Taeko Onishi, Director of Finance & Operations

Master of Arts, Math Leadership/School Administrator-Supervisor Certification, Bank Street College of Education, NY, NY
Master of Science, Philosophy, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY
Bachelor of Arts, Liberal Arts, St. John’s College, Santa Fe, NM

Taeko brings over 30 years of experience as an educator. She has co-founded two schools and served as the principal of one in New York since 2007. Taeko is passionate about balancing the unique needs of individual students with those of the community, and she is grateful to be closer to her family on Oʻahu now.

Her leadership has been shaped by a deep commitment to equity, student-centered learning, and the power of relationships in education. She has worked extensively in restorative justice, competency-based learning, and project-based education, ensuring that students are not only academically challenged but also meaningfully engaged in their learning. Taeko’s work has been featured in national publications, and she has led workshops and training for educators across the country.

A firm believer in the importance of both structure and flexibility, she approaches education with a philosophical grounding that prioritizes human connection while adapting to the evolving needs of students and schools. She brings a strong work ethic, a thoughtful and collaborative mindset, and a passion for creating learning environments where all students can thrive.