The Maui Prep Learning Fair, held on March 6 at the Maui Prep Campus, was a vibrant showcase of inquiry-based learning. Every student, from Kindergarten through 12th grade, participated—whether through a class project, an Interim Week reflection, or an independent passion project.

One standout exhibit was Jack Leone ‘26, who proudly displayed his restored racing red Pontiac Fiero in the Lower School Quad. A group of dads quickly gathered to admire the classic car, kicking the tires and peeking under the hood. Jack partnered with a local auto body shop to restore the exterior while ensuring the car was street-ready once again.

The 8th grade class shared their reflections on their recent trip to Jackson, WY, where they attended the Teton Science School to study the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Between cross-country skiing and sleigh rides through the Elk Reserve, students explored topics such as snowpack, animal adaptations, and the balance between conservation and human activity.

In the Performing Arts room, dance teacher Nathalie Smith debuted a student-made music video on an endless loop. With help from Maui Prep parent Matty Schweitzer of Island Eye Productions, she recreated Janet Jackson’s iconic “Rhythm Nation” video, featuring middle school and fifth-grade students. The project involved more than just dance—it included fitness training, storyboarding, and visual storytelling.

In the Lower School, fourth-grade teacher Nikki Meenzhuber once again transformed her classroom into an entrepreneur fair. Students created their own businesses, learning about advertising, supply chains, and profitability. Many students opened restaurants, bakeries, and candy shops, generously offering samples to their peers.

 

Meanwhile, Emily Homza and Sarah Risser led Kindergarten and 1st-grade students turned their classrooms into fully functioning restaurants, complete with menus, staff, and roles essential to the dining experience. Their research included field trips to Fond and Pizza Paradiso, two restaurants owned by Maui Prep parents Caleb and Amy Hopkins and Jojo Vasquez.

In the Narayan Design Lab, Rob Lloyd led a group of industrious students—primarily girls, with a few boys—through the templating, assembling, and finishing of Adirondack chairs. Armed with just a pattern and raw materials, students tried their hands at power tools, each leaving with a handcrafted chair as a keepsake.

For students exploring higher education, College Counselor Keenan Reader led a Southern California college tour, visiting UCLA, USC, Whittier College, Loyola Marymount, and San Diego State. Students attended a USC basketball game and met with Pueo alumni at each stop. Additionally, some students visited campuses independently with their families and shared their insights.

Other exciting Interim Week experiences included robotics, mountain biking, Japan excursion, outrigger paddling, ceramics, and outdoor photography.

The Maui Prep Learning Fair highlighted the depth and creativity of student learning, demonstrating innovation, curiosity, and hands-on exploration across all grades.