAN FRAN SCHOOLOur Thai language program uses the Sawasdee curriculum designed by Sali Silapasatham,created specifically for students learning Thai as a second language. The curriculum buildsessential listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills while introducing students to keyaspects of Thai culture and, at advanced levels, Thai literature.Classroom activities are tailored to each level to support effective learning and help studentsprogress confidently while staying connected to their cultural roots.Thai language Classes
WAT SAN FRAN SCHOOLOur Thai classical music program is divided into six levels and offers instruction in a varietyof instruments, including the Khim, Saw, Klui, Ranad, and Thai percussion. Students maychoose their preferred instrument based on their interests, with most choosing the Khim orthe Ranad Ek. The curriculum is uniquely developed by Wat San Fran School and includeschildren’s songs, traditional Thai repertoire, Western music, and pop songs.Thai Classical Music Classes
WAT SAN FRAN SCHOOLOur Summer School Program operates five days a week, providing consistent and focusedpractice in Thai language and Thai music, resulting in clear and noticeable progress.Students also deepen their understanding of Buddhism through activities such as offeringlunch to the monks, listening to Dhamma sermons, chanting, and participating in communityservice.In addition, students take part in cultural activities that strengthen their appreciation of Thaitraditions. These include hands-on projects—such as kite making, crafting lotus flowers, andtie-dye fabric art—as well as traditional ceremonies held during the summer term, includingWai Kru Day and Mother’s Day. These activities help students build confidence, gratitude,and a meaningful connection to their heritage.Thai music ensemble Jataka stage playSummer School Program
WAT SAN FRAN SCHOOLPlaylists:Thai Music Lessons | WSF SchoolPlaylists:Thai Class Lessons | สื่อสื่การสอนชาภาษาไทยPlaylists:Performances | WSF SchoolPlaylists:Graduation | WSF SchoolWe provide supplementary learning materials through the Watsanfran YouTube Channel,where we offer Thai language and Thai music instructional videos. These resources allowchildren and anyone interested to access learning materials conveniently—supportingmodern learning that makes effective use of technology. In addition to instructionalmaterials, we also provide Daily Sermon for Kids in both English and Thai, delivered by PhraKru Palat Anandapanyo, offering Buddhist teachings that help children learn aboutBuddhism and develop the qualities of a good young Buddhist.We also feature videos showcasing our students’ work, including Thai music performances,traditional dance, theater productions, and annual highlight reels.Playlists:Daily Sermon for Kids (EN)Playlists:ธรรมเทศนาประจำ วัน สำ หรับรัเกTeaching Resources on YouTube
WAT SAN FRAN SCHOOLTeacher Appreciation CeremonySongkran’s DayAsalha Puja DayTriple circumambulationSongkran’s DayMother’s Day Loy kra tongCultural & Religious Activities
WAT SAN FRAN SCHOOLMaking Lotus Flowers Flower GarlandCultural & Religious ActivitiesTie-dye T-shirts Making KiteVolunteer Activity Making Thai dessert
WAT SAN FRAN SCHOOLKlui - Thai Music Thai Music EnsembleCultural & Religious ActivitiesThai dance Thai danceThai dance Anklung - Thai Music
WAT SAN FRAN SCHOOLTestimonial from parentsOur experience with the Thai School at Wat San Fran has been truly exceptional. From thevery beginning, the temple has fostered a warm, safe, and welcoming environment wherechildren can learn, grow, and feel completely at home. The teachers are hands-on andclearly hand-picked for their dedication, kindness, and passion for teaching. Their genuinecare creates a nurturing atmosphere that supports each child’s unique journey.We would especially like to recognize Khru Ting, whose dedication has made a remarkabledifference. She has worked tirelessly to improve the program, bringing thoughtfulstructure, clear guidelines, and a strong sense of organization to both the classes and theoverall experience. Her commitment extends beyond the classroom—she consistentlymakes herself available to parents whenever needed, offering guidance, support, and opencommunication that we truly appreciate.One of the many highlights for our family is that our daughter has had the opportunity tolearn the khim, a traditional Thai instrument. Watching her develop new skills whiledeepening her connection to Thai culture has been incredibly rewarding. Her confidencehas blossomed, and she has formed meaningful friendships with other Thai children at theschool.The sense of community is something truly special. Older kids naturally look after theyounger ones, creating a family-like bond that makes every child feel supported andvalued. Our daughter enjoys being at the temple so much that she often chooses toattend classes and activities there—even over her school friends’ birthday parties. Thatalone speaks volumes about the joy and belonging she feels in this environment.We are deeply grateful to be part of the Thai School at Wat San Fran. It is more than aplace of learning—it is a loving, cultural home where children thrive, families connect, andThai heritage is celebrated with heart.Parent of Naomi
WAT SAN FRAN SCHOOL“The school has helped both of my daughtersgrow in many ways, not only the opportunities forthem to learn Thai language, Thai instrumentsbut they also learn Thai cultures. And for them tobe able to meet other Thai kids and be part ofthe Thai community, it makes Wat San FranSchool a very special place for our family. Weare very grateful to have Wat San Fran school inour community.”Testimonial from parents“Another thing that has truly impressed our family isthe learning environment—never pressured orstressful, but instead encouraging children to loveand enjoy learning. Piper, who once refused to learnmusic and was afraid of trying anything new, has nowopened her heart to learning the Khim. She evenpractices on her own without being told and oftensays how much she loves Thai music.Wat San Fran Dhammaram has become a place where children feel safe and happy toattend each week. It’s a place that helps Thai children learn about Thai culture andprovides a safe, supportive community for them.”Parent of Piper & PearleParents of Casey & Emily
WAT SAN FRAN SCHOOLTestimonial from Students“การที่ได้มาวัด ดรีมรี ได้เรียรีนภาษาไทยที่ใช้สื่ช้สื่อสื่สารกับครอบครัวรัที่นี่ และที่ไทย ได้สั่งอาหารและอ่านเมนูเนูองโดยไม่ต้ม่ ต้องพึ่งพึ่พ่อพ่แม่ ได้เรียรีนดนตรีไรีทยเช่นช่ขิมขิที่ดรีมรีเล่นมา 13 ปีแปีล้ว ซึ่งซึ่เป็นป็ ประสบการณ์ที่ณ์ที่แตกต่างจากเด็กอเมริกัริกันคนอื่นๆ แล้วที่สำ คัญที่สุด คือได้เรียรีนรู้ศรู้าสนาพุทพุธ วัฒนธรรมและประเพณีไณีทยที่ใช้กัช้ กับครอบครัวรัและชุมชนไทย ดรีมรีก็ยังยัได้ใช้คช้วามรู้นี้รู้นี้แบ่งบ่ ปันปักับคนอื่น ๆ เช่นช่ทำ Thai Club ที่โรงเรียรีนดรีมรีก็ได้รับรัมิตมิรภาพที่มั่นมั่คง และครอบครัวรัที่ใจดี พร้อร้มช่วช่ยและดูแดูลนักนัเรียรีนเสมอ”ดรีมรี (อายุ 17 ปี)Translation“Coming to the temple has allowed me to learn Thai and use it to communicate with myfamily both here and in Thailand. I can now order food and read menus on my ownwithout relying on my parents. I have also learned Thai music, especially the khim,which I have been playing for 13 years—an experience very different from mostAmerican kids.Most importantly, I have learned about Buddhism, Thai culture, and Thai traditions thatI can use with my family and within the Thai community. I’ve even been able to sharewhat I’ve learned with others through starting a Thai Club at my school.I have gained long-lasting friendships and a kind, caring community that alwayssupports its students.Dream (age 17)
WAT SAN FRAN SCHOOLTestimonial from Studentsภาคิน (อายุ 17 ปี)Translation“My experiences at the temple shaped my childhood. I built lifelong friendships andlearned important lessons that I will carry throughout my life. I remember going tothe temple with my mom every Sunday. At that time, my Thai wasn’t fluent—Icouldn’t read or write. But once I started Thai language and ranad lessons at WatSan Fran, I didn’t just improve my Thai. I found friends who feel like family andbecame part of the temple community.I also ordained as a novice monk to deepen my understanding of Buddhism. Themost important thing I want to share is this: I grew up because of Wat San Fran.”Pakin (age 17)
WAT SAN FRAN SCHOOLTestimonial from Studentsแวนด้า (อายุ 9 ปี)วัดซานฟรานได้สอนบทเรียรีนชีวิชีวิตและทักษะสำ คัญที่เอมใช้ใช้นทุกทุวัน ที่วัดสอนเอมเรื่อรื่งวัฒนธรรมไทยพุทพุธศาสนา ดนตรีไรีทย และภาษาไทย คุณคุครูของเอมสนับนัสนุนนุและช่วช่ยให้เห้อมพัฒพันาขึ้นขึ้ตลอดช่วช่งเวลาที่เอมอยู่ที่ยู่ที่วัดวัดซานฟรานได้ช่วช่ยให้เห้อมเติบโตเป็นป็คนที่ดีขึ้นขึ้เอม (อายุ 14 ปี)แวนด้ารู้สึรู้กมีคมีวามสุขมากในการไปเรียรีน ดีใจที่ได้ไปเรียรีน ชอบเรียรีนขิมขิกับภาษาไทยมาก แรก ๆ ตีขิมขิยาก แต่ครูช่วช่ยหนู ทำ ให้หนูไนูด้ลอง และตอนนี้หนี้นูสนูามารถตีได้หลายเพลง ครูที่วัด veryhelpful and kindตอนหนูเนูรียรีนภาษาไทย หนูสนูนุกนุมาก ครูช่วช่ยให้หห้นูสนูามารถเขียขีนคำ ศัพศัท์ภาษาไทยได้เยอะTranslation“Wat San Fran has taught me life lessons and essential skills that I use every day.I learned about Thai culture, Buddhism, Thai music, and the Thai language. Myteachers always supported me and helped me grow throughout my time at thetemple. Wat San Fran has helped me become a better person.”Aim (age 14)Translation“I am always happy when I go to class. I love learning the khim and Thailanguage. At first, the khim was difficult, but my teachers helped me try, andnow I can play many songs. The teachers at the temple are very helpful and kind.Thai class is fun, and my teachers helped me learn to write many Thai words.”Vanda (age 9)
WAT SAN FRAN SCHOOLWat San Fran School relies on community support to sustain its programs andensure that Thai-American children continue to receive high-quality instruction inThai language, classical music, culture, and Buddhist values. Your contributiondirectly supports the core elements that keep the school operating and accessible tofamilies.Our key funding priorities include:Teacher compensation and program coordinationEnsuring consistent, high-quality instruction in both language and music.Classroom materials and educational suppliesIncluding textbooks, worksheets, cultural craft materials, and learning tools.Musical instrument maintenance and replacementSupporting students in the Thai Classical Music Program.Facility needs and insuranceProviding a safe, stable environment for learning and community activities.Cultural and religious eventsSuch as Songkran, Loy Krathong, Wai Kru Day, Mother’s Day, and other Thaitraditions celebrated throughout the year.Summer School Program supportCovering intensive language, music, cultural workshops, and Buddhist activities.Student scholarshipsHelping families with financial need access our programs.Your generosity helps preserve Thai heritage, strengthen cultural identity, andensure the sustainability of Wat San Fran School for future generations.Program Needs & Funding Priorities