The Hanahau‘oli School Professional Development Center
Growing Progressive Philosophy & Pedagogy
hanahau‘oli is Joyous Work
Hanahau‘oli School nurtures life-long learners – children, teachers, and parents. Since the school’s founding in 1918, Hanahau‘oli honors the natural way Junior Kindergarten - 6th Grade children learn – through doing – by making learning exciting, challenging and enjoyable. Our intimate and nurturing learning community supports connections between home and school and the world, respecting and celebrating the uniqueness of the Hanahau‘oli child while appreciating the interconnectedness that defines our learning ‘ohana. Grounded in tradition yet embracing of innovation, we perpetuate “joyous work,” committed to being a resource and symbol of learning’s potential.
Progressive educators should care about the design of their software as much as they care about the design of their classrooms. And for the first time, we can finally do something about it.
The Samuel N. and Mary Castle Foundation concentrates its efforts on creating greater social equality and opportunity through increasing access to high quality pre-K education, and since its inception has been deeply invested in growing the American progressive education movement in Hawai‘i and beyond.
Hanahau‘oli School Instagram
““Hanahau‘oli is my sanctuary, where I’ve met so many amazing people, friends, and teachers, have uncovered talents and discoveries, and most importantly, where I learned to use my hands and hear my heart.””

In her research on the successful transfer of professional development learning to classroom practice, Dr. Sara L. Wicht (2024; 2025) outlines six facilitating conditions that support professional development (PD) implementation after the workshop or PD experience.