Kamehameha Schools was founded by the will of Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the great-granddaughter of Kamehameha the Great.
All KS preschools structure their days the same way, building a foundation rooted in Hawaiian culture and values that leads to a strong sense of identity and a lifelong joy of learning.
Arrival
The preschool day starts with parents bringing their keiki to the classroom and signing in. During COVID-19, the arrival process also includes completing a daily wellness check and temperature check.
Circle time or large group meeting
Kumu and haumāna meet as a whole class for instructional time which may include a variety of learning experiences such as morning message, calendar, mele, mo‘olelo, show and tell and the introduction of a new lesson or learning center, etc. Keiki practice and learn important skills and behaviors such as participating in the group life of the classroom, taking turns, following rules, and asking questions — this helps to set a strong foundation for keiki to be ready to learn and to engage appropriately with peers and kumu.
Love, care and responsibility
Kumu create an environment of respectfulness, sincerity, and empathy. Keiki are expected to aloha each other, their environment and their community. Haumāna have individual kuleana to carry out during the day or week, and are encouraged to consider their collective kuleana to their classroom community. This teaches them the value of mālama, which leads to confidence, independence and social and environmental responsibility.
Love, care and responsibility
Kumu create an environment of respectfulness, sincerity, and empathy. Keiki are expected to aloha each other, their environment and their community. Haumāna have individual kuleana to carry out during the day or week, and are encouraged to consider their collective kuleana to their classroom community. This teaches them the value of mālama, which leads to confidence, independence and social and environmental responsibility.
Learning centers
Keiki engage in indoor and outdoor learning centers designed to provide opportunities to learn through Hawaiian culture-based education that promotes the development of gross and fine motor skills, social-emotional skills and academic competencies such as reading, writing, math and science.
Technology integration
Technology is used as an instructional tool that supports the learning process and ‘ohana engagement. Digital tools like the haumāna’s iPad are used to facilitate and document a keiki’s learning and also as a tool to strengthen home-school connections and engagement.
Nap time
Keiki rest in the classroom on their own sleeping mats.
567 South King St
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 523-6200
‘Āina and community