A century ago, Dr. Maria Montessori pioneered a powerful approach to education that gives children the tools to help them discover their full potential.
NOW, MONTESSORI HAS A HOME IN OUR CORNER OF THE WORLD
Under the guiding influence of specially trained teachers, children work with multisensorial materials that help them learn to think critically and become well-rounded global citizens.
Inclusive by design, Hala Kahiki is open to all children of Lāna‘i.
About - The Campus
A Beautiful
Children’s House
Located at 254 Houston Street near Fraser Avenue and Third Street, Hala Kahiki’s campus consists of two buildings connected by a breezeway, surrounded by lovely grounds and flanked by some of the beautiful indigenous plants of Lāna‘i.
E Komo Mai
Hala Kahiki’s garden is a welcoming environment with interesting plants, beautiful flowers, and enticing pathways.
Ākulikuli
The Toddler environment is sized perfectly for children 18 months – 3 years. We build upon their eagerness to learn to take care of themselves and become independent.
Kauna’oa
The Primary environment is a “children’s house” for keiki 3 years – 6 years. We guide them to activities that foster their social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth.
Materials
Scientifically designed Montessori materials are displayed beautifully on low shelves. Each material teaches multiple skills and enables children to problem-solve using their hands and all their senses.
Outdoors
Wide open spaces are enhanced with flexible, age-appropriate playground materials that change periodically, encouraging gross motor development and imaginative free play.
Team
Hala Kahiki’s team of educators and administrators are passionate about early childhood education that leads to more capable individuals, happier families, and stronger communities.
About - Montessori
Authentic Montessori, Exceptionally Delivered
Hala Kahiki is the first-ever Montessori preschool on Lāna‘i. Montessori is a powerful curriculum that is supported by modern scientific research to promote optimal cognitive and social-emotional outcomes as well as advanced executive functions in young children. With a strong educational foundation during the formative years, children can grow up to become active-minded, independent, life-long learners who are conscious stewards of their community and environment.
About - Montessori
Global Yet Local
One of the defining characteristics of authentic Montessori is the seamless integration of cultural awareness into the program. Not only do children learn about people and cultures from all around the world, but they also learn about local customs, traditions, history and language.
About - Our Guides
Say HELLO to Our Guides
Hala Kahiki’s teachers are known as “guides” because they are skilled in helping children discover their own strengths and capabilities. Expert observers, Montessori guides constantly evaluate each child’s academic, emotional, and social progress, interests, and personality while allowing each child the space to practice independence and responsibility.
“There is a great sense of community within the Montessori classroom, where children of differing ages work together in an atmosphere of cooperation rather than competitiveness. There is respect for the environment and for the individuals within it, which comes through experience of freedom within the community.”
Programs
Toddler
Montessori
Pre-Primary Program
18 months – 36 months
Additional Program Information
Arrival // 7:30—8:00am
As children arrive, they begin their day in the classroom or on the playground with self-initiated exploration and free play.
Morning Work Period // 8:00–10:00am
One of the hallmarks of authentic Montessori is the uninterrupted morning work period which extends from 8:00am until 10:00am. It affords children the opportunity to choose from appropriate activities that interest them and helps develop concentration, order, cooperation, and independence while satisfying their natural curiosity and affinity for exploration.
Morning Snack + Outdoor Play // 10–11:30am
Children sit down for a morning snack that they themselves help prepare and serve. This is followed by group circle time where children sing songs or read stories. From about 11:00am until 11:30am, children play outside to develop gross motor skills and expend some of their boundless energy.
Lunch + Recharge // 11:30am–2:30pm
Children eat lunch brought from home as a group, encouraging both independence and social skills. After helping to clean up and getting themselves ready to rest, the children nap to regain energy for the rest of the day.
Afternoon Snack + Afternoon program // 2:30–4:30pm
Children take part in another group circle activity and then a snack. They spend the afternoon working on interesting crafts, participating in thematic activities, and/or additional time playing outside. Children may be picked up anytime between 3:00pm and 4:30pm.
CURRICULUM
In this community, children joyously explore the world together. Under the expert guidance of a highly trained and experienced guide, the children’s environment is carefully prepared according to the child’s interests and developmental needs. Together, they learn much more than any one of them can learn alone.
Fostering Independence
Young children’s drive for independence is innate. They gravitate toward activities that develop motor skills such as running, climbing, grasping for objects, and carrying things. Developing control of their own bodies leads to control of self and the ability to dress, eat, and use the toilet independently.
Toddlers are at an age where they learn to do more and more for themselves. We support their quest for independence by allowing children to do all they are capable of. The environments are designed to support children’s desire for autonomy with appropriately sized furnishings and activities specifically designed for independent practice.
Developing Gross Motor Skills
Children between the ages of 0 and 3 work on the refinement of movement. Movement is encouraged and constant because so much learning takes place through movement in the development of muscle memory. Many activities are designed to promote movement in the set-up and performance of the work.
The activities of practical life are those that are common in daily activities that all human beings do for their own personal care and for the care of their environment. Just as children absorb language, they also absorb the surrounding activities and, at a certain point, decide to imitate adults and reproduce the activities.
Building Community
Equally important to the physical environment is the psychological and social environment provided for children. The adults in each community must be the very best models of language, movement, and social relationships.
The mixed-age nature of the classroom allows children to learn a great deal from one another. Younger children who first enter the community benefit from having peer role models while the older children are afforded opportunities to be leaders and helpers.
The Montessori classroom is a place of respect. Everything is sized just right, from the custom-made tables and chairs to the shelves, plates, utensils and even the toilets. In an environment that offers such appropriately sized challenges, children are naturally inspired to take on greater responsibilities for taking care of themselves and others.
Encouraging Capability
Children are capable of doing much more than adults often believe. The young child’s brain grows at a tremendous pace and is a source of enormous potential and promise.
Modern science has proven Maria Montessori’s personal observations from a century ago that neuronal pathways in regular use are reinforced and those ignored or neglected are pruned away. Each of these brain connections is a platform for future learning which explains why providing children with a varied and stimulating environment is vitally important to allow children to develop to their full potential.
Toddlerhood is a time of astonishing growth. In the short span of a year or so, your child experiences an explosion of language, along with dramatic advancement in fine-and gross-motor control, problem-solving ability, independence, and social interaction. The Montessori Toddler program offers an environment and a community keyed to nurturing these skills.
We build upon toddlers’ eagerness to learn to take care of themselves and become independent. With guidance, they set their own table, serve themselves, and use utensils. They practice grace and courtesy by taking care of their needs, the needs of others, and the needs of their environment . As we encourage them to absorb language, they gain confidence as they learn the words to express their needs constructively.
Key Benefits
Happily and independently engaged
Montessori toddlers learn to keep themselves occupied without your constant attention or the aid of a device.
Increased language capability
Better language skills mean more enjoyable interactions with your child and fewer tantrums caused by not being understood.
Fewer toddler struggles
Montessori toddlers learn how to actually do things by themselves, making family meals more fun and getting out of the house easier.
Positive toilet learning experience
All children can be diaper-free by the time they are ready to move on to the Primary program (included at no additional charge).
PRIMARY
Montessori Preschool & Kindergarten Program
3 years – 6 years
Additional Program Information
Arrival // 7:30—8:00am
As children arrive, they begin their day in the classroom or on the playground with self-initiated exploration and free play.
Morning Work Period // 8:00–11:00am
One of the hallmarks of authentic Montessori is the uninterrupted morning work period which extends from 8:00am until 11:00am. It affords children the opportunity to choose from appropriate activities that interest them and helps develop concentration, order, cooperation, and independence while satisfying their natural curiosity and affinity for exploration. A morning snack is incorporated into the work period.
Lunch + Outdoor Play // 11–12:30Pm
Children eat lunch brought from home as a group, encouraging both independence and social skills. They then enjoy ample time playing outside to develop gross motor skills and expend some of their boundless energy.
Recharge + Afternoon work period // 12:30–2:30pm
Younger children nap to regain energy for the rest of the day while older children participate in an afternoon work period.
Afternoon Snack + Afternoon program // 2:30–4:30pm
Children enjoy an afternoon snack (which they help prepare and serve) and spend the rest of the afternoon working on interesting crafts, participating in thematic activities, and/or additional time playing outside. Children may be picked up anytime between 3:00pm and 4:30pm.
CURRICULUM
In this community, children joyously explore the world together. Under the expert guidance of a highly trained and experienced Montessorian, the children’s environment is carefully prepared to meet their developmental needs. Each activity in this environment has a purpose, and the materials are tailored to match the intrinsic rhythm of each child’s developmental path. Lessons are presented from simple to complex allowing for confidence building on the road to mastery.
Practical Life
Children build confidence from being able to do for themselves rather than being dependent on others. From Practical Life activities, children not only learn how to take care of their own needs as well as how to contribute to their community, but they also help form the foundation for reading and writing with the left-to-right sequencing and the development of hand-eye coordination and the pincer grip.
- They prepare snacks.
- They clean up after themselves.
- They care for plants.
- They paint, draw, cut, and sew.
Inspired by the adult activities they urgently want to participate in, children develop gross and fine motor skills, strengthen their attention span, and become independent, capable, confident young people ready to tackle the growth opportunities in elementary school.
Language
At this age, children acquire language effortlessly, both in size of vocabulary and complexity of expression. Children learn the alphabet with Sandpaper Letters which allow the child to learn the sounds and shapes of letters, tracing the shapes using the same hand movements with which they will later use to write.
Older children choose letters from the Moveable Alphabet to “write” their own stories even before their hands are able to easily direct a pencil. Children are also eager to express themselves, and often find through writing their own sentences that they are suddenly and spontaneously able to read their own compositions. Montessori children routinely enter first grade as competent readers and writers.
Mathematics
Math in Montessori goes far beyond counting. With colorful, carefully-sequenced, hands-on materials, children discover the meaning of the four operations of arithmetic, learning to add, subtract, multiply, and divide numbers into the thousands, far exceeding kindergarten standards. More importantly, they learn to enjoy working with numbers and are well prepared to enthusiastically embrace math in elementary school.
Sensorial
Children are learning to observe carefully and to categorize and organize their ideas so they can easily recall what they learn in elementary school and into their college experience. The scientifically designed Montessori sensorial exercises, such as pairing and grading, matching activities, blocks and more, focus a child’s attention on attributes such as size, color, and musical tone.
Children learn to tune in and use all their senses to explore their world to the fullest. They develop the ability to see, hear, smell, even taste and touch deliberately – and gain the broad vocabulary needed to describe and conceptualize their observations and experiences
Cultural Studies and Geography
One key difference between children who flourish in elementary school and those who do not is the amount of knowledge they have of the world. Reading comprehension requires knowing the subject one is reading about.
Montessori systematically builds a child’s vocabulary at a time when the child's mind is ready to absorb words like a sponge. (This is what Maria Montessori called the “absorbent mind.”) Leaf shapes (a cordate leaf), animals and plants (pistil and petals) – the world is the Montessori child’s oyster, and the pearls of learning that a child takes with them after three years in Montessori preschool and kindergarten are beautiful and everlasting.
During the preschool and kindergarten years, children have become enthusiastic explorers of their environment in their quest to learn everything they can about the world. The Montessori Primary classroom allows children to engage in an enormous variety of activities designed to help them continue their social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth.
Young children are guided to activities that build confidence and social skills. The oldest children are leaders, mentors, role models, and helpers for the younger children, and the younger children look up to and learn from their older peers.
Children who turn 6 on or before July 31st are well prepared for first grade and transition to elementary school.
Key Benefits
Independence
Engaged by the adult activities that preschoolers urgently want to participate in, they develop gross-and fine-motor skills, independence, and confidence.
Focus and concentration
Children learn the conventions of the classroom and are afforded freedom within limits. With clear guidance, children develop remarkable focus and self-control.
Learning to read and write joyfully
We break down language learning into component skills, so children grow confident with each step before moving on to the next step.
Mathematical fluency
Children discover the meaning of the four operations of arithmetic, working with numbers into the thousands – far beyond kindergarten standards.
A scientific mind
Children learn to use all their senses to explore their world – and hone their burgeoning vocabulary to describe their observations and experiences.
Grace and courtesy
Social skill development is thoughtfully integrated into every aspect of our programs, leading children to exhibit considerate, helpful, and polite behaviors.
Community
Hala Kahiki is not just a school. It’s a place where you will find like-minded parents and be part of a vibrant community, sharing in the wonderful experience that is raising children to be joyful, thriving human beings. The more connected you are to your child, your child’s teachers, and fellow parents, the more enjoyable parenting is.
That is why we offer many ways to stay informed and involved:
Frequent communications
These include everything from photo/video sharing and individual notes from teachers to periodic school wide updates.
Observation opportunities
We encourage parents to observe their child’s classroom and experience what their children are learning firsthand.
Learn about Montessori
We regularly host information events and casual chats so you can be the best parent you can be for your children.
Share your passions
Parents are welcome to visit the school to share the work you do, the traditions you keep, and the cultural events your family celebrates.
Family events
Families are cordially invited to join us for occasional school wide festivals and celebrations.
Aloha ‘Ohana
Hala Kahiki is not just a school. It’s a place where you will find like-minded parents and be part of a vibrant community, sharing in the wonderful experience that is raising children to be joyful, thriving human beings. The more connected you are to your child, your child’s teachers, and fellow parents, the more enjoyable parenting is.
That is why we offer many ways to stay informed and involved:
Frequent communications
These include everything from photo/video sharing and individual notes from teachers to periodic school wide updates.
Observation opportunities
We encourage parents to observe their child’s classroom and experience what their children are learning firsthand.
Learn about Montessori
We regularly host information events and casual chats so you can be the best parent you can be for your children.
Share your passions
Parents are welcome to visit the school to share the work you do, the traditions you keep, and the cultural events your family celebrates.
Family events
Families are cordially invited to join us for occasional school wide festivals and celebrations. View our monthly calendar.
Tuition
Program
Toddler
(ages 18 mos – 36 mos)
Primary
(ages 3 – 6)
All-Inclusive*
Monthly Tuition
$968
$968
Refundable Tuition Deposit
$100
$100
Sibling Discount
10% off
10% off
Program Hours
7:30am – 4:30pm
7:30am – 4:30pm
Program Capacity*
8
20
Adult: Child Ratio
1:4 or better
1:7 or better
Authentic Montessori Curriculum
Superior Learning Outcomes
Year-round Programming
Morning & Afternoon Snacks
Toilet Learning
Children must be toilet-independent
24/7 Classroom Connectivity
via Brightwheel
* All inclusive tuition covers the cost of instruction (7:30am – 3:00pm); afternoon program (3:00pm – 4:30pm); daily snacks; certain enrichment activities; school materials (such as bedding); registration fees; and general excise tax. Lunch is not covered in the cost of tuition.
We take pride in creating a space that nurtures the developing child and supports the family unit. This commitment extends to all families regardless of their ability to pay tuition.
Hala Kahiki’s affordable, all-inclusive tuition is already discounted compared to the actual cost of providing such a high-quality program. Therefore, additional financial assistance provided by the school is unavailable.
However, families interested in subsidized care are encouraged to learn more about subsidy options at Maui Family Support Services and Child Care Connection Hawaii (CCCH). Hala Kahiki is licensed by the Hawaii State Department of Human Services and meets all subsidy program requirements for both the CCCH Child Care Subsidy and Preschool Open Doors (POD) programs.
If you are interested in applying for subsidized care but would like help navigating the process, please contact us.
Admissions
Enrollment at Hala Kahiki is open to all children of Lāna‘i 18 months – 6 years of age. For the third year (kindergarten year) of the Primary program, children must be at least five years old on or before July 31st. Children may be part of our community until their 7th birthday.
Licensing & Accreditation
Hala Kahiki is licensed by the State of Hawaii Department of Human Services. The third year of its Primary program (kindergarten) is also licensed by the Hawaii Council of Private Schools (HCPS). Additionally, the school is approved by the State of Hawaii Department of Health to provide limited food service.
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