Malamalama Waldorf School (2026-27 Profile)

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About the School

"Mlamalama" means "The Light of Knowledge".
We are committed to educating the thinking, feeling, and will of the child.
Methods and all related activities are taken from a new psychology of childhood oriented toward a real knowledge of the developing human being educating the healthy growth of body, mind, and spirit: In the first seven years, the emphasis is on the physical growth of the child.
Hence, learning is done along with physical activity and the provision of good habits for imitation and a healthy environment.
After the age of seven, the emphasis changes toward the inner life of the child.
A good "feeling" for the subject he/she will later thirst for in an intellectual way is developed, and a love of learning is nurtured.
At this time, the child wants to be himself; the child`s desire for knowledge comes out of a strong sense of belonging to a class and respect for the teachers.
Having concentrated on the healthy growth of the body and the "feeling" life, the thinking mind can fully begin its task.

Quick Facts (2026-27)

School Type: Special Program Emphasis
Grades: Prekindergarten-8
Enrollment: 132 students
Yearly Tuition: $12,049
Acceptance rate: 99%
Average class size: 12 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: 鉁�Verified school update

School Facts

School Type

School with Special Program Emphasis

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades Prekindergarten-8

Students By Grade

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	Malamalama Waldorf School
Pre-K	32
Kind	18
1	13
2	12
3	8
4	7
5	14
6	10
7	8
8	10

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ADD/ADHD Support

Yes

Learning Difference Programs

Yes

Learning Programs Supported

Dyslexia, mild learning difficulties

Year Founded

1978

Summer School Offered

Yes

Summer Program Details

School Calendar

Campus Size

20 acres

Student Body

Total Students

132 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

44%

State avg.: 72%

Academic Profile

Total Classroom Teachers

8 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

17:1

National avg.:

Average Class Size

12 students

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

No clothing with "media"

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA)
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$12,049

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

We accept Childcare Connections, Preschool Open Doors and offer our own Tuition Assistance.

Summer Program Cost

$879

Summer Program Cost Notes

July 3 - July 28, 2025

Acceptance Rate

99%

National avg.: 82%

Admissions Director

Kelley Lacks

Admissions Associate

Natasha Sky

Application URL

School Notes

Providing the Waldorf educational experience to children in East Hawaii.

As a Waldorf school, our primary guides for directing the programs we offer are the educational philosophies and curriculum designs established by Rudolf Steiner and adopted by the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA). With these as our guide, the faculty has developed curriculum standards for Grades 1-8 as well as the preschool and kindergarten at Mlamalama Waldorf School. Our curriculum standards embrace and embody Waldorf educational philosophies, yet speak to our unique educational community. Currently, our grades 1-8 classes consist of combined grades, creating a unique educational environment for our students. To create a cohesive and seamless curriculum, which can be used with combined classes and with single-grade classes, the faculty has developed a guide within our curriculum standards detailing adjustments made to the curriculum when teaching a combined grade class.
Perhaps the best expression of the Waldorf School philosophy is simply stated in the words of Rudolf Steiner himself: To wonder at the beauty, stand guard over truth, Look up to the noble, and Resolve on the good: This leads us truly to purpose in living, to right in doing, to peace in feeling, to light in thinking; And teaches us to trust in the working of God In all that there is, In the width of the world, In the depth of the soul.
The curriculum developed for Waldorf schools is unique and comprehensive and designed to meet the specific developmental milestones of children at each age and grade. Mlamalama Waldorf School is dedicated to creating an inner enthusiasm for learning within each child, which will help lead the student to find his or her own capacities for lifelong learning. We work with the needs of each stage of childhood.Waldorf education balances artistic, academic, and practical work educating the whole child, hand and heart as well as the mind. Its innovative methodology and developmentally-oriented curriculum, permeated with the arts, address the child's changing consciousness as it unfolds, stage by stage. Imagination and creativity are cultivated as well as cognitive growth and a sense of responsibility for the earth and its inhabitants. Under the warm and active instruction of their teachers, children are provided with a creative and nurturing environment in which to develop, grow and learn.
Since its founding by Rudolf Steiner in 1919, the Waldorf school movement has grown to over 1,000 schools and has become the fastest-growing throughout the world. Steiner's detailed psychology of child development, described early in the 20th century, has been supported by modern research in education and neuropsychology. Through Waldorf education, Steiner hoped that young people would develop the capacities of soul and intellect and the strength of will that would prepare them to meet the challenges of their own time and the future.

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Malamalama Waldorf School cost?

Malamalama Waldorf School's tuition is approximately $12,049 for private students and $879 for summer students.

What is the acceptance rate of Malamalama Waldorf School?

The acceptance rate of Malamalama Waldorf School is 99%, which is higher than the national average of 78%.

Does Malamalama Waldorf School offer a summer program?

Yes, Malamalama Waldorf School offers a summer program. Visit their for more information.

When is the application deadline for Malamalama Waldorf School?

The application deadline for Malamalama Waldorf School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

5 9/13/2025

Our son started at Malamalama Waldorf School in 5th grade after attending Waldorf schools in two other countries, and the transition was very smooth. From the very first day, he was welcomed warmly by both the teachers and the students.One of the things we appreciate most is the consistency of the Waldorf approach. It gave him a solid sense of continuity in his education. The rhythm flowed naturally from his previous school, and the values of creativity, respect, and connection have remained constant throughout his journey.We also love the depth of family involvement in the school. It creates a true sense of community and instills a spirit of volunteerism and service that we hope he carries with him.We feel so grateful that he's part of Malamalama and couldn't ask for a better place for him to continue his Waldorf education. Highly recommend!

- Posted by Parent - Erica

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Hawaii County, HI is $21,277 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Hawaii County, HI is 74% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).