A new private school that teaches only girls in grades K-5 has opened in Kailua.

Kaori Brown, former lower school principal for Le Jardin Academy in Kailua, started the one-room Huakailani School, recognizing that some girls need more emotional support and social guidance.

Her students have individualized learning programs and basically receive a homeschool-style education with a focus on performing and visual art.

The school fulfilled a dream, said Brown, who has 20 years of experience in the field.

"I always wanted to ... take all I'd learned as an educator, the best practices for kids, and make the most caring and nurturing environment for kids ... and put it together into my own program," she said.

At Le Jardin, Brown said, she began to realize that some of the girls needed more, and this year decided to fill a niche with a program not available at other public or private schools.

Huakailani presently has four students but can accommodate 18. Girls can begin at any time because the course work is individualized and not based on what other girls are doing, Brown said.

School opened Aug. 27, but already Brown said she can see the benefit of the same-sex, multi-aged group, all in one room.

"The older girls are developing their independent skills, their confidence and are the leaders in the classroom," she said. "The younger girls are gaining a lot of knowledge ... from the older girls who are the mentors. I've also seen that the environment allows them to ... voice their opinions or give ideas and not feel like their ideas are being shot down because they're too girly or maybe a more boastful boy in the class has a better idea."

Brown has joined the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools and has applied for a license from the organization.

"We always think it's a good thing when our families have a broad choice for schools," said Roberta Bishop, associate director of the association.

Brown has been a part of the association's community, and the organization welcomes her in her new role, Bishop said.

"She's been at other schools and has a solid background in education in our independent school community, so we have confidence in her," she said.

The association has not visited the school yet but plans to do so this fall, Bishop said.

O'ahu has four other all-girls schools, La Pietra-Hawaii School for Girls, with grades 6-12; Sacred Hearts Academy, grades P-12; Saint Francis School, grades 9-12 and St. Andrew's Priory School for Girls, grades K-12, Bishop said.