News & Events

A child arrives at school for the first time. Curious, hopeful, and a little unsure. 

What do parents hope their child will find? A place where they are known by name, where a teacher sees the spark that makes them unique. Where they are supported when learning feels difficult, and celebrated when things click. A place where they can discover what they love, and feel that they belong.

For 65 years, this has been at the heart of Le Jardin Academy.

Small hands reach for larger ones as Seniors lead their Kindergarten Buddies into Convocation. Parents watch as their keiki make their way through the gym, taking their first steps into the LJA student body. For a moment, the beginning and the end of the LJA journey meet–hand in hand. 

The Kinder/Senior Walk is an annual tradition that marks the beginning of a year-long relationship built through connection, care and shared experience.

In a historic first for Le Jardin Academy, our boys Varsity Paddling team captured the 2026 HHSAA Outrigger Canoe Paddling Division I State Championship at Keʻehi Lagoon with a winning time of 3:33:96, edging runner-up Kamehameha Kapālama. 

This milestone marks LJA’s first D1 state paddling title and also the school’s first-ever D1 state championship in any team sport.What a reflection of the dedication, resilience, and teamwork of our student-athletes and coaches.

Hosted at the American-British Academy Oman International School, the conference brought together students from GCD partner schools, including Nanjing International School and NIST International School, to collaborate on strengthening and improving the GCD program through shared dialogue and reflection.

At LJA, global-mindedness is not only about understanding the world as it is, but about discerning how we choose to act to make it better. In our IB learning environment, we ask our students to wrestle with complexity, to think critically about power, responsibility, and consequence, and to consider how their choices shape the lives of others. 

At the heart of our school community is an incredible group of trustees whose generosity of time, heart, and expertise makes a real difference at LJA. Their leadership helps shape our vision, their advocacy strengthens our programs, and their quiet dedication behind the scenes keeps our students thriving. 

Jasper Wong, creator and lead director of World Wide Walls (formerly POW! WOW!), visited campus to connect and inspire young students to impactful mural representations. Jasper has made a lasting impact locally and globally with his mural art. 

The Arts & Innovation Center is nearly finished! 
After months of anticipation, we are excited to announce that construction of LJA’s new Arts & Innovation Center (A&IC) is complete!  Secondary students and faculty will move into their new classrooms this January!

Congratulations to Bradley Pierce ’14, who was recently named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 - Healthcare list.

LJA Secondary students Hailey P. ’28 and Alexis H. ’27 have been selected for the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Western Region Honor Choir. This achievement marks the first time any LJA students have been accepted into an ACDA regional honor choir, marking a significant milestone for our music program!

HINow sat down with our cheerful Admissions Director, Jen Souza, to invite families to discover what makes LJA so special. LJA hosted its largest Open House ever this past November! With 348 guests on campus, many came to see the new preschool facilities. We are hosting another open house on January 24, 2026, and financial aid and scholarships are available!

Alumni Juliana Rhee ’21, LJA’s Local Impact Programs Manager, sat down with students to talk about their growing community partnerships. Given the honor of showing Hawaiian Nation leaders the Kahanaiki site, the visit centered around LJA’s partnership with DLNR and local Koʻolaupoko organizations, the power of collective impact, and fostering connections between humans and the ʻāina.

Intermediate Boys Soccer had an outstanding season in ILH Division 2. Finishing the season with a 7-1 record, LJA co-claimed the championship in ILH Division 2 alongside Pac-5.

LJA’s Model UN (MUN) delegation piloted an innovative student-led initiative: the Mock Crisis Committee. Planned and organized by student leaders from five schools, with 37 delegates participating, the students took on dynamic crisis roles, debated pressing global issues, and worked together to find creative solutions.

As part of our Secondary Impact Academy program, where students get to meet bi-weekly with a student group or mentor to engage in a hands-on, impact-driven project of their choice, Grade 11 students have been running a program to host LJA’s first Girls Who Code club for primary school students.

With over 100 youth participants, 20 legislators, including U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda, and 15 local organizations, the 2025 Annual Climate Future Forum was a tremendous success, and included LJA’s own senior, Olivia S. Olivia led the Climate & Health Working Group, where Hawaiʻi State Representatives Lisa Marten and Sue Keohokapu-Lee Loy collaborated with youth participants to develop health-oriented climate priorities for the 2026 legislative session.

LJA has had a packed winter of campus visitors! It was our honor to host Filmmaker Ricky-Thomas Serikawa, New York City slam champion and 2024 Yeats International Poetry Prize winner Andrés Gómez, and kūpuna from Bluegrass Hawaiʻi in our learning spaces, building bridges of inspiration between the students at LJA and our vibrant community.

Grade 9 students brought learning to life through The Enchanted Forest, an annual interdisciplinary project that transforms the woods into a world of wonder. Guiding Primary students through an immersive experience, Grade 9 utilized their design, art, and collaboration skills.

Our Grade 4 students successfully hosted their culminating project for the Space Unit: the Grade 4 Space Museum!

October 17 is LJA Giving Day—a celebration of the generosity and spirit that make our LJA community extraordinary. Every gift to the LJA Fund helps our students grow in curiosity, creativity, and confidence, qualities that define the LJA experience and prepare learners to thrive as thinkers, creators, and leaders.

This fall, Le Jardin Academy athletes showcased skill, teamwork, and Bulldog pride across multiple sports.

The 2025–2026 Impact Term (I-Term) catalog is here, highlighting the distinctive learning experiences that set Le Jardin Academy apart. Each spring, students step beyond traditional classrooms for two weeks of immersive, hands-on learning that cultivates curiosity, courage, and connection.

At Le Jardin Academy, learning is designed to be holistic, experiential, and rooted in curiosity, courage, and compassion. Grade-level camps extend this philosophy beyond the classroom, giving students opportunities to collaborate, reflect, and engage in meaningful challenges. 

At Le Jardin Academy, learning extends far beyond the classroom. Impact Academies provide students with meaningful, real-world experiences that bring curiosity, courage, and compassion to life. Guided by faculty, community partners, and alumni, students step into opportunities that challenge them to think critically, collaborate deeply, and make a tangible difference

LJA is proud to celebrate Secondary Music Teacher Susanna Lauer, who recently presented at the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Hawai‘i Chapter Professional Development weekend at UH Mānoa. Leading a session on vocal pedagogy called “The Ballet Barre of Singing,” Susanna shared her expertise with choral directors from across the islands.

This year marks a new chapter at Le Jardin Academy as every employee participates in Sense of Place training, a program designed to deepen understanding of what it means to teach, learn, and grow in our community and in this special place

Le Jardin Academy is thrilled to share the opening of the ALTRES Preschool, a milestone years in the making–and ti even made the news on HINow! Thanks to the generosity of The ALTRES Foundation and the dedication of our donors, parents, faculty, and staff, our youngest learners now have a beautiful new home where they can grow, explore, and thrive. Watch the HINow video!

We are proud to share Le Jardin Academy’s 2024-25 Annual Report. Within its pages are stories of growth and achievement that reflect the heart of LJA and the many ways our community is thriving—from inspiring student journeys to program milestones that bring our mission and values to life.

Seniors in DP Computer Science welcomed back three alumni from the Class of 2024—Ayden Malahoff-Kamei , Aiden Becker, and Kaaha Maeva—for a special mini panel packed with insights and encouragement.

We’re excited to share In the Loop, our new Primary Division podcast!

On August 6, LJA faculty and staff gathered for a special blessing of our new Preschool home. The intimate ceremony included an ʻoli, remarks, and the untying of the maile, marking the start of a new chapter for our One Campus, One ʻOhana vision. This beautiful space now stands ready to welcome our youngest learners to campus for the first time.

Shoutout to recent LJA grad Siena S. ’25, featured on the cover of this week's Windward Voice as an HMSA Kaimana Award winner!

The Secondary Awards Ceremony celebrated student achievement, leadership, and character, highlighting the many ways LJA students make a positive impact both in and out of the classroom.

LJA’s Athletics Awards Night celebrated an unforgettable year of sports with record attendance, heartfelt gratitude, and recognition of the outstanding student-athletes who lead with heart, hustle, and hana pono.

Grade 11 students Jaden H. and Caden L. introduced their custom-built math app, Number Ninjas, to Grade 2 students—an inspiring example of student innovation, real-world coding, and hana pono in action.

Grade 5 students showcased their inquiry, collaboration, and critical thinking through the Primary Years Programme Exhibition, a student-led capstone project that reflects their growth as IB learners.

Congratulations to Taylor Souza ’16, who was named to the AVCA’s prestigious 2025 Thirty Under 30 list for her impactful leadership in growing youth volleyball across Hawai‘i and revitalizing the LJA program.

This past Spring Break marked a major milestone: construction began on the renovation of Building C, and the second story of the new Arts & Innovation Center is rapidly taking shape. The momentum is building, and our exciting progress even caught the attention of Go Kailua in a special feature!

In May, Le Jardin Academy proudly celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2025–an extraordinary group of young leaders ready to make their mark on the world.

Students scaled volcanoes, published original books, restored coral reefs, researched and tagged bats, learned the science of bread yeast, and navigated unique public transportation systems, to name a few curious adventures. I-Term students learned by doing, reflecting, and diving deep.

We are delighted to announce that Siena S., a proud member of the Class of 2025, has been named a finalist for the prestigious Duke Award by the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation. This distinguished honor celebrates Hawai‘i high school seniors who embody the legacy of Duke Kahanamoku through academic excellence, athletic achievement, and heartfelt community service.

Each spring, Le Jardin Academy partners with the Henry Kapono Foundation and dozens of local artists to transform campus into a celebration of PK–12 creativity, community, and expression. Artsfest 2025 was no exception—bringing together students, families, educators, and creatives for a day filled with art, music, and connection.

Just this year, the academy propagated 600 native plants, many from local seedstock. The nursery will continue to provide native Hawaiian plants for reforestation and restoration efforts throughout Kawainui Marsh, including key partner site Kahanaiki, supporting a more resilient local ecosystem.

Micah Madrid, Class of 2015, recently began a new role at Abbott–a leader in life-changing health technology in Northern California–working on clinical trials for a transcatheter valve repair device. Drawn by the sunshine and the opportunity to make a direct human impact, Micah is excited to take on work that feels both meaningful and well-suited to his strengths.

We’re still feeling the joy and aloha from the LJA Gala: Celebrating Hana Pono. Thanks to your amazing support, we raised over $400,000 to benefit our students, programs, and the exciting One Build Project campus expansion.

This year’s May Day celebration embraced the Hawaiian proverb, “I ulu nō ka lālā i ke kumu”—the branches grow because of the trunk. Our school community came together to honor the deep roots that sustain us: our kūpuna (elders), ʻohana (family), and ʻāina (land).

Our Grade 3 Marketplace was a lively celebration of creativity and learning in action! As part of their unit on economic systems, these young entrepreneurs designed, priced, marketed, and sold their own handmade goods, stepping into the exciting world of business.

We’re thrilled to celebrate five outstanding Le Jardin Academy student-athletes who are taking their talents to the collegiate level.

With our One Build Campaign in full swing, we are thrilled to see our vision gaining momentum—and recognition! A heartfelt mahalo to the families and friends who have already contributed to this transformational project. Now, we invite our entire LJA ‘ohana to help us reach the finish line.

Dr. Reed Riggs, LJA’s Mandarin teacher, has been named the 2025 HALT Teacher of the Year! This prestigious award from the Hawaiʻi Association of Language Teachers (HALT) recognizes his leadership, innovation, and impact in language education.

The Spanish Honor Society hosted its annual Spanish Awards Night, a student-led celebration of language learning and cultural connection.

Students put their design and engineering skills to the test in the highly anticipated Cardboard Canoe Race! After months of planning, building, and refining their designs, 16 teams took to the pool to see if their creations could stay afloat—and race to victory.

A huge congratulations to our talented Grade 10 artists for an incredible showcase at the opening reception of Printed, Pressed, and Expressed: LJA on Display! 

This wasn't just a sightseeing trip; it was a rigorous academic exercise that saw students from Le Jardin Academy engage with peers from around the globe, including schools from Greece, Israel, Austria, Zimbabwe, Turkey, and North Macedonia. The conference provided a unique platform for these young diplomats to step into the shoes of global leaders, representing Indonesia, tackling pressing international issues with passion and intellect.

LJA had the joy of welcoming students and teachers from Denmark for a meaningful cultural exchange. Hosted by LJA high school families—and even one of our beloved kūpuna—these visiting students (ages 14-18) experienced daily life in Hawai‘i while immersing themselves in our school community.

The LJA Boys Varsity Soccer team demonstrated grit, teamwork, and heart in an unforgettable run at the HHSAA state tournament.

Cody A. '26 and Siena S. '25, organized a hands-on workshop for Kahanaiki Impact Academy students as part of their CRB Trappers project, which received KUPU funding through the Hawai'i Youth Sustainability Challenge. 

In this hands-on outdoor painting experience, students explore the beauty of our campus to capture the essence of Le Jardin Academy on canvas.

Wild Kids and Ex Ed staff, along with students and faculty, participated in a meaningful community workday at Palalupe and Pōhakea, hosted by Ke Kahua o Kūaliʻi.

Our Junior Kindergarten students kicked off their Sharing the Planet unit with an exciting provocation—a field trip to Mānoa Heritage Center.

The Grade 6 class visited Hoʻokuaʻāina, a local lo’i in Maunawili whose mission is to cultivate a culture of individual well-being and community waiwai through aloha 'āina.

Congratulations to seniors Abby M., Tessa B., Max M., and juniors Malina R. and Michael H. for earning recognition in this year’s Scholastic Art & Writing Awards!

Our kindergarteners showed us what it means to use your voice to inspire positive change.

Congratulations to Siena S., for advancing as a Regional Finalist in the prestigious Coca-Cola Scholars Program!

Congratulations to Noelle Maeda, Le Jardin Academy’s Director of Human Resources, for being honored with the 2024 Professional Achievement Award by the National Business Officers Association (NBOA)!

LJA rolled out the welcome mat for alumni who returned to the islands to rekindle old friendships, spark new memories, and embrace their Bulldog spirit!

Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu! (Happy New Year!) LJA's Japanese language students took part in making Nengajou, traditional Japanese New Year cards, that are exchanged to welcome the new year and show appreciation for relationships, much like Western holiday cards.

Head of School Earl Kim was recently featured in Kāneʻohe Magazine, where he shared how LJA balances academic achievement with a deep commitment to community service. As a Kāneʻohe native, Earl is dedicated to providing families on Windward Oʻahu with a “transformative education experience right here at LJA.” 

Drawing inspiration from the indigenous and endemic plant life of Kawainui Marsh’s Kahanaiki area, Malia’s print reflects the concept of Hana Pono and symbolizes LJA’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community care.

Mark your calendars! Our next Open House for Grades PK-12 is on Saturday, January 25, 2025—a wonderful opportunity to discover how LJA creates personalized pathways to happiness and success for every student.

Join us for Kahanaiki Community Workdays! On the third Saturday of each month, our LJA ʻohana comes together at the Kawainui Marsh to mālama ʻaina and do good work to restore the native marsh! 

LJA is the proud recipient of a generous $100,000 grant award from The Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation to support its One Build Project! The good news was delivered to LJA in person by Tertia Freas, the Foundation’s Executive Director, who enjoyed a tour of campus with Head of School Earl Kim to discuss new campus developments.

Le Jardin Academy’s restoration and experiential education efforts in Kahanaiki, within Kawainui Marsh, have received a significant boost through a $5,000 Kaulunani grant from the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife and the USDA Forest Service.

The new building is expected to open in January 2026 and will provide dedicated classroom space for design, robotics, visual art, instrumental music, chorus, and collaboration. , showcasing how discovery, critical thinking, and collaboration help students make meaningful connections with the world around them.

At LJA, students embrace learning with curiosity and personal inquiry, cultivating essential life skills that empower them to take ownership of their educational journeys. This transformative approach was recently highlighted in Midweek!

Congratulations to Siena S. ’25 and Cody A. ’26 for being selected for the prestigious Kupu Foundation’s Hawai‘i Youth Sustainability Challenge (HYSC) 2024-2025 cohort! 

Le Jardin Academy's community surpassed its goal by collecting 59 units of blood during this year's drive, making a life-saving impact that will touch countless lives.

Le Jardin Academy's Annual Food Drive was a resounding success, with the community coming together to donate hundreds of pounds of food to Hawai‘i Foodbank, led by the compassionate efforts of student leaders in Primary's Leadership Hui.

Raquel R. '29 exemplifies leadership and civic engagement by advocating for animal welfare through testimony on Bill 64, guiding her Pono Pōpoki team in impactful work, and educating the community on sustainable cat care initiatives.

Olivia S. '26 is a dedicated climate advocate whose leadership at LJA and involvement with the Climate Future Forum empower youth to engage in legislative action and drive meaningful change for environmental justice.

The Grade 2 Art Show celebrated creativity, community, and exploration through a transdisciplinary approach, featuring a collaborative mural project with Grade 10 buddies and a reimagined art unit emphasizing local and global perspectives.

Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your child’s future. At LJA, Hawai‘i’s only full continuum International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, we nurture curious, active learners, Grades PK-12 who excel academically while thinking globally.

We are thrilled by the incredible participation and generosity shown this LJA Giving Day! Thanks to our community’s support, we raised $435,526 with contributions from 638 donors!

Today is a wonderful opportunity to directly impact student life and learning at LJA. With a goal of 550 donors and $325,000 by midnight, every gift contributes to scholarships, financial aid, program innovation, and improved campus spaces—ensuring our students thrive in their unique journeys.

Help us pave the way for student success on LJA Giving Day! By contributing on or before October 18, you can help unlock $100K in matching funds.

LJA celebrates six outstanding students who represented Hawai‘i at the 20th International Va‘a Federation (IVF) World Sprints Championships held in Hilo.

LJAʻs Hawaiian Honeycreeper advocates speak out in the documentary, Vanishing Voices: Saving Our Hawaiian Forest Birds.

Also see them on KITV Island Life!

LJA's mission centers around hana pono, a principle deeply rooted in our school’s traditions and an inherited kuleana to care for our rich land and its people through the collective good works of us all. Check out LJA's Hana Pono stories, which are shared regularly to inspire others!

This summer, the Bulldog Bulletin Team is buzzing with activity under the expert guidance of Mr. Masagatani, affectionately known as Mr. M! Students in grades 4 through 6 are diving into journalism and video production, bringing their unique perspectives to the forefront.

In spring 2024, LJA proudly announced the Pōmaika’i Scholarship Program, its first full scholarship to support promising Grade 7 students with high financial need and high potential for success through graduation.

Congratulations to these amazing educators, Robin Campbell, Amy Manso, and Avery Filer, our Academic Excellence Awardees.

Mahalo to HINow Daily for featuring LJA's Hana Pono Month! View the HINow segment that shares how LJA celebrated the good works of our school community throughout the month of February.

LJA students competed in the Arizona Fiesta Bowl Invitational and Arizona Sun Devil Classic.

In this season of promise and potential, our LJA ʻohana comes together to celebrate Hana Pono Month! From learning in the classroom, to caring for our people and place and becoming good global citizens, LJA is proud of the good works that we live by and give every day. 

Mark your calendars for a night to revel in a night of extraordinary creativity, learning, and groundbreaking innovation at a one-of-a-kind event! LJA’s signature gala will take place at the Prince Waikiki on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Proceeds will benefit program innovation.

Last month, the crisp Kailua air was filled with anticipation as families from across the island experienced Le Jardin Academy’s semi-annual Open House. As families engaged with teachers and administrators, sharing their aspirations for their children's futures, our school's nurturing learning community, internationally acclaimed curriculum, and unparalleled hospitality were on display.

In MYP4 Design classes at LJA, students practice using the design thinking process to create solutions to real world problems. In a recent assignment, four Grade 9 students led an initiative to address a problem impacting their community and enhanced student safety on campus with their efforts!

Along Kapaʻa Quarry road, within Kawainui*, is a 3-acre restoration site known as Kahanaiki that Le Jardin Academy is stewarding in collaboration with DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife.

LJA’s Holiday Mākeke (market) is an annual Windward treat not to be missed! The on-campus event is open to the community so be sure to enjoy it with family and friends. For a fun-filled day, reconnect with LJA, and over 60 local vendors and student vendors who will be there to help with your holiday gift-giving. Refreshments are available for purchase and benefit LJA Project Grad.

LJA students and community members learned about the journalistic process from Honolulu Civil Beat staff and reporters and shared their story ideas at a Pop-Up Newsroom on LJA’s campus.

Once again, the Le Jardin Academy community has come together in an amazing Giving Day effort! As an 'ohana, we together surpassed the goal of 500 donors and $300k in donations, and unlocked $100k in matching funds for over $405,000 in support of the LJA Fund to advance our school’s growth priorities.  

LJA’s youngest students experienced sensory play at October’s Sensory Fair, with activities that engaged the senses of touch, smell, sight, sound and taste. 

Because preschoolers are still developing their senses, every new experience with a different sense builds nerve connections in the brain and encourages the development of language and motor skills, and helps with abilities to focus and block out distractions.