‘O ke kahua ma mua, ma hope ke kūkulu…The foundation comes first and then the building.
We believe that Kamehameha Schools as a Hawaiian institution and its learners have a responsibility to practice and perpetuate ‘Ike Hawai’i as a source of strength and resilience for the future.
Therefore, Kamehameha Schools will:
- foster pride in the Hawaiian culture, language, history and traditions that serve as its foundation.
- integrate ‘Ike Hawai’i into its educational programs and services.
- provide the necessary learning opportunities, resources and training to depen the understanding of ‘Ike Hawai’i.
- strengthen the relationship and the responsibility of its learners to the ‘āina, its resources and traditions.
We believe that every learner possesses a unique combination of talents, abilities, interests and needs an that each is able to achieve higher levels of excellence.
Therefore, Kamehameha Schools will:
- acknowledge the uniqueness of each learner.
- assist each learner in achieving core understandings and skills.
- offer enrichment opportunities to encourage each learner to develop individual talents and interests.
- strive to be available and affordable to encourage broad participation of the learning community.
We believe that the earliest years of a child’s life are the most critical to development and set the stage for future learning.
Therefore, Kamehameha Schools will assist by providing early childhood educational services that support families as the primary educators of their children.
We believe that positive and nurturing relationships are an essential foundation of learning.
Therefore:
- all members of the Kamehameha ʻohana that includes learners, staff, families and alumni are role models and will demonstrate attitudes and behaviors consistent with Hawaiian and Christian values.
- all will develop and support positive connections and interactions with learners.
We believe that the quality of instruction is enhanced by collaboration, professional development and the application of research based practices.
Therefore, Kamehameha Schools will:
- provide time and resources for professional development and collaboration.
- support and engage in research and evaluation activities to improve the quality and effectiveness of education.
- extend professional development opportunities to its learning communities.
Each member of the learning community will commit to ongoing professional development and collaboration to optimize learner success.
We believe that involvement of the learner and all members of the learner’s community enhance education.
Therefore, Kamehameha Schools programs will:
- provide opportunities for learners to share in and assume greater responsibility for their own development.
- promote the active involvement of families.
- encourage open communication and seek input from those impacted.
We believe that the effectiveness of our institution in meeting its mission is enhanced by collaboration and partnerships.
Therefore, Kamehameha Schools will:
- recognize and encourage the good works of other programs and institutions.
- contribute to building a network of services to meet the life-long educational needs of Hawaiians.