At Mālamalama—which means "the light of knowledge" in Hawaiian—we follow the innovative. developmentally oriented curriculum of Waldorf education. Thoughtfully designed to meet the specific developmental milestones of children at each age and grade, our curriculum provides a holistic and balanced approach to education.
Our dedicated faculty have crafted curriculum standards for preschool, kindergaten, and Grades 1-8, drawing from Rudolf Steiner's educational philosophies and the principles of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA) and Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America (WECAN).
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Our Mission: Mālamalama Waldorf School nurtures compassionate, confident individuals through a holistic education that weaves together arts, academics, and experiential learning, cultivating deep connections with ʻāina, community, self, and the world.
Core Values
Our Programs
We provide a well-rounded education that integrates academic, practical, artistic disciplines, and social health.
Our hands-on curriculum includes two world languages - Hawaiian and Japanese, music, handwork, fine arts, drama, and movement. We aim to foster a love of learning that prepares our students for a successful life beyond the classroom.
Kinderhale (ages 3-6)
The world of a young child is one of activity and imagination. Our Kinderhale program at Malamalama Waldorf School focuses on their social, emotional, and physical development while allowing their creativity to flourish. Through hands-on experiences, our students discover and learn about the world around them in a Waldorf tradition that values and protects the sanctity of childhood.
Elementary Grades (1-5)
In our Elementary School program, we provide a nurturing environment for children aged 7 to 11, fostering their sense of observation and emotional growth. Our curriculum goes beyond traditional academics and incorporates engaging experiences such as painting, drama, music, storytelling, and hands-on activities that evoke their emotions. We believe that children learn best when their education is infused with beauty, and we strive to weave this sense of beauty throughout their daily school experiences.
Middle Grades (6-8)
During the Middle School years (ages 11-14), we tailor our curriculum to meet the unique needs of pre-adolescents. Building upon the foundation established in earlier grades, our program offers a wider range of subjects that deepen students' understanding of previously covered material and introduce them to new areas of study. Our aim is to foster a genuine curiosity about the world and encourage students to engage with enthusiasm and empathy. By exploring biographies of historical figures who faced significant challenges, students gain a broader perspective on history and develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world.
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To create a “child-centered” education designed to meet intellectual, emotional, and physical needs.
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To express enthusiasm, artistry, and interest in every lesson.
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To nourish the child through lively presentations developmentally age-appropriate.
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To develop the child’s innate ability to think “creatively” through various exercises including creative arts.
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To nurture and cultivate the qualities of wonder, reverence, gratitude, responsibility, decision-making, a healthy self-image, consideration for others, and cooperation.
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To engender a sense of belonging to a community that nurtures and supports the uniqueness of each individual.
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To develop in the child a sense of being a “world citizen” through a curriculum utilizing world literature, foreign languages, and multi-cultural enrichment.
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To develop academic excellence, a love of learning, and clear thinking.
"Receive the children in reverence, educate them in love, and send them forth in freedom." - Rudolf Steiner
