WELCOME TO PONO
New York City’s First Democratic, URBAN, Outdoor Learning Center
Pono has concluded its CHAPTER as a school in 2025.
Its educational vision continues through new programs and initiatives.
This site is maintained as an archive and record of Pono’s philosophy, practices, and lived experience as a school.
Children and the world connect
At Pono all children went on over 100 trips a year to destinations in and around New York City. Older children went on an additional 4 daylong trips to neighboring states and one international trip a year, allowing experiential, immersive, and authentic learning not available inside the classroom.
CHILDREN AND NATURE CONNECT
Pono’s children visited regularly our partner sanctuary in Westchester County where they explored, discovered, and engaged with nature in 640 acres of a wildlife preserve. Since 2020, Pono’s outdoor environmental education program has been offered through City to Sanctuary in NYC public schools.
CHILDREN AND KNOWLEDGE CONNECT
In addition to our experienced faculty, Pono offered over 150 lessons a year taught by visiting teachers. Our visiting teachers have included award-winning authors, engineers, artists, college professors, dancers, paleontologists, mime artists, sports coaches, historians, activists, inventors, and many more.
CHILDREN AND THE FUTURE CONNECT
At Pono, children had the time and space to play, think, and dream. They pursued their interests and projects at their own pace, and for as long as they wanted and needed. For example, children as young as 7 to 10 years old designed and executed a long-term project that encouraged people to consider children’s political voice.
OUR MISSION
To nurture Children’s intrinsic humanity and wisdom on a journey to become life-long learners and balanced human beings.
AT Pono, each child’s innate desire to learn was cherished as the children were immersed in a loving, harmonious learning community and authentic world learning environment.
What do people say?
“Pono is more than a school, it’s a community where children clearly feel loved. At Pono, children are happy. They spend their time smiling, laughing, engaged, and excited.” -Julietta Eisenberg (Pono literacy specialist)
ADmissions
Pono’s admissions process did not include aptitude tests, interviews, or other intrusive requirements. The process was designed to allow applicants to experience Pono firsthand to find out whether our learning environment was a good fit.
Events
To support parents who believe in the value of democratic education, our founder offers free consultation sessions on how to collaborate with your children to create a healthy, loving, and harmonious environment at home.
AT PONO EVERY CHILD HAS A VOICE.
Pono in Photos
