Head of School

Great Minds Don’t Think or Learn Alike.

At Assets, this is not just a tagline; it’s a truth, culture, and way of being. I also think of it as a promise. For 70 years, Assets has been a national leader, committed to educating students who learn differently and transforming the lives of families. Over six decades, our alumni have made their college, professional, and local communities better places because they were accepted, affirmed, and celebrated at Assets for the creative and unique individuals that they are.

One of my favorite moments at Assets was touring campus with a group of university professors. After we visited classrooms, observed instruction, and spoke with students, one of the professors turned to me and enthusiastically declared, “This is what school should be!” I agree, which is why it is my privilege every day to lead such an incredible educational community.

As parents, we all desperately hope to find a school with teachers who embrace our children, and who will design a classroom environment that helps them thrive while responding to their learning needs. That is exactly who Assets’ teachers are! Our teachers help our students grow in areas that do not come naturally, conquer challenges, and I think even more importantly, discover and develop their substantial talents. In our ever-changing world, we need emergent thinking on complex problems. Traditional thinking has produced traditional outcomes. We need unique thoughts, unique solutions, and unique minds - Assets student minds.

What I think I love most though is that each student matters at Assets. Each student is “seen” at Assets. Each student is known as both a learner and as an individual with hopes and dreams, talents and vulnerabilities. Each student, each day. The school is a community where students find belonging. They find their “we of me.” And through the guidance of their teachers and support of their classmates, they learn to advocate for themselves and others.

I invite you to learn more by visiting (either virtually or in-person) our two campuses. Here you will see and hear what school can be.

Warmest aloha,

Ryan Masa