Demand drives Le Jardin growth
By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer
KAILUA — Le Jardin Windward O'ahu Academy has unveiled plans to complete its high school expansion, an estimated $14 million in improvements that include a gymnasium, library and more classrooms.
Last year, the private school opened its high school after accelerating its strategic plan by eight years and spending $2.8 million for new classroom buildings and an auditorium.
Headmaster Adrian Allan said the proposed expansion would further accelerate the school's growth and allow a student body of 800 to 1,000, up from about 540 now.
"Our situation is due to absolutely huge demand in this area," Allan said. "We need to offer more, and we have basically filled all the spaces we've got."
Although construction wouldn't begin for two to three years — with completion perhaps by 2010 — the school has begun developing plans and applying for permits.
The proposal was revealed recently before the Kailua Neighborhood Board.
"The timing of (the expansion) depends on fund-raising, and the nature of what we can do depends on city approval," Allan said.
The academy also would like to have more administrative and maintenance space and an art and music center, with total cost estimated at $13 million to $14 million.
Le Jardin, serving preschool to ninth-grade students, opened on a new $8.5 million campus in 1999 at the former Kailua Drive-In Theater site overlooking Kawainui Marsh. Last year, Le Jardin's 40th anniversary, it opened its high school. All 50 spaces were filled quickly.
Charles Prentiss, a member of the Kailua Neighborhood Board, said the school would have to apply for a height variance to build its gymnasium because it would exceed the height allowed for the property.
Some Maunawili Valley residents have complained about the possibility of the building blocking their view, but Prentiss couldn't say how many homes would be affected.
The board would take an advisory position on the proposal once the application for the permit or variance has been submitted, he said.
Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com or 234-5266.
