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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, January 24, 2008

Country School partners with community

Advertiser Staff

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Student Stephen Pagano runs an experiment with Ashlynn Kelsom at the Waimea Country School Science Fair 2007 as Andrew Hampsch looks on. The school has 35 students enrolled.

Marcie Neubecker

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Where: Waimea

Grade span: Kindergarten through sixth grade

Enrollment: 35 students enrolled, 60 capacity

Free and reduced-price lunch eligible: not applicable.

Special-education students: not applicable.

Computers on campus: 21

Principal: Amy Salling, interim head of school since 2006.

School nickname: Waimea Country School

School colors: green

What are you most proud of? "Waimea Country School has a true multi-age philosophy and structure at work," said Amy Salling, interim head of Waimea Country School. "Our learning program involves working with community partners in science, arts and culture to add vitality, depth and relevance. The focus of our school is on the process of learning in a safe environment where students are empowered to take social and academic risks."

What is your biggest challenge? "Right now, it is being a young school with limited financial resources," Salling said. "Although we offer a unique experience for students that includes a solid academic program with deep connections between school and home, we need to be better at getting the word out about what we offer."

Special events: Open house on Feb. 2; benefit auction and champagne brunch at Daniel Thiebaut's on Feb. 9 in Waimea, Aloha Festivals Paniolo Parade, Community Connection Day, Harvest Festival, science fair, Makahiki Reach Across America Day, 'Ohana Kupuna Day, International Day, Lei Day and the annual Beach Picnic.

History: The school was established in 1996 as a multi-age, family-oriented day school for students in grades kindergarten through six. The school moved to its current location at St. James' Circle in 2003. The schools has four classrooms, a large lanai, an 'ohana house for afterschool programs, playground equipment and a working garden.

Web address: www.waimeacountryschool.org

Phone: 808-885-0067