Waimea Country School is a small, independent, elementary day school located in Kamuela, Hawai‘i, serving children ages 4 to 12 since 1996. Our school is dedicated to engaging each child’s own sense of learning and encourages children to take responsibility for their own work to promote a lifelong love of learning.
We offer a child-centered curriculum embracing a multiage learning program that incorporates literature, fine arts, mathematics, science, Hawaiian Studies, health and fitness, social studies, technology and study skills. Integration of many subjects helps student learning gain vitality, depth and relevance.
Our low student-teacher ratio ensures a personalized experience for every child and forges close bonds between students and teachers. This builds student confidence and encourages children to take risks with their learning, to challenge themselves, and to grow.
Waimea Country School students learn to be in charge of their own learning – to be thinkers, challengers, and wonderers. Our graduates develop into eager, creative learners who are well-prepared for life’s challenges – academically, socially, and ethically.
Childhood is an important time in life
It’s not merely preparation for adulthood or something to hurry through. The more children are allowed to be children, the more likely they are to develop into healthy adults who are willing to contribute their gifts to the world. This core belief, respect for childhood, is the foundation of our child-centered, multiage learning structure. Small, mixed age classes provide sustained personal contacts with teachers and peers that foster collaboration, a sense of community, responsibility, and deep friendships.
WCS Parent Testimonials
Waimea Country School is a safe, kind environment where your child is seen as that – a child. They are cherished and allowed to be kids, while still being encouraged and supported to develop a love for learning.”
~ Kristin Delgado, parent of alumni
My daughter loves going to school each day. She is doing really well academically and is interested in all aspects of school. I recommend WCS to families who like to be involved with a small school community. The children clearly thrive here.”
~ Jennifer Lanclos, parent of alumni
Everyone from the administrative team to the teachers and teacher aides seem to truly care about the students and families and their success now and in the future. Our son was bored and having a very hard time [in his previous school] because of the teaching styles and lack of attention on where he was as compared to what they were teaching. All of our problems and concerns were solved after switching him to WCS.”
~ Bailee Stump, parent of alumni
The nurturing environment of WCS helped give my children the foundation of being good people who know the difference between right and wrong, how to share, how to feel compassion for others, and what self-discipline means. All of those characteristics prepare them to be contributing members to humanity and have helped them be effective members of teams in their ongoing education.”
~ Erika Stuart, parent of alumni