News & Events

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.

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. 

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!

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.