Our Story
Pono is New York City’s only outdoor democratic school. It was founded in 2010 by a parent, educator, and education researcher in response to the need for an alternative school option for her daughter and other children that protects children’s innate curiosity, genius, wonderment, and drive to explore and grow.
Kindness, Respect, and Inclusion
At Pono, personal development and participation in a community of kindness, respect, and inclusion are essential. In our daily operation, we value freedom not license, collaboration not competition, resolving conflict through council not punishment.
Partner Sanctuary
Pono holds a partnership with Westmoreland Sanctuary, a 640-acre wildlife preserve in Mount Kisco, New York. Westmoreland’s environmental educators design lessons that strive to foster a deeper understanding of nature appreciate, preservation, and conservation while the children explore the sanctuary’s mature forest, 8.5 miles of hiking trails, pond, streams, and Nature Museum.
Lessons
Lesson topics include the local area’s flora and fauna, seasonal changes, pond and forest ecology, animal anatomy, bio-mimicry, survival skills, conservation efforts, and basic chemistry. Small group instruction allows students to ask questions, share observations, and recognize patterns in their natural surroundings.
Covid-19 Safety Measures
In compliance with New York State’s guidelines for reopening schools, screening questionnaire and temperature checks are conducted daily and before children board our bus. Masks are required while onboard or inside the Nature Center. Children are grouped into pods of 10 children or less and will spend their time at the sanctuary outdoors in nature.
Educators
The role of the Pono teachers is to nurture, guide, and support the interests and natural progress of the children. Our low child to teacher ratio and small-size pods ensure that each child gets the individual guidance and support she needs. At City to Sanctuary program, children will interact with specialized educators in environmental studies and curriculum and teaching with experiences that range up to 30 years of teaching.