Elementary School

Mid-Pacific Elementary School offers a progressive, inquiry-inspired learning experience that builds on the Reggio Emilia foundations of our Preschool while evolving to meet the developmental needs of K–5 learners. We see children as capable thinkers who learn best when experiences are meaningful, connected to their lives, and supported by a nurturing community.

Our program integrates core academic disciplines with visual and musical arts, physical education, and character education. These learning areas serve as “languages” of expression, honoring the belief that children make meaning in diverse and equally valuable ways. Inspired by the work of Dewey, Piaget, Vygotsky, Gardner, and Freire, our approach emphasizes curiosity, collaboration, and the active construction of knowledge.

Inquiry in the elementary years is shaped by students’ curiosity, classroom dialogue, and shared experiences. Teachers draw on students’ ideas to support learning and help them explore meaningful concepts connected to science and social studies standards. Students have opportunities to express their thinking in different ways — such as writing, drawing, discussion, digital tools, or hands-on exploration — reflecting our belief in multiple modes of learning and communication.

Character education and social-emotional learning are woven throughout our program and reinforced through dedicated instruction, helping students understand themselves, care for others, and contribute positively to their community.

Deeper Learning is student-centered, student-powered, and student-enacted. Studentsʻ questions, interests, and wonderings matter. Deeper Learning at Mid-Pacific begins with the Reggio Emilia foundations established in our Preschool, where children are seen as capable, curious, and full of potential. In the elementary years, this philosophy continues to guide how students explore ideas, build understanding, and develop the competencies outlined in Mid-Pacific’s schoolwide Learner Profile.

Students’ questions, classroom dialogue, and shared experiences help shape inquiry learning connected to science and social studies standards, while core academic skills in literacy and math are taught through dedicated instruction. Teachers pay attention to students’ ideas and design opportunities that encourage critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creative problem-solving — essential elements of Deeper Learning.

Students have opportunities to express their thinking in multiple ways, reflecting the Reggio belief in diverse “languages” of learning. These may include writing, drawing, discussion, digital tools, or hands-on exploration. Reflection is woven throughout the learning process, helping students understand themselves as learners and recognize how their thinking evolves over time.

Deeper Learning in the elementary years supports students in setting goals, practicing resilience, and making meaningful connections to place and community. Learning may be shared with authentic audiences through classroom presentations, exhibitions, or performances, reinforcing that learning is purposeful and contributes to others.

The use of iPads, laptops and other portable devices is used as an instructional tool to support, extend and enrich learning. The former Epiphany School was the first elementary school in Hawai‘i to write and implement a Technology Vision Statement. Each student in the elementary (Kindergarten – Grade 5) receives an iPad equipped with a suite of apps and internet access to support and individualize learning needs. A tech specialist is assigned to work collaboratively with the elementary faculty, students and staff.

A low student/teacher ratio enables learning to broaden and deepen. In addition to same-age classrooms (Kindergarten and grade 5), Mid-Pacific Elementary School offers multiage learning (grades 1 – 2 and 3 – 4 combinations) as an educational strategy that promotes the development of a fuller range of a child’s cognitive and social skills.

The Elementary After School Care program provides a licensed extended day option from 2:30–5:30 p.m. for students in grades K–5. Staffed by trained supervisors and faculty, the program offers a structured yet flexible environment that supports students’ social development and responsible independence.

Students may participate in outdoor play, quiet indoor activities, or age‑appropriate enrichment experiences. Space is available for students who wish to read or complete homework.

Nearly half of the elementary student population participate in the extended-day program, which runs until 5:30 p.m. Children do their homework and can participate in a variety of supervised games and activities. Several after school enrichment classes are offered through the Extended Learning Program. A whole variety of classes are offered including ballet, string ensemble, vocal ensemble, swimming, tennis, theatre, technology and more. Students may also play on the Mid-Pacific Christian Schools Athletic League (CSAL) volleyball and basketball teams.