{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Wai'alae Elementary Public Charter School","outOfStateSupporters":35.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8821732,"projectId":9781545,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our 5th graders at Wai'alae Elementary have successfully brought their sustainable Market Day ideas to life. Using the new art supplies, sewing tools, and other building materials, along with recycled materials, students worked through the design thinking process to create products that are both useful and environmentally responsible. One standout moment happened during our \"Empathize\" interviews, when students used their new materials to quickly prototype ideas after learning what kinds of products families and staff would actually find helpful. \r\n\r\nThe students were excited to create when they saw the variety of materials that they could work with. Students were highly engaged and collaborative as they experimented with constructing prototypes, testing, refining, and finalizing their products to sell. The materials helped students feel like real designers and engineers.\r\n\r\nFamilies and school community members were invited to visit student booths at Market Day where the students were also entrepreneurs. Your support has given our students the opportunity to see that their ideas matter and that even small actions can positively impact our school and community.","fullyFundedDate":1759607494827,"projectUrl":"project/from-trash-to-treasure-market-day/9781545/","projectTitle":"From Trash to Treasure: Market Day","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dela Pena","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8821732"},{"teacherId":9744365,"projectId":10110343,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing our project, \"Next-Level Learning: Essential Resources for Engaged Students,\" to life! The arrival of our new microscope has completely transformed our classroom energy. When the students first saw it, their faces lit up with pure curiosity and excitement. They couldn't wait to dive in and start exploring.\r\n\r\nWe are currently using the microscope to examine plant cells and everyday objects up close, which has turned abstract science concepts into a hands-on, real-world reality. Looking ahead, our next steps are to use this incredible tool to study microorganisms and water quality in our upcoming biology unit. Your generosity has truly elevated our daily learning and sparked a deep passion for discovery in my students. We are incredibly grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1775164643534,"projectUrl":"project/next-level-learning-essential-resources/10110343/","projectTitle":"Next-Level Learning: Essential Resources for Engaged Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Michael","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9744365_orig.jpg?crop=4284,4284,x0,y1170&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754867005151","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9744365"},{"teacherId":10419890,"projectId":10110783,"letterContent":"On behalf of the students and staff at Wai'alae Elementary, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your generous support of our project, \"Calm Minds, Ready Learners.\" Your contribution has directly transformed the way our students approach their emotional well-being and academic readiness.\r\n\r\nThe sensory tools and cozy seating you provided have created a vital sanctuary within our counseling office. In a world that can often feel overwhelming, these resources offer our \"Explorers\" a tangible way to ground themselves. When a student visits the Counseling Corner now, they aren't just taking a break; they are engaging with specific tools that help them process big emotions in a healthy, productive way.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has sent a powerful message to our children: that their mental health matters and that their community is rooting for their success. By providing these resources, you haven't just bought \"items\"—you have invested in the resilience and long-term emotional intelligence of our students.\r\n\r\nMahalo nui loa for your aloha and for being a partner in our students' growth.","fullyFundedDate":1771772843761,"projectUrl":"project/our-project-a-sanctuary-for-self-regula/10110783/","projectTitle":"Our Project: A Sanctuary for Self-Regulation","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. De Guzman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10419890_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y136&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1769727575848","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10419890"},{"teacherId":9372324,"projectId":10108576,"letterContent":"The day we unpacked our donors choose packages my students were so excited they were jumping out of their seats in wonderment. They made predictions as to what was in the boxes. \r\n\r\nFrom unboxing to putting the wobble chairs together all my students have loved the fun chair choices. Each day they come to school they are excited to have a fun chair choice. \r\n\r\nHaving kids have choice and take charge of their learning makes them love school in turn like to learn. You've added Jo and fun to our classroom for generations to","fullyFundedDate":1771697976968,"projectUrl":"project/first-grade-in-motion-flexible-seating/10108576/","projectTitle":"First Grade in Motion: Flexible Seating Organized Spaces","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Izutsu","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9372324"},{"teacherId":9372684,"projectId":10108404,"letterContent":"\"Wow!\" , \"That is so cool!\", \"Can we use it now?\" , \"That was so nice!\" are some of the remarks the kindergarteners said as I opened the generous donations to our classrooms. \r\n\r\nThe gardening toys are a big hit and they have enjoyed selling flowers in our flower shop and using our math skills to add a total. Also, counting in our new butterfly garden!\r\n\r\nThe egg shakers are a great addition to our daily dance parties and sorting activities. \r\n\r\nThe base ten blocks are a great way to visually see place value and they love how they can use the \"teacher board\" to use them.\r\n\r\nThe 3 dimensional shapes are a great way to explore faces, edges, and vertices!\r\n\r\nThank you sooo much!","fullyFundedDate":1771689598054,"projectUrl":"project/creative-kindergarteners/10108404/","projectTitle":"Creative Kindergarteners!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. B","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9372684"},{"teacherId":9838210,"projectId":10110106,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my speech and language therapy students through DonorsChoose. Your generosity has made a meaningful impact on my students and the way we learn and communicate in our therapy room. The new therapy materials, toys, and games are used daily during speech sessions to help students practice important skills like requesting, describing, answering questions, and taking turns in conversations with peers.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new materials, they were incredibly excited. Many of them learn best through play and hands-on activities, so having engaging games and toys immediately motivated them to participate and communicate. I recently used one of the new games during a session where students practiced asking each other questions and taking turns while playing. What looked like a fun game was actually a valuable opportunity for them to build vocabulary, expand their sentences, and practice social communication skills.\r\n\r\nThe cleaning supplies have also helped us keep our shared materials safe and ready for use throughout the day. Moving forward, my students will continue using these resources to work on expanding their language, participating in conversations, and building confidence when communicating with others. Thank you again for helping create an engaging and supportive environment where my students can grow and succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1771737341938,"projectUrl":"project/help-me-give-my-students-engaging-games/10110106/","projectTitle":"Help Me Give My Students Engaging Games & Therapy Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kakuda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9838210"},{"teacherId":6739300,"projectId":10110540,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our learning space has truly transformed. The new U-shaped table has completely changed the way I deliver small group instruction to my special education students. Instead of meeting on the floor, we now gather around a table where everyone can see, engage, and participate comfortably. It may seem simple, but having a dedicated learning space has made instruction more focused, structured, and meaningful.\r\n\r\nThe first day the table was set up, my students were so excited! They immediately noticed the table when they walked in the room. They were eager to sit down, ready to learn, and proud of their new space.\r\n\r\nWe are using the table daily for targeted reading groups, hands-on math practice with manipulatives, and writing support. Recently during a phonics lesson, I was able to sit directly across from my students, model sound blending, and give immediate feedback while they tracked print. The engagement and eye contact were stronger than ever because we were all positioned to see and interact with each other easily.\r\n\r\nNext, we will continue building our literacy and math skills through structured small groups. We are working on improving reading fluency, strengthening number sense, and developing early writing skills. The table allows me to differentiate instruction in real time and provide the individualized support my students need to grow confidently.\r\n\r\nYour support did more than provide furniture — it created a space where my students feel capable, focused, and important. Thank you for investing in their learning and helping us build a classroom where every child can thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1771769570929,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-small-group-learning-space-fo/10110540/","projectTitle":"Creating a Small-Group Learning Space for K-1 Special Education Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Russell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6739300"},{"teacherId":7932025,"projectId":10108613,"letterContent":"Our new kidney table has quickly become one of the most important spaces in our classroom. My students and I use it every day during small group instruction for reading, writing, phonics, and math intervention lessons. It has helped create a focused and comfortable learning environment where students feel supported and confident taking risks in their learning. One special moment that stood out was during our small group reading lessons. Students were excited to gather around the table to practice sounding out CVC words, blending sounds, and reading together. The close-knit setting has helped students stay engaged and allowed me to provide more individualized support.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new kidney table, they were so excited to have a special place to work together with their teacher and classmates. Many students immediately asked when it would be their turn to sit at the table. They love being able to gather closely together during lessons, and it has made our small group time feel extra special and important. The table has also helped students stay focused and participate more actively during discussions and hands-on activities.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for supporting our classroom and helping create meaningful learning experiences for my students. Your generosity has truly made a difference in our daily learning.","fullyFundedDate":1771695927315,"projectUrl":"project/a-special-spot-for-small-group-success/10108613/","projectTitle":"A Special Spot for Small Group Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Serena","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7932025_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y46&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1627941964944","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7932025"},{"teacherId":9372402,"projectId":9781034,"letterContent":"My students were immediately excited about the new lap desks and cushions, they couldn't wait to choose a comfortable spot and get to work. The flexible seating has made a big difference in helping them stay focused and independent, especially during reading and writing tasks. Students love having a space where they can work on their own and then check in with me for support, which has increased both their confidence and engagement. Moving forward, students will continue using these flexible seating options as they build stamina during independent reading and writing, while also practicing collaboration during small-group instruction. These resources are helping create a classroom environment where students feel supported, comfortable, and ready to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1759598725165,"projectUrl":"project/independent-work-area/9781034/","projectTitle":"Independent Work Area","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wagner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9372402"},{"teacherId":8361055,"projectId":9584216,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our DonorsChoose project. Because of your generosity, my students now have access to resources that truly changed our classroom experience.\r\n\r\nSince receiving the materials, students have been more engaged, confident, and excited to learn. They especially loved using the supplies during our creative writing lesson, and it's been incredible to watch them collaborate and take ownership of their learning.\r\n\r\nYour support didn't just provide materials—it sent a powerful message to my students that people believe in them and their potential. That kind of encouragement lasts far beyond this school year.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our classroom and for making a real difference in our students' lives.","fullyFundedDate":1762265230799,"projectUrl":"project/building-bright-minds-with-imagination-a/9584216/","projectTitle":"Building Bright Minds with Imagination and Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wheeler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8361055_orig.png?crop=900,900,x0,y48&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1646789672872","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8361055"},{"teacherId":7929036,"projectId":9638186,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students and I wer able to bring learning to life using our new blacklight show supplies. Students used the materials to explore movement, creativity, and visual storytelling as we completed the blacklight performance at Kaimuki High School in Novemeber. One especially powerful moment was watching students experiment with neon props and costumes under the blacklights for the first time! The students worked together to choreograph movements, problem-solve, and adjust their performances as they saw how dramatically the materials transformed the space.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the blacklight supplies, their reaction was pure excitement. Gasps, wide eyes, and lots of \"whoa!\" filled the room as the lights went off and the colors began to glow. Many students were instantly inspired and loved performing for their families. The materials made learning feel magical while also encouraging focus, teamwork, and confidence as students realized they were creating something truly special.","fullyFundedDate":1759128358240,"projectUrl":"project/light-up-the-night/9638186/","projectTitle":"Light Up the Night!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hermes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7929036_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x0,y26&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1627520051584","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7929036"},{"teacherId":9744365,"projectId":9781145,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generous support of our classroom project, which has greatly enhanced our learning environment. Over the past few weeks, my students have been actively using the new resources, particularly the Rainbow Timer during transitions. This has helped them manage their time effectively and has made our classroom procedures much smoother. Additionally, the Headphones have created a distraction-free zone for students while they work on personalized tasks, allowing them to dive deeper into their learning.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new materials, their reactions were filled with excitement and curiosity. They immediately gravitated towards the vibrant colors of the Mental Health Throw Pillow Cover and the Kaplan Nature Color Chunky Half Moon Table, eager to explore how these items could help them in their daily activities. This enthusiasm has not only sparked their interest in the resources but has also fostered a more collaborative atmosphere where they feel comfortable expressing their emotions and ideas.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are planning to integrate these resources into our upcoming science project on ecosystems. Students will work in small groups at the half moon table, the heat pad will help us to maintain our lizard habitat. We aim to encourage collaboration and creativity as they explore and present their findings. Your support has been instrumental in creating a nurturing environment where my students can thrive academically and emotionally, and I am excited to see how these tools will continue to empower their learning journey!","fullyFundedDate":1759590554168,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-exploration-creating-a-supp/9781145/","projectTitle":"[Empowering Exploration] Creating a Supportive Classroom for Dynamic Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Michael","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9744365_orig.jpg?crop=4284,4284,x0,y1170&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754867005151","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9744365"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50875","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":495,"numTeachers":44,"percentFrplEligible":10,"percentAsian":35,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":10,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":13,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":6,"percentMultiracialImputed":34,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"11.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":64.1,"schoolId":50875,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Wai'alae Elementary Public Charter School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Wai'alae Elementary Public Charter School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/honolulu-school-district/waialae-elementary-public-charter-school/50875"}
Join the 142 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Wai'alae Elementary Public Charter School is
an urban public school
in Honolulu, Hawaii that is part of Honolulu School District.
It serves 495 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 11.2:1.
Its teachers have had 178 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Grades Pre-K - 5
495 Students
44 Teachers
1045 19th AveContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
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Wai'alae Elementary Public Charter School Demographics
10%
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
48%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Wai'alae Elementary Public Charter School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Jun 10, 2026
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Wai'alae Elementary Public Charter School
$128,987
raised using DonorsChoose
178
projects
funded
56
teachers
funded
142
donors
17
projects
for
basic supplies
16
projects for
technology
16
projects for
books
26
projects
for
art supplies
Wai'alae Elementary Public Charter School has received support from
91 individuals from Hawaii and
51 individuals out-of-state.