On August 4, Kaua‘i North Shore residents witnessed a cherished community dream come true: the opening of the public, tuition-free, post-primary school for the districts of Koʻolau and Haleleʻa. This achievement by Namahana School capped six years of meticulous planning, including a thorough community engagement process, the charter school application and a continuing intensive fundraising campaign to build a dedicated campus.

Mahalo to media across Hawaiʻi for all their coverage of Namahana’s opening across web and TV. Here, some highlights to check out…

Last week, we ran a unique Instagram campaign: we asked local businesses or influencers to share a post. If 50 did, a very generous donor would gift Namahana $50,000 towards building our permanent middle school classrooms. Thanks to the support of the community, we easily flew by that goal of 50 posts, gained over 167,000 views, and secured the $50,000 match. 

Most of us know that safe, clean drinking water is essential for everyone. Now, thanks to the Rosalyn and Joseph Newman Foundation, the students and staff at Namahana School have access to great water, with their Foundation donating two FloWater systems to the school. 

The effort to prepare our temporary 7th and 8th grade classrooms continued over the last few weeks, with the North Shore Lion’s Club stepping up to build tables for our classrooms. The work looks great, and we are grateful for all the time and donations that went into this effort. 

Congratulations to Dr. Kapua Chandler, Namahana School Leader, for being named by “Pacific Business News” as a 40 Under 40 Honoree. The annual 40 Under 40 recognizes young leaders throughout the state for achievements in their professional lives, as well as in the community. 

Students say Namahana is “amazing,” with a “different way of teaching style” that makes learning meaningful and fun. Programs like Ulu ʻĀina Day give them the chance to connect with the land and community through hands-on experiences. One student shared that Namahana has “helped me rebuild my confidence” and shown them that “communicating is a big key in make friends.”

Kīlauea, Hawai‘i — On August 4, Kaua‘i North Shore residents witnessed a cherished community dream come true: the opening of the public, tuition-free, post-primary school for the districts of Ko‘olau and Halele‘a. This achievement by Namahana School capped six years of meticulous planning, including a thorough community engagement process, the charter school application and a continuing intensive fundraising campaign to build a dedicated campus.

Over a decade in the making, the countdown is on to the first day of school at Namahana! Many of our staff and kumu (pictured above) are busy preparing. As Namahana’s mentor from Big Picture Learning says, "this first day of school will only happen once.”

We are thrilled to welcome and introduce our founding Kumu (teachers) for Namahana School. The kumu are very excited about Namahanaʻs innovative school design, have experience and a deep interest in 'āina-based learning, and are passionate about supporting learners and their unique interests.  

For the second year in a row, The Vehr Family Foundation pledged $100,000 to Namahana if 100 people donated $1 or more to our middle school classrooms campaign. In just two weeks, our community came together to help us surpass 100 donors, secure the $100K match, and raise an additional $137,164. 

Mahalo to the Kauaʻi North Shore Lions Club, Honsador, and Garden Island Sheds & Portable Storage for their support building tables for the students. Honsador donated the building materials, and Garden Island Sheds & Portable Storage donated a container rental for project.

For John and Jody Vehr, coming to Kīlauea felt like coming home. The Arizona-based couple at the helm of the Vehr Family Foundation first visited the North Shore in 2015 and immediately fell in love with the area around Kauapea Beach…

For the second year in a row, an incredibly generous donor has pledged $100,000 to Namahana if 100 people donate $1 or more to our middle school classrooms campaign. Last year’s effort was a huge success: the community pulled together and we reached 100 donors in 6 days, unlocked the $100,000, and raised an additional $50,000 in the process.  We believe our community can have a greater impact this year!  

We’re thrilled to share a short video that beautifully captures Namahana and the community behind it.  It’s a powerful story that reflects the values and vision we are all building together.  We hope it moves you as much as it moved us.

Congratulations to Dr. Kapua Chandler, Namahana School Leader, for being named a Pacific Business News “40 Under 40” honoree! Kapua is being recognized for being the visionary leader and driving force behind the creation of Namahana School.

Mahalo to our Kaua’i delegation for securing this critical funding for Namahana School. If you missed our announcement on Instagram, check it out here.  

With this grant and other recent gifts, we’ve now raised 80% of our $10 million goal. We’re working hard to close the last $2M by the end of June, as we prepare to welcome our very first 7th and 8th graders to our temporary site this August! 

Mahalo nui to all of those who have been helping prepare our temporary campus for students this August!  We welcome you to join us at the Kula campus on Saturday, 6/22 and/or Friday, 7/12 from 9AM–12PM for ʻohana work days. Simply wear comfy clothes and come ready to have fun and lend a hand.  

Please RSVP to taeko@namahanafoundation.org. We’ll send you a short list of helpful items to bring when you sign up.  All are welcome to join.

Namahana School’s Dr. Kapua Chandler and Taeko Onishi recently joined the Hawai‘i State Charter Commission and global colleagues from Big Picture Learning schools across the U.S., Caribbean, Canada, Africa, and Europe for an International Conference. Hosted by Big Picture Learning Australia, Kapua and Taeko were joined on the trip by the Executive Director of the State of Hawaiʻi Charter School Commission, Ed Noh. 

In preparation for the upcoming school year, hiring continues at Namahana School.  Six Kumu and one Special Education Kumu have been hired. Leadership continues to actively hire for the following positions:

• Student Health Steward

• Campus Steward

• Educational Assistant

• Teachers