Kamehameha Schools

Definition

Kamehameha Schools is a private educational institution in Hawaii, founded in 1887 by Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop. It serves primarily Native Hawaiian students and is dedicated to providing them with an education rooted in Hawaiian culture and values, while also preparing them for success in contemporary society. The schools emphasize the importance of Hawaiian language, history, and traditions, playing a vital role in the preservation and promotion of Hawaiian culture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Kamehameha Schools operates multiple campuses across Hawaii, providing education from preschool through high school.
2. The schools aim to foster a sense of identity and pride among Native Hawaiian students through culturally relevant education.
3. Scholarships and financial aid are offered to ensure that education is accessible to students from various socio-economic backgrounds.
4. In addition to academics, Kamehameha Schools encourages participation in cultural activities such as hula, chant, and traditional crafts.
5. The institution is one of the largest private school systems in the United States, significantly influencing the educational landscape in Hawaii.

Review Questions

• How does Kamehameha Schools contribute to the preservation of Hawaiian culture among its students?
  • Kamehameha Schools plays a crucial role in preserving Hawaiian culture by incorporating Hawaiian language, history, and traditions into its curriculum. By prioritizing these elements, the schools help students develop a strong sense of identity and pride in their heritage. Cultural activities like hula and traditional crafts further enhance this connection to their roots, ensuring that students not only succeed academically but also appreciate their cultural legacy.
• Discuss the significance of Bernice Pauahi Bishop's legacy in establishing Kamehameha Schools and its ongoing impact on Native Hawaiian education.
  • Bernice Pauahi Bishop's legacy is foundational to Kamehameha Schools as she established the institution in her will to provide educational opportunities specifically for Native Hawaiian children. Her vision continues to influence the mission and values of the schools today, as they focus on empowering students through culturally relevant education. This ongoing commitment has significantly impacted Native Hawaiian education by fostering academic success while honoring cultural identity.
• Evaluate how Kamehameha Schools aligns with the principles of the Hawaiian Renaissance and its broader implications for Hawaiian society.
  • Kamehameha Schools embodies the principles of the Hawaiian Renaissance by promoting the revival of Hawaiian language, arts, and cultural practices. This alignment supports a larger movement aimed at restoring cultural pride among Native Hawaiians and addressing historical injustices. The schools' emphasis on culturally relevant education not only empowers individual students but also strengthens the community as a whole, fostering a renewed sense of identity and belonging that contributes positively to Hawaiian society.

Related terms

Bernice Pauahi Bishop: The last direct descendant of the Kamehameha dynasty, who established Kamehameha Schools in her will to ensure educational opportunities for Native Hawaiian children.

Hawaiian Renaissance: A cultural movement that emerged in the 1970s focused on the revival and revitalization of Hawaiian language, arts, and traditions.

Ohana: A Hawaiian term meaning 'family,' emphasizing the importance of community and relationships within Hawaiian culture.