Business Details
K-8 Education in Wahiawa, HI
Ho'ala School provides a transformative educational experience for children in grades K-8, combining academic excellence with social-emotional development. Rooted in the Adlerian philosophy, our approach emphasizes responsibility, respect, and community through small class sizes, mixed-age learning, and hands-on exploration. With over two decades of recognition as a National School of Character, we cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and compassion while maintaining strong partnerships between educators, families, and the broader Hawaiian community. 
Services
Elementary Program
Middle School
Fine Arts
After-School Enrichment
Summer Camps
Highlights and features
- Experienced teachers with 17-28 years of tenure at our school
- Proven character education model recognized nationally since 2003
- 100% parent participation in school governance and activities
- Unique Adlerian philosophy emphasizing mutual respect and responsibility
- Comprehensive arts and service-learning programs for holistic development
Associations and certifications
- Character Education Partnership (CEP)
What people say
Nurturing environment
Caring teachers
Academic growth
Confidence building
Strong community
Services
Elementary Program
Our K-6 curriculum emphasizes hands-on, multi-sensory learning with Orton-Gillingham certified teachers. Small class sizes enable personalized instruction in core subjects while integrating arts, Spanish, and physical education. The program develops foundational academic skills alongside social-emotional growth through collaborative projects and service learning.
Middle School
Grades 7-8 program balances academic rigor with character development, preparing students for high school success. Teachers foster critical thinking through project-based learning while maintaining a supportive environment. The curriculum emphasizes leadership opportunities, peer mentoring, and continued focus on the school's core values of responsibility and respect.
Fine Arts
Visual arts and drama programs for all grades cultivate creativity and self-expression. Students engage in drawing, painting, sculpting, and theatrical performances under experienced instructors. The 25-year program develops confidence through artistic exploration, with annual exhibitions showcasing student work and performances highlighting dramatic talents.
After-School Enrichment
STEAM Club, robotics, music lessons, and cultural programs extend learning beyond regular hours. Enrichment activities include weekly hula classes, ukulele instruction, and specialized clubs taught by community experts. These programs reinforce academic concepts while developing new skills in a fun, engaging environment.
Summer Programs
Seven-week Keiki Summer Program combines academic review with themed activities for grades K-6. Camp Kokua offers service-learning opportunities for grades 3-8, focusing on community projects and environmental stewardship. Both programs maintain the school's educational philosophy while providing structured summer enrichment.
People
Dr. Christopher J. Campisano
Head of School
Educational leader with extensive experience in character development programs. Oversees curriculum implementation and school operations while maintaining the institution's philosophical integrity since 2021.
Lilette A. Subedi
Admissions & Marketing Director
Manages admissions process and community outreach. With years of educational administration experience, she serves as liaison between families and school while supporting the Head of School in operational matters.
Tina Markel
Art and Drama Teacher
28-year veteran educator specializing in visual arts and drama. Develops creative programs that build student confidence through artistic expression. Her teaching approach combines technical skill development with emotional growth opportunities.
Questions
What educational philosophy does Ho`ala School follow?
We implement Adlerian principles emphasizing mutual respect, responsibility, and community. Our approach focuses on developing personal integrity and social responsibility through collaborative learning environments.
What grades does Ho`ala School serve?
We provide education for children from Kindergarten through Grade 8, with specialized programs tailored to different developmental stages.
Are there after-school programs available?
Yes, we offer Ho`ala Plus extended care from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM and enrichment classes including STEAM, robotics, and performing arts.
How does the admissions process work?
Start with a campus tour, submit application materials with teacher references, complete a child assessment, and receive acceptance notification within two weeks.
What special programs are offered?
We provide fine arts instruction, service learning projects, summer camps, and enrichment activities including music lessons, cultural classes, and STEM programs.
Reviews (5)
Bobby G.
Jun 11, 2021
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An amazing school. Our daughter Mila loved it there and still talks of how she wishes she could go back. It truly is a family experience. The teachers were amazing. Mrs. Carolyn did such a great job with her. The staff truly cares and helps to not only teach education but social interactions and community. If we ever move back to Hawaii I can't think of any other school I would want my kids in
Tiffany H.
Oct 18, 2019
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I attended Hoala from the 1st - 12th grade. It has absolutely helped shape my life, career and the person that I am today. Not only did it give me a healthy educational foundation for my time at Boston University, it also gave me an unparalleled character education. This is what makes Hoala unique. In a world where children and adults are becoming more and more disconnected. It is important to create a foundation where students learn to take responsibility for their actions and have the emotional IQ to work through conflicts that will inevitably arise. I think that the best testament to the positive
Kambu A.
Nov 06, 2018
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I chose Ho'ala School for my son in Kindergarten based on the family feel of the admissions process and faculty interactions. I was looking for a school that was near the community where our family had lived for generations. It was important to me that he make friends within the surrounding neighborhoods. The small class sizes at Ho'ala allow for the education to be tailored to individual students' needs. No two students learn in exactly the same way and the team of elementary teachers is flexible, accommodating, and able work with families to provide learning strategies and experiences
Gail T.
Aug 20, 2018
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This school will fail to educate your children, if you send them here they will struggle in any other learning environment. It will take extensive tutoring to fix the damage this school will do. My children and I have experienced this personally. Several math teachers have quit mid year and most recently, for the first semester of school this past year, my son didn't have a math teacher, when one was finally hired he hardly showed up and eventually quit on the spot. Same goes for the English class that two teachers quit on the spot as well (in the same year). Not only is this a horrible
Mary M.
Jun 27, 2018
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Terrible school that is very misguided and led by a dangerously over zealous drama queen, who consistently lied and stretched the truth to meet her own immediate needs.
Teachers either quit or were fired throughout the school year causing damage to the kids education and school schedule. At one point the kids had no math class for middle school and high school for over a month. They are scamming families into paying for a private school education and are giving the poorest quality education i have ever seen. It is truly a dump and was the worst experience we've ever been put through with
Teachers either quit or were fired throughout the school year causing damage to the kids education and school schedule. At one point the kids had no math class for middle school and high school for over a month. They are scamming families into paying for a private school education and are giving the poorest quality education i have ever seen. It is truly a dump and was the worst experience we've ever been put through with
