History and Description
Ala Wai School is a picturesque K-5 public school of 480 students located in urban Honolulu, just minutes away from the University of Hawaii Manoa, against the scenic Waikiki skyline. A 2008 National Blue Ribbon School, it is steeped in the school-wide belief that students learn best when cared for and given high expectations. Ala Wai School is proud of the diverse international backgrounds of its students. It has strong programs which focus on building self-esteem and supporting the “whole student.” These include Positive Action Program, Enrichment, the Primary Adjustment Project (PSAP), Hawaiian Studies, Art, Yoga, Computer and engaging educational fieldtrips and co-curricular student activities. Ala Wai School receives a number of school grants and programs to provide our students with more learning opportunities. Ala Wai also receives support from Kokua Hawaii Foundation in providing AINA IS, a farm to school program which teaches students about connecting to their land, waters and food in order to grow a
healthier future for Hawai’i.
To recognize excellence in our students, quarterly and annual awards are given for academics and community service, which include Positive Action, Perfect Attendance, Daily Read at Home, JPO, Athletic Achievement Awards, Outstanding Writing and 100th Infantry Battalion WWII President’s Award. Many community partners, volunteers and actively engaged parents work together to support the school’s mission of utilizing all available resources to help all students achieve high standards. Daily, volunteers can be seen engaged in mentoring, tutoring, campus beautification, vision and hearing screening, book donations, fundraising, nutrition lessons and other wellness activities. The school-wide KIDS Savings Project and AVID (Advancement through Individual Determination) provide students with college and career readiness skills. The School Community Council (SCC) and Parent, Teacher, Student Association (PTSA) offers fine leadership and support in strengthening Ala Wai School’s programs, and promoting outstanding student achievement and contributing citizens of the world.
In the 2011-2012 school year, Ala Wai School created a unique partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). On May 15, 2012, a special celebration was held at Ala Wai School to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the USDA. Part of the celebration involved the planting of the unique “Abraham Lincoln Tomato Plants,” which were propagated just to honor the 16th president of the United States for establishing the USDA. The tomato plants are thriving in one of the many garden plots on our campus. The faculty and staff are committed and dedicated to providing the best education for our students. With the support of our school community, we can ensure that ALL of our students meet our vision of “Believe, Achieve, Succeed. Dream Big and Make It Happen!”