"The reception was great! And as a retired science teacher, I appreciated the diverse and individualized groupings for the students' classes."

Charles Baker—Boise, Idaho

Kaitao Middle School

The ancient civilizations of the South Pacific have a rich cultural and spiritual heritage—one that is threatened by the encroaching mainstream. Grand Circle Foundation is committed to helping these proud peoples maintain their language and traditions through education.

The Foundation's commitment to preserving ancient cultures for future generations includes the Maori people of New Zealand. The Maoris were the first inhabitants of the region surrounding Rotorua, and it remains the heartland of native culture. The Kaitao Middle School there allows children to choose from among five "academies"—discovery, expression, adventure, challenge, and environmental—in order to focus their learning. And thanks to the school's low student/teacher ratio, students also receive the individual attention and guidance they need to help them succeed.

Grand Circle Foundation donations to the school have helped construct a student courtyard and a digital classroom to aid in the school's goal of educating the next generation of world citizens.

School in session:

Year round, with vacation periods from late September through early October and mid-December through mid- to late January.

Gifts to bring if you're visiting:

• Pens and Pencils
• Drawing paper
• Notebooks