We believe that democratic communities thrive when individuals learn how to think for themselves and collaborate with others. We aim to reflect the diversity of the larger society, creating a community in which each individual and family is honored, nurtured, and valued as playing an important role in strengthening the whole. We balance individual interests and needs with those of the community. Integrating school life with the home and world, we embrace our kuleana - as both leaders and followers - to care for self, others, our environment, and our world. We know that children who feel loved by their school, love school.es here

We believe that play is the work of children and that joyous work makes for a flourishing life. We honor childhood as its own distinctive and important stage of life, a magical time filled with wonder and possibility, and a uniquely formative opportunity to develop a child’s initiative and ignite a lifelong passion for learning. We believe that the individual child is the starting point of education - their interests, experiences, and readiness inform teaching and learning. Following the lead of children, we are curious above all -- learning not only from experience, but also by reflecting on experience.

We believe that kilo (careful and continuous observation) and communication are essential tools for navigating a changing world. Because we see Hawai‘i’s unique geography, culture, history and people as sources of knowledge, we connect learning to place and ʻāina. We kilo to learn, and learn to use our voice, developing perspective, compassion, and adaptability. Like a clearing in the clouds, our school is a kipuka for children and adults, where it’s safe to think freely, be oneself, and express diverse ideas.

We believe that education is both a science and an art. Just as children are natural scientists, we foster the systematic study of ourselves and the world through observation, experimentation, and the testing of theories against evidence. We draw upon research and progressive education principles to grow as a learning community. We create and enjoy art - in all its forms - as it promotes creative and critical thinking, inspires connections, offers diversity in expression, and sparks wonder, beauty, and joy.

We believe that tradition is essential for perpetuating joyous work and that innovation is critical for progress. While traditions teach and connect us across generations, foundational to progressivism is the constancy of change. Former Hanahau‘oli Head of School Louisa Palmer reflected in 1937, “Progressive education is a moving, dynamic, changing education ... a living thing, growing, continuously having to change because of the three great changing elements with which we deal - children, environment and civilization or culture.” Serving as a model, we strive to lead by example, to innovate and experiment, to be an inspiration and resource to progressive educators everywhere. We believe education has the power and potential to create a more equitable future.