Montessori Hale O Keiki (MHOK), South Maui’s longest-running Montessori school, is excited to welcome their interim Head of School, Judy Beneventi. She officially joined the MHOK team on July 1, 2017 after leading the early childhood program at the American School in Japan (ASIJ) in Tokyo. 
Beneventi also served as Assistant Principal at ASIJ’s Elementary School. Prior to that, she worked as a Curriculum Coordinator, Middle School Teacher and Elementary Teacher at St. Mary’s International School in Tokyo. Before moving to Tokyo, Beneventi was a Middle School teacher in both Lima, Peru, and Helena, Montana; she also spent two years as an elementary school teacher in Morwell, Victoria, Australia.
Beneventi takes over for former head-of-school Jessica Thompson, who recently moved to the mainland after serving the school for many years. The interim Head of School selection process was extensive, and Beneventi comes to MHOK with an outstanding background in education that will continue to move the MHOK programs forward over the upcoming school year, which begins Monday, August 14, 2017.
“I have big slippers to fill and will do my best to provide a smooth leadership transition,” says Beneventi. “I want to support all parents in your all-important task of raising your children to become competent, responsible, considerate, and generous. I am looking forward to a wonderful year!”
MHOK has been on Maui for more than 27 years. They serve students from preschool through 8th grade, with an exceptional team of Montessori-trained teachers; a curriculum that embraces hands-on learning, engagement and independence; and programs that include music, physical education, art, environmental science and marine stewardship. Our school community, based one block from the beach in Kīhei, prides itself on being a respectful, diverse and down-to-earth ‘ohana.
This year, Montessori Hale O Keiki was once again awarded TRIPLE accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Hawai’i Association of Independent Schools and the American Montessori Society! This year, they received a seven-year term of accreditation (instead of three-year), a first in the school’s history.
Learn more about the MHOK mission in this video, and explore their programs, staff and admission opportunities at the MHOK website.
