News & Events

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! This vibrant new space – purpose-built for collaboration, creativity, and hands-on learning–unites arts, design, and innovation under one roof. This is the culmination of LJA’s One Build Project, a multi-year investment to build community and facilities capacity around the arts and design.

A Community Canvas for Innovation in Learning
The A&IC creates 15,500 SF of unified space for artistic expression, experimentation, and collaboration. From a makerspace and robotics classroom to a ceramic studio and spacious music and choral rooms, students and faculty will soon have inspiring new spaces to explore, create, and pursue new pathways in learning. Plans are also in the works to expand community programming, including a radio station, visual arts classes, ensemble performances, and exhibitions!

Make A Gift to Place Your Name
As we place furnishings and finishing touches on the A&IC, your gift can move the needle and cement your name in this legacy chapter for LJA! Every gift to the One Build Campaign—in any amount—will be recognized on the One Build Donor Wall, a lasting tribute to the kūpuna and families who have helped bring this transformative project to life for our campus. Join the campaign by making a special, year-end gift today! Your gift is tax-deductible for 2025 if received by December 31.

Congratulations to Bradley Pierce ’14, who was recently named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 - Healthcare list. Bradley, 29, is a U.S. Army officer and general surgery resident physician whose groundbreaking work has led to the development of a novel life support system designed to prolong survival after traumatic abdominal hemorrhage. His research has received $1.2 million in federal funding and has the potential to impact care in emergency rooms and rural treatment centers.

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! 

Juan Sebastian B. '28 posted the top time in the state and a 1st place finish in the 200-meter free with a time of 1:42.32, nearly 3 seconds faster than the second fastest person this season. He also took 1st place in the 100-meter backstroke with a time of 54.69 seconds—an outstanding achievement! Other top performances included… 

Le Jardin Academy invites alumni, partners, and friends to join in an unforgettable evening of celebration, connection, and impact at our signature fundraising event—the Le Jardin Academy Gala on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m., to be held at Bishop Museum. This one-of-its-kind event–which is expected to raise more than $300k–is a fun, unique, inspiring, and memorable way to support LJA.

Bringing this production to life required dedication, creativity, and collaboration—students poured countless hours into rehearsals, costume design, and technical production, embodying the spirit of the arts at LJA. 

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.

Le Jardin Academy recently hosted an exciting event on campus—the launch of the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Robotics season! Students from across Oahu, including LJA’s own talented students, gathered to kick off this year’s ocean-themed competition, learning the rules and regulations for the season ahead. Students may choose to solve issues related to marine debris, biodiversity, or sustainability.

LJA students have been at the forefront of efforts to protect Hawaiʻi’s endangered honeycreepers through their "Help for the Honeycreepers" initiative, which began in 2022. These dedicated students have organized fundraisers, testified before the state legislature, and championed important conservation bills, reflecting how the IB Programme teaches students to inquire, engage, and improve the world around them. In the IB Programme, the classroom walls “fade away,” and students act within the greater context of the real world, taking on global issues from an early age. 

We’re proud to share that Le Jardin Academy alumni Kaia Soul ’22 was recently featured on Hawaiʻi News Now, where she delivered a captivating unplugged performance of her single "The Queen Has Risen," accompanied by guitarist Guy James. Kaia is an integral part of our LJA community, and has credited it for supporting her in her pursuit of her individual pathway.

Le Jardin Academy students recently made a notable impact on Hawaii’s environment by advocating for House Bill 1899, which was signed into law by Governor Josh Green. The legislation designates nine native snail species as symbols of the Hawaiian Islands, helping to protect these creatures, which have lost over 60% of their populations due to habitat destruction and invasive species.

LJA's Drone Racing Team is soaring to new heights with an exciting new project! Our talented students are now piloting drones to document the construction of the Arts & Innovation building, thanks to a thrilling opportunity to collaborate with Unlimited Construction. This initiative not only showcases their advanced drone skills but also integrates them tino the world of aerial mapping, surveying, and photography. 

The Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) is an invasive pest that damages palm trees by boring into their crowns to feed, which can kill the trees. Controlling CRB is essential to protect ecosystems and agriculture, especially in tropical areas like Hawaii.

Le Jardin Academy’s Impact Academy shapes future leaders by engaging Secondary students in meaningful community work and fostering a lifelong commitment to philanthropy and kuleana. Middle School students participate in Impact Projects on Wednesdays, while High School students work on theirs every Tuesday and Thursday.

Students are beginning an enriching Experiential Education experience at Kahanaiki, where they explore the area's rich history, collect seeds, weed, and use natural materials to build infrastructure. These activities foster a connection to the land while teaching teamwork and responsibility.

The entire Le Jardin Academy community gathered for our first K-12 assembly of the school year, a joyful occasion kicked off by the cherished tradition of the Kinder/Senior Walk. In this heartwarming ceremony, Seniors proudly walked hand-in-hand with their Kindergarten buddies, guiding them to their very first assembly on the main campus. The Kinder/Senior Walk is a longstanding tradition at LJA, symbolizing the beginning of the Kindergartners' school journey and the role of Seniors as mentors and leaders.

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.

Our LJA ʻohana gathered at the Prince Waikiki on Saturday, April 27, for our signature fundraising event, Le Jardin Academy Gala: Artists & Innovators. Our community raised more than $322,000 in support of program innovation—enhancing student life and learning! Table and ticket sponsorships, pledges of excellence, provision of in-kind goods and services, auction purchases, and generous investments of volunteer time and energy made the evening a success.

Hawaii's land snails have a significant role in native ecosystems, acting as a major component of intact watershed forest communities. This year 22 Grade 2 and 3 LJA students embarked on a campaign to recognize the importance of land snails and increase awareness of their imperiled status. The Kāhuli Hui was born and they took their calls to action all the way to the Hawaii State House, where they were invited to participate in the bill-signing ceremony of House Bill 1899 with Governor Josh Green.

In 2023, MYP Design Teacher Ramsay Barnes and students launched the Ko‘olaupoko Drone Racing League to enhance STEM opportunities at LJA and across the island. This year, our Bulldogs secured the wild card position to compete in the 2024 National Championship Races in San Diego, California, achieving 3rd place in Capture the Flag, 4th place in Head-to-Head Racing, and the Judges Choice Award for sportsmanship and team spirit. 

Our Bulldog athletes had an outstanding season marked by determination, teamwork, and remarkable skill. Each team demonstrated exceptional dedication, resulting in numerous victories and personal bests. Coaches’ and players’ tireless hard work paid off as they brought home several championship titles. We applaud all of our players as they continue LJA’s legacy of excellence, sportsmanship, and spirit.

The Model United Nations conference hosted on April 13 by our LeMUN delegation was a success, with over 120 delegates from 10 different schools in attendance. The campus was abuzz with students passionately addressing critical global challenges. It was a powerful day of discussion, negotiation, debate, and insight, helping to develop our future global leaders.

Each year, the Wild Kids Stewardship Council hosts a student-led conference centered around global issues, activism, and environmental stewardship. In April, LJA welcomed visiting students from Brazil and China who joined our Wild Kids Stewardship Council for a range of service projects and workshops. 

Catch up on the latest alumni profile stories! 

Bleu Blakslee '87 Interview

Ethan Young ‘18 Interview

Natasha Brewer '11 Interview

Project partners, donors, and collaborators gathered in support of LJA’s One Build Project, a new chapter of development for our campus which includes the renovation of our C-Wing to welcome preschool to the main campus, and construction of a new Arts & Innovation Center between the middle and high schools. This perfectly practical vision – realized – makes MORE possible for ALL students, now and into the future, and sets the stage for future growth and expansion. 

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!

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, LJA made incredible progress toward the completion of our Student Commons that is now a treasured space for sharing meals, conversation, and camaraderie. Every day, over 1,000 students now enjoy healthier and diversified meals as a result of our new facilities and you can see the unmistakable joy and appreciation for our new campus addition in the faces of every member of our community.

Excitement and anticipation fill the air as we unveil a refreshed and revitalized Harold Theater, the setting for countless inspiring performances and memorable experiences! Thanks to the generosity of our community members and dedicated supporters, our school theater has undergone a significant transformation as we continue to renovate our performance space. 

Since 2021, Le Jardin Academy has served as the official caretaker of Kahanaiki, Kawainui Marsh, a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, located less than 500 yards from campus. Native ecosystem restoration at Kahanaiki can always use your help, and the next Community Workday will be on March 3.

Danicka Sailer ‘22 always had a reputation as a gifted athlete and spirited competitor while attending LJA, and her passion led her to compete in the Olympic windsurfing trials this January. The day after returning from her competition, she took the time to describe her transformative experience with Annual Giving Manager Alpin Hong.

Join the de Silva family in a talk story about Waiʻauia, Kailua and a mele that helps us remember - with hula by Hālau Mōhala ʻIlima.
 

The LJA Wishing Tree is a way for our community to celebrate all the hard work of our dedicated teachers and deserving students by turning their wishes into reality. In this season filled with promise and potential, thanks to our wonderful donors the Wishing Tree is blooming and filled with wishes that celebrate all the hana pono that happens here!

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.

At Le Jardin Academy, we embrace each and every day as an opportunity to do our best work, to care for those around us, and to measure our actions by impact. For this reason, it should come as no surprise that following a comprehensive strategic planning process, LJA has embraced an updated mission.  MISSION VIDEO

Learner agency at LJA was on full display on the front page of the Honolulu MidWeek Voice! Leah Magaña, Head of Primary, describes how LJA students pursue learning through units of personal inquiry, which provide structure to their exploration while also giving them the freedom to dive deeper in the direction that they are most passionate about.

Our school is not just a place of learning; it’s a vibrant center of positive and enjoyable community activity. With local partnerships, dynamic events, and unique educational opportunities, LJA fosters experiences, connections and memories that go far beyond the classroom.

LJA’s Holiday Mākeke (market) is right around the corner. Be sure to include LJA on your holiday craft fair shopping list! The festivities will be on Saturday, December 9 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on LJA's campus.

Elevate your chess prowess and engage in thrilling matches alongside a grandmaster. Our friends at Rookly Chess have organized two free online community sessions exclusively for the LJA ‘ohana!

LJA students and community members learned all 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.

The natural beauty of LJA’s campus is not only an inspiring backdrop to our educational programming; it’s an integral part of our school experience, fostering a sense of wonder and appreciation for the world around us. We invest steadily to cultivate a learning environment that inspires exploration, creativity, and connection while ensuring our students have clean, modern facilities equipped with the latest technology.

LJA Giving Day is the day our community comes together to support our good work in scholarship, innovation, and facilities growth. Thanks to an outpouring of kindness and generosity from our families and friends, LJA logged $314,024 from 583 donors who made 674 gifts, unlocking another $100k in matching funds for a total of $405,884.75!

To experience LJA’s unwavering commitment to belonging and access for learners, innovative IB-grounded programming, and local and global impact, we welcome you to explore our 2022-2023 Annual Report.

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.