Our Programs

Learning Through Wonder & Discovery

In our Montessori classrooms, children ages 3–6 learn together in a carefully prepared environment where curiosity leads and every child progresses at their own pace.

Classroom Structure

Multi-Age Classrooms

Children ages 3 through 6 learn together in the same classroom — just as Dr. Maria Montessori intended. This isn't just a grouping strategy; it's a fundamental part of how children learn best.

Younger children observe and learn from older peers, gaining inspiration and motivation. Older children reinforce their knowledge by helping younger classmates, developing leadership, empathy, and communication skills.

A 3-Year Journey

Children stay with the same teacher for three years, building deep relationships and allowing the teacher to truly understand each child's unique learning style, strengths, and areas for growth.

Multi-Age Classroom
Curriculum

Six Areas of Learning

Each area of the curriculum is interconnected, offering children a rich, holistic learning experience that develops the whole child.

Practical Life

Activities like pouring, food preparation, buttoning, and cleaning develop fine motor skills, concentration, independence, and a sense of order. These purposeful activities build the foundation for all other learning.

Sensorial

Specially designed materials isolate individual qualities like size, weight, color, and texture. Children refine their senses, develop vocabulary, and build the foundation for mathematical and scientific thinking.

Language

From sandpaper letters to movable alphabets, children naturally progress from spoken language to reading and writing. Rich vocabulary is developed through storytelling, songs, poetry, and conversations.

Mathematics

Concrete materials like golden beads, number rods, and stamp games make abstract mathematical concepts tangible. Children develop number sense, operations, geometry, and problem-solving skills.

Cultural Studies

Geography, science, history, art, and music broaden children's understanding of the world. Hawaiʻi's rich cultural heritage is woven throughout, celebrating diversity and building global awareness.

Mālama ʻĀina

Our signature program connects children to the land through gardening, composting, Hawaiian cultural practices, and environmental stewardship. A 3-year rotating curriculum fosters deep nature connection.

A Day at Mana ʻUlu

Daily Schedule

Our 11-month calendar runs from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM, with after-school care available until 4:00 PM.

7:30 AM

Arrival & Morning Greeting

Warm welcome, settle in, choose first work

7:45 AM

Morning Work Cycle

Uninterrupted Montessori work time — child-chosen activities

10:00 AM

Outdoor Time & Snack

Garden exploration, free play, healthy snack

10:45 AM

Group Gathering

Circle time: songs, stories, cultural activities, calendar

11:15 AM

Second Work Cycle

Continued exploration, small group lessons, art

12:00 PM

Lunch

Family-style dining, grace and courtesy practice

12:45 PM

Rest & Quiet Time

Nap for younger children, quiet reading for older

1:30 PM

Afternoon Activities

Mālama ʻĀina, special projects, creative expression

2:15 PM

Closing Circle & Dismissal

Reflection, gratitude, preparing for home

2:30 PM

Dismissal / After-School Care Begins

After-school enrichment available until 4:00 PM

What Makes Us Different

Montessori vs. Traditional Preschool

Montessori ApproachTraditional Approach
Children choose their own workTeacher directs all activities
Multi-age classrooms (3–6 years)Same-age classrooms
Uninterrupted work periods (2–3 hours)Short, teacher-timed segments
Hands-on, self-correcting materialsWorksheets and textbooks
Intrinsic motivation emphasizedExternal rewards (stickers, grades)
Teacher as guide and observerTeacher as lecturer
Individual pace of learningGroup pace, grade-level expectations
Focus on the whole child (social, emotional, cognitive)Focus primarily on academics
Extended Day

After-School Care

Need a bit more time? Our after-school program runs from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM and offers a relaxed, nurturing environment where children can unwind with outdoor play, art projects, and free exploration. Available for an additional fee.

Schedule

  • Monday – Friday
  • 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
  • Follows the school calendar

Activities Include

  • Outdoor free play
  • Art and creative projects
  • Healthy afternoon snack
  • Story time and music

See Our Programs in Action

Schedule a campus tour and observe our Montessori classrooms firsthand.