History

Roots School first opened in 2006 with six children in a small building on the North Shore. By the end of the school year, the class size had doubled and there was significant interest in adding another classroom. Roots founder Melita Charan, together with a talented team of educators, worked to develop the Roots School philosophy and methodology. 

Within the first year, enrollment grew exponentially, and with inquiries about opening a preschool, the search began for a larger location. With the help of many generous parents and community members, Roots obtained its nonprofit status. It was important that the school stay located on the North Shore, so it could continue providing education to students in the Upcountry area. In 2012, Roots moved to its current location at 740 Haiku Road in the heart of Haiku town. With the support of generous donors, the school was able to purchase the property in 2017.

Roots is licensed by the Hawaii Council of Private Schools and fully accredited by the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. 

In 2020, we were able to remodel half of our building, again thanks to the support of many generous donors. In 2023 we completed renovations of the second half of our building and celebrated the end of our Growing Roots Capital Campaign. Since opening in 2006, enrollment has grown over 1,000% with a current total of 75 students from Preschool to 6th Grade.

Some photos from our early years at our one-room schoolhouse in Huelo.