Ohana means family.
Family means no one gets left behind… or forgotten
When we first started to talk about an online school, one where everyone was included, where individual needs were met, and where neurodiverse children, or children who found going to school difficult, were all welcome, we kept returning to the word Ohana.
Ohana is the Hawaiian word for ‘family’ – but it means family in the extended sense, taking in people who are not necessarily blood relations such as neighbours, best friends and other special people in life. The concept of Ohana is about belonging, support and connection – values that go beyond kinship. Ohana is about creating a supportive, inclusive environment where every child is valued, and no one is forgotten.
In the early days of developing a new way educating neurodiverse children, these ideas of inclusivity and belonging became to be a shorthand for describing what is now our online school. These ideas have been consistent throughout the creation of Ohana and are at the heart of our pioneering online school, designed for neurodiverse children. When we finally named our new online school for neurodiverse children, choosing Ohana was a deliberate and meaningful decision.
Learn Differently
We have been running a social campaign to communicate some of our core messages – ‘Learn Differently’, ‘No One Gets Left Behind’, and ‘Discover Your Unique’. All the messages link to the Ohana ethos, and are particularly important for neurodiverse learners, many of whom have experienced exclusion, misunderstanding, or isolation in mainstream schools.
Online learning offers unique advantages for neurodiverse children. It provides flexibility, allowing children to learn at their own pace, in their preferred environment, and with the tools that best suit their individual needs. For example, students with ADHD may benefit from shorter, interactive sessions with built-in breaks, while those on the autism spectrum may find comfort in reduced social pressures and more predictable routines. Our online platform can be tailored to for individual needs. Children can access materials in formats that work for them, revisit lessons as needed and communicate with teachers in ways that feel comfortable.
No one is left behind
The principle of ‘leaving no one behind’ is central to our inclusive education. We recognise – and embrace – diversity and adapt teaching methods and environments to meet the needs of all learners.
Ours is a bold reimagining of education – because we know that by giving every child access to learning, we are giving them tools for life. Children develop critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills that are essential for navigating the world. For neurodiverse children, access to inclusive, high-quality education opens doors to independence, employment, and social integration. Education shapes identity, builds confidence, and provides the tools needed to adapt to change and overcome challenges.
So when people ask us ‘Why Ohana’? we have a very clear rationale. It is a name that has both an emotional and rational meaning. Ohana is a powerful declaration of our values of family, belonging, and inclusion. For neurodiverse children, an online school offers a flexible, supportive, and personalised learning environment where no one is left behind.