History
Namahana School is firmly grounded in community values reflecting the history, culture, and setting of the North Shore of Kauaʻi.
A Brief History of Namahana School
2015
In 2015, after years of informally campaigning for a middle and high school for the region, residents and members of the Kauaʻi North Shore Community Foundation (KNSCF) circulated a petition that garnered over 600 signatures to support the development of a public charter middle and high school. KNSCF’s Education Committee launched the “Let’s Build a School” initiative and organized the Charter School Steering Committee to support the next phase of the school’s development. Thanks to KNSCF’s leadership, a successful foundation was laid for Namahana School.
2018
In 2018, local philanthropist Joan Porter generously granted KNSCF a renewable 99-year license for eight acres of land at the Wai Koa Plantation in Kalihiwai/Kīlauea, with the condition that the site be used exclusively for a public charter school. KNSCF then began fundraising to support Namahana School’s pre-opening and pre-construction expenses.
2019
In 2019, KNSCF hired community leaders Dr. Kapua Chandler and Jen Luck to organize a community-wide engagement process, which included a series of in-depth listening sessions, small group meetings, and an online survey to consolidate visions for a North Shore middle and high school. Input was also gathered from students at Kīlauea and Hanalei elementary schools. The findings were analyzed and presented at an event attended by more than 200 local residents.
Simultaneously, the nonprofit organization Big Picture Learning was engaged to assist with the development of an instructional model and school design. Big Picture Learning works with 65 schools across 26 states and 12 countries to transform teaching and learning environments and encourage educational approaches that develop students’ abilities to effectively communicate, collaborate, think critically, problem-solve, and engage in self-directed learning.
As a result of the community engagement and a dynamic partnership with Big Picture Learning, a compelling vision emerged for a middle and high school that would not just replicate existing options on the island, but offer an entirely new learning experience inspired by the North Shore’s unique strengths. The school was named “Namahana,” in honor of the Namahana mountain range and its predominant peak, which overlooks the school site.
2020
In 2020, Namahana School consolidated its organizational and leadership structure, and designated Dr. Kapua Chandler as its School Leader. The Namahana School Governing Board was formed to support the charter application process and, once operational, provide academic and fiscal oversight. Namahana Education Foundation was also incorporated as the school’s institutional nonprofit to advance Namahana School’s mission. NEF supports Namahana School by raising funds to supplement the school’s operating budget, lead its capital campaigns and oversee the campus built-out.
2022
In 2022, after a long application process complicated by the COVID-19 Pandemic, Namahana School was one of only two new charter schools granted conditional approval by the Hawaiʻi State Charter School Commission. This paved the way for infrastructural and instructional planning to move forward, with the goal of welcoming the first cohort of students in 2025.
“This moment has been years in the making, and for everyone who has been working tirelessly to make this school a reality, it feels like the stars are truly aligning in support of our vision.”
Lorri Mull
NEF Board Member & Education Chair, Kauaʻi North Shore Community Foundation