Rooted in Aloha, Growing with Purpose
Mana ʻUlu Montessori Charter Lab School is born from decades of Montessori excellence at Chaminade University and a vision to make this transformative education accessible to every family in Hawaiʻi.
What We Stand For
Rooted in the Montessori philosophy and methodology, Mana ʻUlu Montessori Charter Lab School encourages the development of moral character, personal competencies, and a commitment to build a just and peaceful society.
The school offers both Chaminade and the broader early childhood communities in Hawaiʻi a venue for research and innovation in early childhood education.
What We Aspire To
Inspired by the wisdom of kūpuna (elders) and the natural beauty of Hawaiʻi, Mana ʻUlu envisions a world where graduates embody the spirit of aloha, embrace lifelong learning with a sense of wonder, and become compassionate leaders who mālama (care for) their communities and the ʻāina (land).
“Mana ʻUlu” — the growing spirit. We believe every child carries within them a powerful mana (spiritual energy) that, when nurtured with love and respect, grows into something extraordinary.
A Century of Proven Excellence
Developed by Dr. Maria Montessori over 100 years ago, this approach to education respects the natural development of children and empowers them to become independent, confident learners.
Child-Led Learning
Children choose their own work from a carefully prepared environment. This builds intrinsic motivation, decision-making skills, and a genuine love of learning that lasts a lifetime.
Hands-On Materials
Montessori classrooms are filled with beautiful, purposeful materials that make abstract concepts concrete. Children learn through touching, building, and discovering — not worksheets.
Mixed-Age Classrooms
Children ages 3–6 learn together. Younger children are inspired by older peers, while older children deepen their knowledge by teaching — building empathy, patience, and leadership.
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Mana ʻUlu is proudly partnered with Chaminade University, a Marianist Catholic institution known for its commitment to education, service, and the Hawaiian community since 1955.
Our campus location within Chaminade provides unique advantages: access to university facilities, collaboration with education faculty, student teacher placements, and a rich academic culture that benefits our youngest learners.
- Campus access to university gardens, library, and facilities
- Collaboration with Chaminade's Education Department
- Student teacher placements and practicum opportunities
- Research-based curriculum development and innovation
- 20% tuition discount at Montessori Lab School for Chaminade employees
Mālama ʻĀina
Caring for Our Earth
A 3-year rotating curriculum cornerstone that fosters deep connection to the natural world through Hawaiian cultural practices and environmental stewardship.
Practical Life Activities
Watering plants, composting food scraps, recycling materials — building daily habits of environmental care.
Farm-to-ECE Initiative
Sustainability practices with cultural connections to Hawaiʻi — growing taro, harvesting herbs, and preparing simple local foods.
Place-Based Education
Learning grounded in the Hawaiian environment and culture — exploring ahupuaʻa (watershed systems) and native ecosystems.
Environmental Stewardship
Hands-on, developmentally appropriate nature learning that builds a lifelong commitment to caring for the earth.
Accreditations & Licensing
NAEYC
National Association for the Education of Young Children
The gold standard in early childhood program accreditation, recognizing programs that meet the highest standards of quality.
AMS
American Montessori Society
Member school of the leading Montessori organization in the United States, ensuring fidelity to authentic Montessori principles.
DHS Licensed
Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services
Fully licensed by the state of Hawaiʻi, meeting all health, safety, and operational requirements for child care programs.
A Legacy of Learning
Chaminade University Founded
The Society of Mary (Marianists) establishes Chaminade University of Honolulu, rooted in a tradition of educational excellence.
L. Robert Allen Montessori Center Opens
Chaminade establishes its Montessori Laboratory School, providing a venue for early childhood education research and teacher training.
Hawaiʻi Preschool Access Initiative
Hawaiʻi commits to providing all 3- and 4-year-olds access to quality preschool by 2032, identifying the need for ~330 new classrooms.
Charter Application Submitted
Building on decades of Montessori excellence, the Mana ʻUlu Montessori Charter Lab School proposal is submitted to the Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commission.
Mana ʻUlu Opens
Mana ʻUlu opens its doors in Fall 2026, welcoming its first cohort of keiki — offering free, high-quality Montessori education to the Honolulu community.
Ready to Learn More?
Schedule a campus tour and see our Montessori environment in person.