MALAMA HONUA LEARNING CENTER PCS

Malama Honua Learning Center PCS is a Title I public charter elementary school that is part of the Hawaii Department of Education school district, located in Waimanalo, HI with about 103 students offering grade levels from Kindergarten to 5th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 5 teachers, Malama Honua Learning Center PCS has a student/teacher ratio of about 20:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Malama Honua Learning Center, located in Waimanalo, Hawaii, is a public charter school that distinguishes itself through a philosophy rooted in the Hawaiian concept of *malama honua*—meaning "to care for the Earth." The school emphasizes a holistic approach to education, blending rigorous academic standards with traditional Hawaiian values, cultural practices, and environmental stewardship. By integrating place-based learning into their curriculum, the school encourages students to develop a deep connection to their local community and the natural landscape of Hawaii, fostering both personal growth and civic responsibility.

Beyond its academic focus, Malama Honua is known for its small, inclusive community environment that prioritizes social-emotional development and the well-being of the "whole child." The school’s pedagogical model often utilizes project-based learning, which allows students to engage in hands-on exploration and real-world problem solving. By weaving indigenous knowledge and language into everyday lessons, Malama Honua strives to graduate students who are not only academically prepared for the future but who are also grounded, culturally informed stewards of the environment and their home.

For more information, contact Malama Honua Learning Center PCS at (808) 259-5522 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.