Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha Preschools
O ke kahua ma mua ma hope ke kūkulu. Build the foundation first then the site.
CONTENTS 1 Our Vision for Haumāna: Kupuohi 2 Pae ‘Āina Impact & Locations 4 World-Class Learning Environments 6 Hawaiian Culture-Based Education 8 Hawaiian & Christian Values 10 Whole Child Development 12 ‘Ohana Engagement 14 Nuturing Future ‘Ōiwi Leaders 15 Portrait of a Preschool Graduate 17 Pauahi’s Legacy Lives On
OUR VISION VISION FOR HAUMĀNA FOR HAUMĀNA
KUPUOHI represents to flourishnew andgrowth grow vigorously rising with strength and potential Kupuohi expresses our vision for every Like a young fern unfurling, our haumāna. Inspired by the ʻōlelo noʻeau, keiki are nurtured with intention Mōhala maikaʻi ke oho o ke kupukupu and care. —“Unfolded well are the fronds of the fern”— has a purpose Guided Each by Kefrond Ali‘i Pauahi’s vision,in the life of the fern and contributes to the forest Kupuohi affirms our commitment floor from which it grows and nurtures. to nurturing the gentle unfurling of a lifelong love of learning and We envisionrooted each keiki unfolding their leadership, in Hawaiian unique culture.gifts and potential, thriving in E Ola!, and contributing positively to their ʻohana and the lāhui.
1 Our Vision for Haumāna: Kupuohi
CONNECTING COMMUNITIES TO KE ALI‘I PAUAHI’S LEGACY Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha Preschools started with just a few classrooms. Today, it has grown to a statewide network of 30 sites on five islands, with 89 classrooms with the capacity to serve more than 1,700 keiki and their ʻohana. Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha Preschools fulfills Ke Aliʻi Pauahi’s vision by expanding access to early education for keiki.
“We are excited for our keiki to learn in a place where our values are lived every day. A place where caring for the land, uplifting others, and perpetuating Hawaiian traditions are part of his daily experience. We know that at Kamehameha Schools, our son will be guided to see the world through the lens of our kūpuna. He will learn to understand the balance between giving and receiving, and recognize his kuleana to contribute positively to his people and his home.” - ‘Ohana Mana‘o
3 Pae ‘Āina Impact & Locations
OUR EDUCATIONAL APPROACH A Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha Preschools education features:
Safe, nurturing environments that prioritize keiki well-being, quality facilities, licensing, and accreditation Keiki-centered, whole-child learning that is developmentally appropriate and responsive to each child High-quality early education grounded in Hawaiian CultureBased Education, E Ola! learner outcomes and Hawaiian and Christian values Strong pilina and kuleana to ʻāina and kaiāulu through culturally grounded, ʻāina-based learning Meaningful partnerships with ʻohana and kaiāulu through education, engagement, and empowerment
“I like that my child feels like she is with family when she is at school. I feel safe bringing her there and love that my child is learning to be proud of who she is and where she comes from.” - ‘Ohana Mana‘o
“I trust the kumu to keep my keiki safe and make them feel comfortable learning. The ‘ike on Hawaiian culture, language, and mele has been outstanding! The communication with ‘ohana and keiki about how to prepare for things that’s happening, and how to continue the learning is excellent. The KS preschool system seems to be the best available in our community, in terms of schedule, teacher to student ratios, facilities, resources, and affordability.” - ‘Ohana Mana‘o
5 World-Class Learning Environments
HAWAIIAN CULTURE-BASED EDUCATION
Hawaiian Culture-Based Education (HCBE) brings E Ola! to life by grounding learning in Hawaiian culture, values, ʻike, ʻāina, and relationships. Through meaningful, culturally grounded experiences, keiki build the foundation to thrive as ʻōiwi learners and leaders. Build a strong foundation through ʻike kūpuna, aloha ʻāina, and kūpono Keiki learn through ancestral knowledge, Hawaiian perspectives and practices, connection to ʻāina, and values that nurture strong character. Strengthen Native Hawaiian appreciation through mālama, kuleana, alakaʻi lawelawe, and kūlia. HCBE helps keiki understand who they are, their responsibilities to others, and how they can lead through service and strive for excellence. Develop confident and capable learners Culturally grounded learning strengthens academic competence, growth mindset, self-efficacy, problem solving, creativity, collaboration, and global competence. Nurture pilina with ʻāina, ʻohana, and kaiāulu Place-based experiences help keiki see themselves as part of an interconnected community and develop kuleana to care for the people and places around them. Promote E Ola! and whole-child well-being HCBE supports the cultural, spiritual, social, emotional, physical, economic, and cognitive well-being keiki need to thrive and contribute to a vibrant lāhui.
7 Hawaiian Culture-Based Education
HAWAIIAN & CHRISTIAN VALUES The Hawaiian and Christian values of aloha, mālama and kuleana, as exemplified by Ke Aliʻi Pauahi, are an integral part of the Kamehameha preschool environment and curriculum. We nurture these values in all that we do.
ALOHA Aloha kekahi i kekahi. (Love one another.) God is love, he loves us, we love each other. “Love one another.” John 13:34
MĀLAMA
E mālama mau. (Always take care.) Care for one another and God’s creations. “Care for one another.” 1 Corinthians 12:25
KULEANA
E hana i ke kuleana. (Be responsible.) Responsibilities which accompany our blessings from God. “Everyone must do their own work.” Galatians 6:5
“There is much care and dedication that goes into instilling Hawaiian and Christian values into the curriculum so our keiki have a well-rounded educational experience while being rooted in their those values. A lot of what they do in class carries over at home because of the clear communication between kumu and makua and it’s something that I appreciate and cherish as my child learns and grows with the program.” ‘Ohana Mana‘o 9 Hawaiian & Christian Values
WHOLE CHILD DEVELOPMENT Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha Preschools build a strong kahua by nurturing the whole child—mind, body, spirit, and emotional wellness. Keiki develop confidence and social-emotional strength, so they are prepared to succeed in kindergarten and beyond.
“What I most like about Kamehameha Schools preschools is the unique, culturebased approach, deeply rooting our keiki in Hawaiian culture, nā mea waiwai, ‘ōlelo, and connection to the ‘āina through pule, oli, mele, fostering confidence, strong character, and a lifelong love for learning, preparing them to become future leaders with a proud sense of self. - ‘Ohana Mana‘o
11 Whole Child Development
‘OHANA ENGAGEMENT Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha Preschools welcomes ‘ohana as partners in learning. ‘Ohana may volunteer to share their special talents, professions, and ‘ike with their keikiʻs class. These personalized lessons offer much richness to keiki learning. There are also many opportunities to visit kula for special events, to support project-based learning, to chaperone huaka‘i, and much more.
“I love that our child is learning through hands-on application. Many, if not all concepts learned can be applied to real life or refer to Hawai‘i history. We as parents have also learned so much as the kumu have allowed us to be involved in many learning opportunities, attending piko, huaka‘i, meeting other parents and finding ways to support our keiki at home.” - ‘Ohana Mana‘o
13 ‘Ohana Engagement
NUTURING FUTURE ‘ŌIWI LEADERS Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha Preschools fulfills Princess Pauahi’s vision by nurturing grounded, confident keiki. Through culture, values, and excellent early education, we cultivate Ea — self-determination and sovereignty — empowering keiki to know who they are, carry their kuleana with courage, and uplift their ‘ohana and kaiāulu with pride and aloha.
“I wanted to share just how overwhelmingly positive our keiki preschool experience has been. Watching her grow these past two years has been one of the greatest joys for our family. She has become more confident, more intentional with expressing herself, and more connected to the world around her.” - ‘Ohana Mana‘o
15 Nuturing Future ‘Ōiwi Leaders
PORTRAIT OF A
KE KULA ʻO KAMEHAMEHA PRESCHOOLS GRADUATE Supported by strong partnerships between kula and ‘ohana, each graduate leaves Ke Kula ‘o Kamehameha Preschools prepared to reach their highest potential and continue growing as a lifelong learner and leader.
CULTURALLY GROUNDED
CONFIDENT AND CONNECTED
CURIOUS AND RESILIENT
ACADEMICALLY PREPARED
Emerging ‘ōiwi leaders who take pride in their Hawaiian culture-based education, live with purpose, and contributes to the lāhui
Willing to explore, solve problems, and persevere through challenges
Able to communicate their ideas, build meaningful relationships, and work collaboratively with others
Enthusiastic E Ola! learners who are ready for kindergarten and beyond.
AWARE OF THEIR KULEANA Understanding how they can care for and contribute to others
Pauahi’s Legacy Lives On Kamehameha Schools Preschools stands as a living expression of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop’s aloha and visionary will. Through early learning rooted in culture, faith, ʻohana partnership, and excellence, we honor her legacy by ensuring Native Hawaiian keiki have opportunity, belonging, and a strong foundation for success.
PAUAHI’S LEGACY LIVES ON Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha Preschools stands as a living expression of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop’s aloha and visionary will. Through early learning rooted in culture, faith, ‘ohana partnership, and excellence, we honor her legacy by ensuring keiki have opportunity, belonging, and a strong foundation for success.
Ke Kula ‘o Kamehameha PRESCHOOLS ksbe.edu/preschools
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