ABOUT OHANA INSTITUTE
OUR MISSION
OUR VISION
“At Ohana Institute, we believe that every student deserves an education tailored to their unique strengths, passions, and potential. From kindergarten through 12th grade, our mission is to foster a supportive, engaging, and individualized learning environment where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.”
Personalized Learning and School Support
Ohana Institute prioritizes small class sizes and meaningful connections. Our dedicated faculty know each student personally, allowing for personalized attention and support. This approach helps students grow confidently, explore their interests deeply, and achieve their educational goals.
Academics & Standardized Testing
From kindergarten through 12th grade, our curriculum blends rigorous core classes with immersive, real-world projects to ensure every student graduates ready for their next chapter.
At Ohana Institute, standardized testing is just one of many tools we use to guide instruction and student growth:
- Grades K–7: Students take the Iowa Assessment each February. These low-pressure assessments help teachers identify learning gaps and improve instruction while giving students early experience with test-taking.
- Grades 8–9: Students start taking the PSAT to prepare for future college readiness.
- Grades 10–11: Students take the PSAT/NMSQT, which also serves as the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
High School College Preparation: All high school students receive targeted SAT and ACT prep through Kaplan resources and dedicated courses.
Beyond traditional academics, Ohana students participate in enrichment and problem-based learning (PBL) days. These hands-on experiences—from biology labs and essay workshops to film studies, music, sports management, and foreign language projects—allow students to explore their passions while developing critical thinking, creativity, and leadership skills.
School Calendar
Ohana Institute follows a balanced-year, modified calendar, beginning in early August and concluding in late May or early June. The schedule includes five extended breaks for rest, travel, and enrichment:
- Fall Break: October
- Thanksgiving Break: November
- Christmas & New Year’s Break: mid-December – early January
- Winter Break: February
- Spring Break: late March – early April
This calendar provides consistent learning while ensuring students and families have time to recharge throughout the year.
Athletics, Clubs, & Extracurricular Activities
Ohana Institute offers a rich variety of extracurricular activities that allow students to explore interests, develop leadership skills, and connect with their peers:
- Athletics & Student Activities: While we do not field organized sports teams, students may compete and participate in athletics with local schools. All core courses are NCAA-approved for student-athletes aspiring to play at the collegiate level.
- Clubs & Enrichment: Options include Golf, Basketball, Volleyball, Girls on the Run, Theater, Art, Culinary, Film Club, After-School Band, National Honor Society, Student Government, Medical Skills Club, Robotics, Spanish Club, Lego Club, and service-oriented clubs like Beach Clean-Up and Cooking. Student-led clubs and new ideas are always encouraged.
Why Ohana?
At Ohana Institute, education goes beyond textbooks and tests. Our goal is to nurture confident, curious, and well-rounded individuals ready to navigate the challenges of the modern world. By combining rigorous academics, hands-on experiences, and meaningful personal connections, we prepare our students not only for college and career but for a lifetime of learning and leadership.
“Ohana believed in me before I believed in myself. With the support of my teachers and the encouragement to find my voice, I discovered a passion that shaped my future. Now, I get to give to the place that gave me so much–teaching by day and performing on weekends as a vocalist.”
– Lindsey Matthews
Ohana Alumna, Teacher & Vocalist
