Cultivating and nurturing a positive school culture and climate: Impacts of Philosophy for Children Hawai‘i at Waikiki Elementary School

Abstract

This study investigates the development of positive school culture and climate at a mid-sized public elementary school in urban Oahu, Hawai’i, over fifteen years. Researchers ask: what key people, initiatives, and programs positively impacted the school culture and climate at Waikiki Elementary School? Qualitative methods are applied to design and carry out a portrait study, which included interviewing 22 members of the school community. Analysis of the data reveals how one particular school initiative— philosophy for children Hawai’i (p4cHI)—had a positive impact. p4cHI helped create a school culture and climate characterised by intellectual safety, learner-centred inquiry, integration of experience, and a reputation to be proud of. While no one school community is the same, this study sheds light on the factors that might help cultivate and nurture a more positive elementary school culture and climate in other contexts.